1. Auditory Communication Access Systems (The questions and answers in the Auditory Communication Access Systems are re-printed courtesy of David Baquis, Accessibility Specialist with the US Access Board).

 

·         What are Assistive Listening Systems (ALS)?

Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) are sometimes called Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). Essentially they are amplifiers that bring sound directly into the ear. They separate the sounds, particularly speech, that a person wants to hear from background noise. They improve what is known as the speech-to-noise ratio (signal to noise ratio).

 

·         Why are ALSs necessary?

Research indicates that people who are hard of hearing require a volume (signal to noise ratio) increase of about 15 to 25 dB in order to achieve the same level of understanding as people with normal hearing. An ALS allows them to achieve this gain for themselves without making it too hard for everyone else.

 

·         Where do people use ALSs?

ALSs help address listening challenges in 3 ways: minimizing background noise; reducing the effect of distance between the sound source and person with hearing loss; and overriding poor acoustics such as echo. People use ALSs in places of entertainment, employment, and education, as well as for home/personal use.

 

·         What are the basic parts of an ALS?

Each ALS has at least 3 components: a microphone, a transmission technology and a device for receiving the signal and bringing the sound to the ear. This is important to understand in order to troubleshoot problems systematically and to improve a system’s effectiveness.

 

·         What are the types of ALSs?

ALSs utilize FM, Infrared, or Inductive loop technologies. All 3 technologies are considered good. Each one has advantages and disadvantages.

 

·         What are FM systems?

FM systems are ALSs that use radio broadcast technology. They are often used in educational settings and offer mobility and flexibility when used with portable body-worn transmitters. Some newer FM systems utilize miniaturized receivers that fit onto a hearing aid via a “boot.”

 

This smaller type of receiver is not available through a catalogue. It must be dispensed by a hearing aid professional and is more expensive than traditional FM systems.

 

·         What are Infrared systems?

Infrared systems are ALSs that utilize light based technology. They guarantee privacy because light does not pass through walls. They are the appropriate choice for situations such as court proceedings that require confidentiality. They are frequently installed in places of entertainment. They are also frequently designed and marketed for use in television listening.

 

·         What are Inductive Loop (or Audio Loop) systems?

Wide area loop systems utilize an electromagnetic field to deliver sound. They offer convenience to groups of t-coil hearing aid users, such as SHHH chapter meetings, because those users do not require body worn receivers. Loop systems can be used by non-hearing aid users through use of a headphone and inductive loop receiver.

 

·         What are the differences in listening couplers?

It is important to learn about the variety of hearing aid listening attachments. Your decision to use a headset, earphone, neckloop, silhouette inductor or other connector will depend upon whether you have a telecoil, as well as other factors. For example, you cannot put an earplug into an ear that already has a hearing aid! Some couplings are more effective than others. You should discuss these issues with your hearing aid dispenser (or hearing assistive technology distributor).

 

Cochlear implant (CI) users may use a patch cord to connect an ALS receiver directly to their speech processor. (See explanation of patch cord below.) Some speech processors are “body pack” sized. Others are “ear level” and miniaturized to the size of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. Consumers with ear level speech processors can utilize neckloops for listening in the same way as hearing aid users.

 

·         What are patch cords?

Familiarity with patch cords is necessary to ensure optimal connections. Patch cords are short wires with a plug at each end, enabling a connection between a CI speech processor and the jack of the equipment the CI user is listening to. One patch cord manufacturer advises connecting the short end to the speech processor. Some cords have a mini plug (2.5 mm instead of 3.5 mm) for connecting to devices requiring the smaller plug. Consumers report varied experience with the quality and effectiveness of patch cords.

 

Electrical requirements of devices vary, as do patch cord features. Therefore, consumers need to be aware that one cord may not work with everything. It is frustrating, for example, to want to patch into a cell phone without knowing whether the cord will work and to be unable to receive advice on this specialized issue from the local retail sales person. However, some vendors, such as Audex, sell patch cords that work with the phones they sell.

 

Patch cord manufacturers may be able to provide information on compatibility, as may ALD manufacturers and CI manufacturers. There is no central list at this time to guide consumers through the confusion of compatibility between all brands and models, although there is an FM system/patch cord compatibility list available through Cochlear Corporation.

 

·         What about one-on-one personal amplifiers?

ALDs (assistive listening devices) are personal amplifiers that are used to increase volume in face-to-face and small group conversations. They are boxes about the size of a deck of cards with both a microphone and listening cord connected to them. Both talker and listener share the same device. This type of ALD is less effective when you hold it far from the sound source, however it is relatively inexpensive. It will cost approximately $200, whereas a personal FM system, for example, could cost between $700 and $1000 + dollars.

 

·         What is a Sound Field system?

Sound field is a speaker system that brings the sound closer to listeners and is often used in schools. It may be helpful to people with mild hearing loss as well as people who want to use inconspicuous (hidden) speakers. Some speakers are wireless and designed to look like lunch boxes or books. Hearing aid users as well as cochlear implant users who want to hear the regular way through their microphones may appreciate use of sound field.

 

One interesting feature of using a sound system is the concept of “electronic curbcut.” That is a metaphor for the secondary benefit of cuts on sidewalks, which are designed to help wheelchair users but also benefit people who push shopping carts and baby carriages. Similarly, a sound system heard by many people is proven to result in a general rise in class test scores, even by those who do not have a hearing loss. It also saves the teacher from having to “speak up” all day.

 

2. Visual Communication Access Systems

 

• What is CART? (Computer-Assisted Real-Time Translation)

Computer assisted real-time translation (CART) provides an instantaneous word-for-word speech-to-text interpreting service. These transcription services are used for providing instant captions for TV news, meetings, and classroom discussions. CART services are provided by a trained stenographer, such as a court reporter, who may be able to transcribe at a rate of 300 words per minute, through a phonetically-built dictionary.

 

• What is CAN? (Computer-Assisted Note-taking)

Note-taking can be done on a computer or by hand. Because an individual cannot look down to take notes while watching an interpreter or presenter, note-taking is often provided in addition to other accommodations, such as an interpreter, rather than being the sole accommodation. Note-taking provides facts only and is not considered realtime communication access. Note-taking by hand is about 20 wpm. The notes can be written on carbon paper to provide an immediate copy.

 

• What is C-Print?

C-Print provides a “near verbatim readout” using word processing software aided by abbreviation software. C-Print is considered appropriate for liberal arts classes but not math or science. Few people in the US are trained to do C-Print. Initial training takes one week.

 

• What is Typewell?

Typewell is a transcription system that allows you to hire and train your own transcriber to provide communication access and note-taking services for students and others who need such support. A hearing transcriber uses a notebook computer with abbreviation software to transcribe meaning-for-meaning what is said in class lectures and discussions. The students read the transcription in real-time from a second computer. Students can also type questions and comments to the transcriber during class.

 

3. Signaling (or Alerting) Systems

 

• What is a signaling (or alerting) system?

Common sounds in the house can be difficult to hear even if hearing aids are worn. Using a signaling (or alerting) system makes it easier to know when the doorbell or phone rings. There are several ways to be alerted to a sound signal:

§         Lamp flashing a pattern for the door or phone

§         Lamp flashing a pattern plus a lighted icon to identify the sound signal

§         Strobe light flashing plus a lighted icon to identify the sound signal

§         Bed vibration plus a lighted icon to identify the sound signal

§         Belt worn vibrating personal pager with lighted icon to identify the sound signal

§         Adjustable tones or loud ringer for phone

§         Various melodies or tones for front and back doorbells

 

• How do signaling systems work?

A signaling system consists of 2 components:

§         The signaler (that either attaches to the electrical source of the doorbell or phone line or a sound monitor that detects sound).

§         Remote receivers

 

• How do I choose an effective signaling system?

First determine what sounds you want to be alerted to. Then determine which rooms you need alerting in and finally decide how you want to be alerted.

 

·         What signaling system can I use if I want to hear my phone ring instead of being alerted by flashing lights?

The Ringmax Telephone Signaler changes the frequency and tone of your telephone ringer. The Ringmax can be used with multiple phones and rings differently for each different phone in the house.

 

• What signaling system can I use if I want to hear my doorbell instead of being alerted by flashing lights?

The Dimango Wireless Doorbell System alerts you by using a tone or melody selection made up of low, mid-range, and high frequencies. Most people with hearing loss have high frequency hearing loss but can still hear low and mid-range frequencies. It is then usually necessary to add additional receivers in other rooms of the house.

 

·         What are some things I need to know about smoke alarms?

The most important thing you need to know about smoke alarms is that most hard of hearing people cannot hear the high frequency pitch of a smoke alarm. Check to make sure you can hear yours without your hearing aids in every room of the house. You can be alerted to the smoke alarm in the following ways:

 

§         Low frequency alarm

§         Visual alarm

§         Vibrating alarm

 

4. Telephone Communication Access Systems

 

A.  Auditory

 

·         What is a telecoil?

A telecoil is a special circuit inside the hearing aid. It is simply a small coil of wire designed to pick up a magnetic signal. While the microphone on a hearing aid picks up all sounds, the telecoil will only pick up an electromagnetic signal. It turns off the hearing aid microphone, picks up the signal and the hearing aid converts it to sound. This magnetic signal is created from hearing aid compatible telephones and assistive listening systems.

 

·         How is a telecoil used to hear better on the phone?

Many people report feedback (or squealing) when they place the handset of the telephone next to their hearing aid. The telecoil can eliminate this feedback because the hearing aid microphone is turned off and the hearing aid only amplifies the signal coming through the telecoil. Telephone handsets emit the magnetic signal from the ear-piece. When placed correctly near the telecoil, the sound should be transmitted clearly. That is why some people must place the ear-piece slightly behind their ear rather than directly over the ear.

 

·         What features should I look for when buying a hearing aid compatible amplified telephone?

There are many phones now on the market with a variety of features that can be very helpful. Here are some features that may be important to you:

§         Visual ringer alert (so that you can see the phone ringing)

§         Large buttons

§         Adjustable loud ringer

§         3.5 mm audio jack (to plug in a neckloop)

§         2.5 mm headset jack (to plug in a headset)

§         Speakerphone

§         Caller ID

§         Answering machine

 

·         What is an In-line amplifier?

An inline telephone amplifier amplifies the voice you want to hear. For example, the HA 40 in-line amplifier provides an extra 40 dB increase in amplification plus a tone selector. The tone selector makes similar sounding words easier to understand. The in-line amplifier connects between the handset and phone base–no wiring is necessary. This is our most often recommended solution for office phone amplification because it also works on multi-line phones. In-line amplifiers  will not work with cordless phones or phones where the dial pad is in the handset (such as a trimline phone.) If you have one of these phones, replace the phone with an amplified phone.

 

·         What is a portable amplifier?

A portable telephone amplifier allows you to amplify calls anytime, no matter where you are. Installation is easy–just strap onto the handset and incoming voices are immediately louder.

 

·         What is a portable induction system?

The loop induction system brings a high quality speech signal directly into the ears of people using their hearing aid telecoils. A portable induction system is a lightweight unit that includes a built-in amplifier, external microphone, and induction aerial loop within the housing. It is ideal for listening in one-on-one situations such as office reception areas, inside the car, small meetings, and TV listening.

 

·         What are DAI only devices for telephone communication?

If you have BTE hearing aids with direct audio input (DAI) capability, you can connect your hearing aids directly to the telephone (if the telephone has a headset jack). You will need DAI boots or shoes (or Hearing Aid Direct Input Shoes) from your audiologist and DAI leads. DAI offers the best sound quality.

     

·         How are personal ALDs (PockeTalker, SoundWizard, Comtek FM) used with the telephone?

It’s easier to hear on the phone if you use two ears instead of one. A personal ALD makes it possible. All you need are dual earbuds or headphones, a personal ALD and an adaptor for the telephone. Pocketalker calls their adaptor a Telelink. The Telelink is a small box (2”x3”) that is easily connected to a telephone with a detachable handset:

§         Unplug the handset cord from the base of your phone.

§         Plug the handset cord into the Telelink.

§         Plug the Telelink’s phone cord into the base of the phone.

§         If you have DAI capability, you can plug your DAI cord from your hearing aid into the Telelink. If not, use another listening option such as dual earbuds or a headset.

§         When you lift the handset you will hear the dial tone through the Telelink without actually putting the phone up to your ears. However, you need to speak into the handset to be heard by the other party.

 

·         What are acoustic telepads/couplers used for?

An acoustic telepad is a telephone handset ear cushion designed especially for hearing aid users which greatly reduces hearing aid feedback. The pad has a peel-off backing that sticks easily to your handset.

            

B.  Non-Auditory

 

·         What is a TTY?

A TTY (or teletype machine) makes it possible to send and receive printed messages on paper over existing phone lines. TTYs have been shrinking over the years. The newest versions are pocket-sized machines!

 

For example, the PocketComm is a lightweight and compact TTY/VCO device for the deaf and hard of hearing. It's a "Type and Read" TTY or a "Speak and Read" VCO. (See definition of a VCO below). The PocketComm can be connected to a TTY compatible digital cell phone and cordless phone for TTY communication...and to a payphone, standard phone, and emergency call box for the use of VCO communication.

 

 

·         What is CapTel?

 

Captioned Telephone (or CapTel) is a new telephone technology that allows people to receive word-for-word captions of their telephone conversations on the phone’s built-in screen. It is similar in concept to captioned television, where spoken words appear as written text.

 

The CapTel phone captions appear almost simultaneously as the words are spoken. This is possible because a specially trained operator uses the latest in voice-recognition technology to transcribe whatever is said by the other party. However, due to sophisticated technology, the operator is invisible during the calls and you hear your caller’s voice–not the operator’s voice.

 

·         How can you use a computer as a TTY?

Now you can place text relay calls online without a TTY by connecting to a communication assistant through an Internet relay website:

§         Type outgoing messages on computer keyboard

§         Read incoming messages on a computer monitor

 

There are several companies that provide Internet relay call services. NexTalk is an Internet relay website with many advantages:

 

§         Web-based service

§         Call or accept calls from a TTY

§         Live, direct text communication

§         Server handles calls; no relay operator needed

§         Free calls and downloadable software

§         TTYs not needed in offices to receive TTY calls

 

·         What is TRS (Telecommunications Relay Service)

In order to use a TTY, both parties must have one. If the person you are calling does not have a TTY, there is a nationwide network of services available for just this purpose called the Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). The deaf or hard of hearing TTY user calls the TRS and tells the operator (Communication Assistant or CA) the name and telephone number of the person s/he wants to call. The CA dials the number and gets the person on the line. The CA explains the communication protocol, if necessary, and then connects the hard of hearing or deaf caller. The CA reads what the deaf person types to the hearing person and types what the hearing person says for the deaf person to read. In October of 2001, a nationwide 711 service was implemented. There is no charge to the caller, only for any long distance charges involved.

 

·         What is VCO?

What if you can speak for yourself, but cannot hear well enough to use the phone? Another option offered by the TRS is called Voice Carry Over or VCO. VCO calls are a little faster than TTY and TTY relay calls because the hard of hearing person speaks directly to the hearing party and the CA types only what the hearing person says for the hard of hearing person to read. A special phone is not required because turn taking (via the words “go ahead” is still used. For example, the phone handset can be placed on the TTY when reading, and moved to the mouth to speak.

 

The Uniphone is a combination TTY and phone. It can be used as either a phone or a TTY. But what happens if you are away from home and want to use the phone? The Pocket Speak-and Read VCO device makes VCO portable. To use this device, the individual calls the TRS and asks to place a VCO call. The Pocket Speak and Read is then attached to the earpiece of the phone with a velcro strap. The TTY tones from the relay operator are picked up by the Pocket Speak and Read, converted to text and shown on the Pocket Speak and Read’s small screen. The hard of hearing person can then read what is being said and respond using her own voice into the mouthpiece of the handset. The Pocket VCO works on a variety of telephone handsets and operates on battery power. It is also available for digital phones.

 

Another interesting option is the 2-line VCO that allows a hard of hearing person to listen as well as see the conversation typed by a CA. This setup requires that the hard of hearing person have 2 phone lines, and one of the lines (and the phone) must have a 3-way conference call option.

 

·         How can Pagers help me communicate visually?

Pagers are sometimes called the deaf or hard of hearing person’s cell phone. Pagers are used to send and receive text messages. Some companies provide 2-way pagers that allow users to reply to text messages via email.

Some pagers are similar to Palm Pilots and other Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). PDAs now have Internet access so that users can check email, send instant messages, and even receive remote CART captioning.

 

Certain cell phones (and BlackBerry style devices) can send and receive text messages, provide instant messenger services, and surf the web. Check with service providers to make certain that you can purchase text services only so that you are not also paying for voice capabilities that you don’t want to use. 

 

 

·         How can Video Relay help me communicate visually?

Video relay services allow American Sign Language users (ASL users) to use their native sign language, rather than English. Through the use of an inexpensive camera and a high-speed Internet connection, the caller connects to a video communication assistant–a certified interpreter–on his or her computer.  The CA voices what he or she is signing and signs the responses given by the hearing person.