Assistive Listening Devices

What is FM? What is the benefit to you?

FM is a wireless communication technology which is very common today for many different
applications including baby monitoring systems and walky-talkies. An FM system to improve
understanding in noise works on the same principle. The transmitter microphone sends the
speakers’ voice via radio waves, wirelessly to a miniature receiver worn by the listener. The
receiver can be worn alone by someone with near normal hearing or coupled to the persons’
hearing aid.
Even with the best hearing instruments, most hearing-impaired people notice that they have
difficulty hearing in certain situations such as using a telephone, watching television, during a
business meeting, or in a restaurant. Using an wireless communication system (FM system) makes
communication in all these difficult situations much easier.
“ Easy link an Mylink in conjunction with my hearing aids has done a great deal of good to me. By
using this device I am able to listen very clearly the speech addressed in a meeting even if I sit in
the last row. I realise how much have missed all these days. I am able to listen clearly to TV
programmes from any distance in the room. And even if I have to go t another room in the middle
of a programme, I can continue top listen carefully.” Mr. A S from Chapel Hill. Read Full story.

How does it work?

Understanding in background noise
Depending on its microphone mode, the transmitter picks up one or several voices and suppresses
unwanted background noises. This increases the clarity and audibility of individual voices.

Understanding over distances
The voice is picked up by the transmitter and transmitted wirelessly to the hearing instrument.
This bridges the distance between talker and listener, giving the best speech understanding

Connection to audio sources and telephone
Audio sources (TV, CD, PC, MP3, etc.) and telephones can be connected to FM transmitters with
the help of the audio input or Bluetooth link for mobile phones.

Loop Systems transmit directly to hearing aids with telecoils (T-coils), so hearing aids might
also serve as wireless loudspeakers, delivering clear, sharp, customized sound from inside the
ears. This can be achieved in communities where churches, auditoriums, drive-up business
windows and home TV rooms all broadcast their sound directly through these in-the-ear
loudspeakers - thanks to the refinement of "induction loop" systems. A Loop System can be
installed in your living area or meeting area. If you would like more information on telecoils and
loop systems, please contact us for costs involved as well as for information on the installation of
loop systems.
An Infra-red Listening System utilises infra-red light waves to transmit the sound signal
from a public address system or another sound source such as a television directly to the personal
receiver used by the listener. The areas served range from small meeting rooms to large cinemas
and auditoriums. Cordless TV stethoset headphones ensure that you can enjoy TV and music in
optimum sound quality without disturbing others. You simply adjust your individual volume directly
on the headphones and the TV can be on at any volume - or even without sound at all. If you
wear a hearing aid and often have problems with the TV volume, receivers such as a neck loop for
use with hearing aids transmit the sound directly into your hearing aids via the telecoil.

Assistive Listening devices - where are they installed?
Loop Systems: Cremorne Theatre, Playhouse Theatre, Roundhouse Theatre, Conservatorium,
Judith Wright Centre, South Bank Complex IMAX Building, Brisbane City Hall Main Auditorium, State
Parliament Function Rooms & Public Gallery of Chamber
Headsets/IR Systems: Megaplex Cinemas Indooroopilly, Eldorado Cinemas Indooroopilly, Palace
Centro, QPAC, Brisbane Powerhouse, Lyric Theatre, Concert Hall
If you know of any other places where ALD’s are installed, please let us know so we can add them
onto our more extensive list in the office.

The logo on theleft incorporates the universal symbol for hearing assistance. When placed at
entrances, the sign informs people that the venue is looped or other ALD’s are installed.

There has been an increasing trend in recent years in the installation of Assistive Listening
Systems (ALS) in cinemas, theatres, public meeting rooms, churches and other centres where
groups of people gather.
The installation of an appropriate ALS provides a means of delivering clear sound at adequate
listening levels to people with a hearing loss who are affected by distance from the source ( e.g.
speaker or vocalist), background noise and reverberation (echo). It helps them to understand
speech and enjoy music and other significant sounds during movies, stage performances and other
presentations. Many people using an ALS with their own hearing aids will usually hear better in
these situations.
There are three ALS wireless technologies available:
• Frequency Modulation (FM) Listening Systems.
• Audio Induction Loop Systems.
• Infra-red Listening Systems.