SELF HELP FOR HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE
Assistive Listening Devices
1
Readers Guide
This table of products has been created to help you find an assistive device that is right for you. The table lists the name/model, a
picture, the price, where you can buy it and links to further information and in some cases reviews.
The products have been split into categories:
Category One: Interpersonal one-to-one:
This includes amplifiers, phones and mobiles.
Category Two: Entertainment:
This includes headphones and devices that will help you to hear the entertainment systems, such as television, more easily.
Category Three: Alerts and Alarms:
This includes clocks, fire alarms, baby monitors and more practical alerting aids.
Category Four: Group Situations and Public arenas:
This includes products for a more professional situation, such as for a business or conference setting.
Understanding key words within the table
Transmitter
2
A transmitter is the part of the product that will pick up sound, i.e. a doorbell ringing, a baby crying, a fire alarm sounding and then send
it to the receiver. The transmitter, depending on which product it is for, will need to be placed in a certain location, i.e. near the doorbell.
Receiver
The receiver is the part of the product which you have near you. It receives a signal from the transmitter and then alerts you by making a
louder sound or by vibration or in some cases both.
Shaker
A shaker is a type of receiver which is designed to be under your pillow or on your person and will specifically vibrate forcefully in order
to wake you or alert you in case of an emergency, i.e. after receiving a signal from a fire alarm transmitter.
T-switch and T-coil
A T-coil or telecoil is a very small coil of wire inside the hearing aid. This coil will react to a magnetic signal which converts to magnified
sound. The hearing aid usually gathers sound through a small microphone and then amplifies this, however sometimes this can reduce
the quality of sound or it can be less focused especially in the presence of a lot of background noise.
Basically, some products have installed this magnetic system into their phones and other devices so that you can have a better quality of
sound. A hearing aid has a small switch where you can change it to the “T” setting, this will connect your hearing aid to this magnetic
system, instead of just the microphone system. In some cases there is a loop installed in a room and when you switch your hearing aid to
the “T” setting, this will also focus the sound.
Third Party Services and Captioning
3
The table does not mention ai live media (http://au.ai-media.tv/), a captioning service where a conference call is dialed, a person from
ai live media listens to the content and then writes it up, quickly, the content is then delivered to your laptop, iPad or display within
seconds. A transcript is then also available.
It also does not mention that many venues have services available and are very helpful toward their hearing impaired patrons, make
sure that you ask the help desk or cloakroom at the venue if they have services available or you can look up the venue on google +
accessibility and this should lead you to the services that that venue has.
For example all Event Cinemas have:
- Closed captioning: Ask the box office and they will supply you with a personal device that has the captions on the screen.
- Infrared: The cinema has transmitters mounted around the cinema and this can be delivered to a receiver, such as a neck loop,
either your own or one borrowed from the cinema, this will only work if you have hearing aids. If you do not have hearing aids,
however, the cinema can supply you with a headset.
- Hearing Aid Loop: The cinema is also looped with a coil, you switch the “T” switch to on and it will pick up the sound, making it
clear. The cinema advised sitting in the middle section of seats in the back for the best sound.
The Sydney Opera House also offers hearing loops and headsets. They also have coils set up at the Box Office windows so that if you
switch to the “T” setting you will be able to hear the staff clearly.
Many places have these services but unfortunately do not advertise them properly, so make sure to ask! They should be happy to help.
4
Disclaimer
It is important to keep in mind that this table has been created by a student from the University of Technology Sydney, studying
Communication and Social inquiry. Therefore they do not hold any audiology certifications, but have done much research to complete
this table with care. This table has not been created with any endorsements from any of the companies selling these products and so is
from a neutral standpoint. We are not trying to sway you to buy any of the products, we only hope that it may help you to find something
that can assist you within your everyday life and hopefully make some portion of your day a little easier.
5
Category One: Interpersonal one-to-one
Product Picture Features Price Purchase
From:
Reference
1.
Oricom EC085-1
Amplified Digital
Cordless
Telephone
Adjustable, extra loud ring
Flashing light call alert
One-touch volume boost.
Compatible with your
hearing aid “T” switch.
Ideal for people with low to
moderate hearing loss.
Suitable for a noisy office
environment.
RRP $59.95
Australian
Hearing
Harvey Norman
Oricom
<www.oricom.com.au/ec
o85-1wh.html>
2.
Oricom PRO610-1
Amplified Digital
Cordless Phone
Extra loud ring
Flashing light call alert.
One-touch volume boost.
Compatible with your
hearing aid “T” switch.
RRP $139.00
Your audiologist
www.oricom.com.au/ori
com-care-
phones/cordless-
phones/pro610-1-
amplified-digital-
cordless-phone.html
6
Ideal for people with low to
moderate hearing loss.
Suitable for a noisy office
environment.
Review:
www.productreview.co
m.au/p/oricom-pro610-
1-amplified-digital-
cordless.html
3.
Artone Bluetooth
Loopset
This is a receiver which you
wear around your neck.
When you receive a phone
call it transmits sound to
your hearing aid.
Uses Bluetooth and is
compatible with your
mobile phone.
Instead of using your
mobile phone, simply press
the button in the middle
and the sound will come
RRP $159.00
Printacall
Amazon
www.printacall.com.au/
product/artone-
bluetooth-loopset/
Review:
www.amazon.com/ss/cu
stomer-
reviews/B000TZ1R08/r
ef=?_encoding=UTF8&*V
ersion*=1&*entries*=0
7
through your hearing aid. It
does this by using the T-
coil.
Charge in your car or on
your computer.
Up to 8 hours of talk time.
Suitable for people with
moderate to high hearing
loss.
It would also be good for
people who have travel
throughout the day.
4.
Oricom TP100
Corded Care
Phone
Large buttons and
amplified sound.
Hearing aid compatible;
simply switch your hearing
aid to the “T” setting.
Flashing light call alert.
This phone is a very simple
RRP $129.00
Oricom
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/oricom-tp100/
8
design
5.
Oricom
EZY100 GSM Big
Button Mobile
Phone
Large buttons
Easy to read, high contrast
screen.
Good for basics:
sending/receiving text
messages and for making
and receiving calls.
SOS emergency button.
Hearing aid compatible,
simply switch your hearing
aid to the “T” setting.
Loud ring and vibration to
alert you of incoming calls.
For people with moderate
hearing loss, also be ideal
for people with vision
impairment.
RRP $99.95
Oricom
www.oricom.com.au/ezy
100-gsm-big-button-
mobile-phone.html
Reviews:
www.productreview.co
m.au/p/oricom-ezy120-
gsm-big-button.html
9
6.
Doro PhoneEasy®
506
Extra Loud sound
Easy to read, high contrast
screen.
Good for basics:
sending/receiving text
messages and for making
and receiving calls.
Vibrates
RRP $45.00
Allphones
www.doro.com.au/prod
ucts/Mobile-phones-
and-accessories/Doro-
PhoneEasy-506/#Find-
retailer
Reviews:
www.tesco.com/direct/d
oro-phoneeasy-506-
black/258-8846.prd
Youtube(video) Review:
https://www.youtube.co
m/watch?v=CJpNYL6md
4w
10
7.
Doro PhoneEasy®
623 OPTUS
Camera
Flip Phone design
Extra Loud sound
Easy to read, high contrast
screen.
Good for basics:
sending/receiving text
messages and for making
and receiving calls.
Vibrates
RRP $119.00
Optus
www.optus.com.au/shop
/prepaidmobile/doro/p
honeeasy-623
Reviews:
www.pcworld.idg.com.a
u/review/doro/phoneea
sy_615/433773/
11
Category Two: Entertainment
Product Picture Features Price Purchase From: Reference
8.
Sennheiser A 200
Headphone and
transmitter
Amplifies sound for people
with slight to moderate
hearing impairment
easy to operate
Can adjust the direction of
sound
RRP $230.00
JB Hi-Fi
Harvey Norman
Myer
en-
au.sennheiser.com/tv-
listening-wireless-
headphones-tv-radio-
music-a-200
9.
Sennheiser RS 180
Extremely clear sound
Can listen to the television
through the headphones
even if it is on mute.
Adjust the sound directly
RRP $349.00
JB Hi-Fi
en-
au.sennheiser.com/digit
al-headphones-wireless-
home-audio-rs-
180#product_data
Reviews:
12
from the headphones
www.cnet.com/au/prod
ucts/sennheiser-rs-180-
headphones/
Youtube review:
https://www.youtube.co
m/watch?v=GHIi5NGXO
Og
10.
Sennheiser
Set 840 S
Directly connectable to a
TV, hi-fi system or radio
Receiver can be connected
to hearing aids
Customised sound
Three hearing settings on
the transmitter
Treble emphasis can be
individually set
Large volume control
Clear product labelling
Time of up to 12 hours
RRP $479.00
Printacall
Word of Mouth
Technology
https://printacall.com.au
/product/sennheiser-
set-840s/
en-
au.sennheiser.com/tv-
listening-system-infra-
red-hearing-aid-
wearers-set-830-s
Reviews (Click on the
“review button on the
13
Spare battery
right hand side of the
screen):
www.bhphotovideo.com
/c/product/791319-
REG/Sennheiser_SET840
S_Set_840_S_Wireless.ht
ml
11.
Sennheiser
Set 830-TV
Enables assistive listening
anywhere in the room.
Connects to a TV, hi-fi
system or radio
Customised stereo sound
Three selectable hearing
settings
Treble emphasis
Cordless mobility
Large volume control
Silicon ear buds, should be
comfortable
RRP $446.00
d-store
Word of Mouth
Technology
https://dstore.com.au/b
uy/sennheiser-set-830-
listening-system-
15871184?utm_source=
googauprodfeed&utm_m
edium=cpc&gclid=CLfM4
Pni-
cACFVcSvQodjkEAdw
en-
au.sennheiser.com/wirel
ess-tv-headphone-
stethoset-stereo-
14
Clear product labelling
operating time of up to 12
hours
spare battery
listening-system-set-
830-tv
12.
Sennheiser
a-200
A stereo personal sound
amplifier for people who
may sometimes need to
rely on artificial assistance
for their hearing.
Cordless mobility
Easy to operate
Can adjust the frequency
RRP $231.00
Amazon
en-
au.sennheiser.com/tv-
listening-wireless-
headphones-tv-radio-
music-a-200
www.amazon.com/Senn
heiser-A200-DIOPORT-
PERSONAL-
LISTENING/dp/B000WC
BJA6
Reviews:
15
www.bhphotovideo.com
/c/product/721290-
REG/Sennheiser_SET830
_TV_Set_830_TV_Wireles
s_Infrared.html
13.
Sennheiser
In-Ear
Headset
MM 70s
High quality clear sound
Can use with mobile phone
Outside-noise cancellation
Small and compact
RRP $120.00
Amazon
en-
au.sennheiser.com/stere
o-headset-volume-call-
control-mm-70s
16
14.
Sennheiser
CXC 700
High quality clear sound
Made for travel
High degree of noise
cancellation
Ideal for crowded spaces
RRP $216.00
JB Hi-Fi
en-
au.sennheiser.com/head
set-headphones-smart-
phones-mobile-cxc-700
17
Category Three: Alerts and Alarms
Product Picture Features Price Purchase From: Reference
15.
Bellman™
Pro Alarm
Clock
Large easy to read display
Large vibrating alert pad
LED light for use in day and
night with four flashes
Optional
vibration/alarm/flash
Increasing in volume alarm
RRP
$149.00
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/bellman-pro-
alarm-clock/
16.
Sonic Alert
BC400 Baby
Cry
Transmitter
SKU: SA
Adjustable sensitivity
control
Plugs into any electrical
outlet
No flashing in baby's
room
RRP: $49.95
Amazon
www.amazon.com/Sonic
-Alert-Remote-Receiver-
SA-
SA101/dp/B000YL5O4
W
https://www.harriscom
18
BC400 A light to show that it is
working
m.com/review/product/
list/id/1681/category/6
7/
Reviews:
www.harriscomm.com/r
eview/product/list/id/1
681/category/67/
17.
Sonic Alert
Sonic Siren
RH 100
Receiver
Works with the previous
product
Receives signal and alerts
loud siren
Alerting sound can be
adjusted
RRP: 49.95
Amazon
www.harriscomm.com/s
a-rh100.html
19
18.
Bellman™
Visit Baby
Cry
Transmitter
Place near your baby
Alerts you when your baby
cries.
Sends signal to a receiver
which will flash, vibrate
and/or beep
RRP:
$209.00
Printacall
www.tunstallheal
thcare.com.au/gl
obal-map
bellman.com/en/for-
professionals/product-
support/visit-
notification-
system/visit-
transmitters/baby-cry-
transmitter/
19.
Bellman™
Visit
Bedshaker
A receiver
Vibrates to alert you when
sleeping
Put under your pillow
Can be connected to
Bellman Visit Baby Cry
Transmitter, Bellman™ Visit
Portable Receiver,
the Bellman™ Visit
Charger, theBellman™ Visit
RRP:
$49.00
Printacall
Word of Mouth
Technology
www.printacall.com.au/
product/bellman-visit-
bedshaker/
www.wom.com.au
20
Flash and the Bellman™ Pro
Alarm clock.
20.
Bellman™
Visit Door
Transmitter
Install near your doorbell
Alerts you when your
doorbell rings via receiver
RRP $139.00
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/bellman-door-
transmitter/
21.
Bellman™
Visit Flash
A receiver
Uses strobe lights
Different coloured lights
RRP:
$249.00
Printacall
Word Of Mouth
Technology
www.printacall.com.au/
product/bellman-visit-
flash/
www.wom.com.au
22.
Bellman™
Visit Pager
A receiver
Receives alerts from
multiple transmitters
RRP $379
Printacall
Word of Mouth
Technology
www.printacall.com.au/
product/bellman-visit-
pager/
www.wom.com.au
21
Different signals for
different alarms
23.
Bellman™
Visit Smoke
Alarm
Detects smoke
Alerts you via receiver
RRP $139.00
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/bellman-visit-
smoke-alarm/
24.
Phonic Ear
Call™
A receiver
Amplifies sound from phone
ringing, the doorbell etc.
RRP
$281.00
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/phonic-ear-call/
25.
Portable
Door Chime
Portable
A range of 30 metres
Alerts you if the doorbell is
RRP $79.00
P
rintacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/portable-door-
chime/
22
ringing
Flashing lights
Loud sound
26.
Sonic Alert
SBP100™
Portable Clock
Ideal for travel
Vibrate and/or sound alert
RRP $60
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/sonic-alert/
27.
Vibralarm™
Clock and
Vibralarm™
Bedshaker
Extra loud alarm sound
Shaker vibrates to wake you
up without disturbing
others.
Use alarm sound and
vibration together or
separately
Alarm:
RRP $190
Bedshaker:
RRP $54
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/vibralarm/
www.printacall.com.au/
product/vibralarm-
bedshaker/
23
28.
VibraLIT3
Watch
12 and 24hr time
Vibration alarm
Beep alarm
Timer
Backlight
RRP $135
Printacall
www.printacall.com.au/
product/vibralite3/
24
Category Four: Group Situations and Public arenas
Product Picture Features Price Purchase From: Reference
29.
I-Amp 20
induction loop
amplifier
Designed for small
conference rooms
Provides amplified sound
in the room
RRP $579.00
Le Creme
Production
Services.com.au
www.lecreme.com.au/pr
oducts/i-amp-20-
induction-loop-amplifier
30.
Contacta Portable
Information Loop
for Hearing Aid
Wearers - 710772
Direct sound through
hearing aid wearer’s t-coil
• Adds clarity to
conversations and
meetings
• Compact and portable -
sits on desktop
• Built-in microphone,
amplifier, induction loop
aerial
RRP $265.00
Hearmore.com
Amazon
www.hearmore.com/sto
re/cart.asp?idstore=6
www.hearmore.com/sto
re/prodView.asp?idprod
uct=11790&idstore=6&p
roduct=Portable-
Information-Loop-for-
Hearing-Aid-Wearers
25
• Includes rechargeable
battery, charger & carry
case
31.
Univox
DLS-50 Loop
Amplifier- Loop
Pad-Audio Cable
Direct sound to your
hearing aids
Good for looping a chair at
home, office chair or car
seat
Hear TV, stereo, MP3 &
other sound sources clearly
RRP: $223.00
Amazon
www.hearmore.com/sto
re/prodView.asp?idprod
uct=11793&idstore=6&p
roduct=DLS-50-Loop-
Amplifier--Loop-Pad-
Audio-Cable
https://www.audioprod
ucts.com.au/BrandProdu
cts.aspx?Brand=UNIVOX
&Cat=299
32.
Williams Sound
Hearing HotSpot
Counter
Designed for businesses
Helps customers with
hearing aids to hear clearly
Uses T-coil
Portable
RRP $269.00
Pro AV solutions
av-
iq.com.au/avcat/ctl8438
/index.cfm?manufacture
r=williams-
sound&product=pla-90
26