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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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AT Messenger Logo - Bringing Technology to You

Vol. 4, No. 3, May/June 1996

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HEARING TECHNOLOGY

Maureen Schweitzer, M. A., CCC/SLP
Coordinator, DATI/Easter Seals ATRC

Professionals and members of the general public tend to have limited awareness and understanding of assistive listening devices. This article focuses on some basic amplification and alerting devices available. It is not intended to be all-inclusive but a basic introduction to the field of assistive listening.

Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are devices used by people of all age groups with normal to profound hearing losses. Assistive listening devices enhance the sound that one is trying to hear (usually speech) against background noise (other people talking, computers, TV). The louder the auditory signal is compared to the background noise, the easier it is for that signal to be received by the listener. Devices that enhance the signal-to-noise ratio are a type of ALDs referred to as amplification devices. The most commonly used amplification system is the hearing aid. Hearing aids are used by individuals of all age ranges with minimal to profound hearing losses. For successful use of a hearing aid, individuals should receive a proper assessment by an audiologist or licensed hearing aid dealer. Hearing aids are fitted and customized according to a person's hearing loss. Hearing aid technology has improved dramatically over the last decade so that the signal-to-noise ratio is very good.

Other types of amplification systems available are:

Amplification systems for the phone include portable amplifiers that snap on to the telephone receiver and are compatible with most phones. There are several different types of phone amplifiers for consideration. The successful use of any amplifier depends on the type and severity of the hearing loss. There are also telephone receivers with built-in volume controls that amplify the incoming sound.

Walker Clarity Telephone
Figure 1

The Walker Clarity Telephone (Figure 1) and the William Sound Teletalker (Figure 2) are telephones that have been designed to enhance and amplify the incoming sound as well as the telephone ring. They also have large keypads for easy reading and dialing.

William Sound Teletalker
Figure 2

An amplification system available for the TV is the audio link infrared system. This system has a transmitter which plugs into the output jacks of the TV, VCR, or stereo. The listener wears a lightweight headset and must have an unobstructed line to the transmitter in order to pick up the signal. This system is used in many theaters because the infrared transmission is free from background noise and interference.

Amplification systems may not be effective for individuals with severe hearing loss because they are unable to hear the sound regardless of its volume. Alerting systems which flash light or send vibrations provide alternative signals. They alert the individual that the doorbell has been activated, the phone or alarm clock is ringing, the baby is crying, or the smoke detector is going off. Various phone flashers are available, as are flashing alarm clocks and pillow and bed vibrators. Systems such as the Alert Plus and Vibracall alert an individual to environmental sounds such as a door knock, the phone, fire alarm, wake up alarm, and smoke detector. These systems are important safety devices for individuals with severe or profound hearing losses.

Telephone devices for the deaf (TDDs) and the phone relay system are telecommunication options for the people who have difficulty using the phone. There are a variety of desk top and portable TDDs available. TDDs are typewriter-like machines that allow persons with speech and hearing impairments to communicate by typing conversations back and forth over telephone lines. The Delaware Telecommunications Relay service, provided by the phone company, allows an individual who is unable to hear on the phone to communicate (using a TDD) to an operator (referred to as a communication assistant) who then relays the message (using voice or TDD) to the caller. The person receiving the call simply listens to the relay operator and responds as though talking directly to the caller. If that person is using a TDD, he/she simply responds by typing his/her message.

Intellikeys by Intellitools

Q: I have heard there is a computer system available that a person can talk to. Is there such a system? If there is, isn't it too expensive for home use?

A: Several companies market voice recognition hardware/software packages. Articulate Systems markets the Voice Navigator and PowerTalk. PowerTalk is included with Audio Visual Macintoshes. These programs are inexpensive and have limited voice recognition capabilities. Articulate Systems also markets the Power Secretary dictation system. This system allows complete hands-free access to Macintosh applications as well as text input at speeds equal to and beyond most touch typists. For IBM and compatible computers, several hands-free dictation programs are available. Dragon Systems, the originator of affordable voice recognition technology, produces the Dragon Dictate line of products as well as the IBM VoiceType products. A Dragon Dictate hardware/software package can now be purchased for DOS or Windows for less than $1000. Xerox also produces a similar product called Kurzweil Voice for Windows that boasts a high "straight from the box" accuracy for a low cost. These systems are excellent for people with physical impairments or learning disabilities, as well as for people with-or in danger of developing-repetitive stress injury from constant typing.

Q: I know someone who has no use of his hands and cannot talk. How can he access the computer?

A: Several computer access options are available for people who have no use their hands. Keyboard emulators like the Ke:nx for Macintosh, the DADA Entry for IBM and compatibles, and the DARCI for both Mac and IBM have Morse Code and scanning capabilities. To access a Morse Code or scanning system, one or two switches need to be mounted at the person's head, elbows, feet, or any place he or she has a reliable movement. These switches would then plug into the emulator box. Software installed on the computer translates the switch hits into text or computer commands. Other options for people who do not have use of their hands include eye tracking technology and tongue control. Eye tracking systems like the Eye Gaze System from LC Technologies, and the VisionKey from H.K. Eyecan, use a camera to track eye movement for keyboard and mouse emulation. The UCS 1000 with Tongue Touch Keypad is a complete computer access and environmental control package accessed through a wireless keypad worn in the mouth.

There are many alternatives to the standard mouse and keypad not listed here. The ATRCs in each county have a wide range of computer technology available for demonstration and loan.

Be sure not to miss the Computer Access Workshop May 16 in Sussex County, June 12 in Kent County, and July 24 in New Castle County. Many of the devices mentioned above will be demonstrated at the workshop, and time will be given for hands-on experience with each.

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