Assistive Listening Devices for the Deaf
Assistive listening devices make it easier for the deaf to function the hearing world. There are a variety of devices that are used to make daily life easier for deaf people. The most common devices that most hearing people would be aware of is the device used to amplify the sound that you can hear. These can be used in addition to hearing aids and Cochlear implants that many deaf people choose to use.
Deafness can be very isolating, and may limit some normal daily functions. A deaf person cannot tell when someone knocks on a door or when a smoke alarm goes off. Some of assistive listening devices can be used to help the deaf community. Many deaf people will have special smoke alarms installed in their homes with a bright flashing light. They will also have special doorbells installed with a flashing light so they can answer the door.
Many assistive listening devices are used in deaf education settings. The teacher may wear a microphone to make it easier for the deaf students to hear the lecture being given. In addition to wearing traditional hearing aids, the deaf people can also wear headphones so they can listen directly to the sound of the mike. This will help them to deal with the background noises that their hearing aids may pick up in a crowded room.
Deaf culture promotes the use of sign langue in addition to the assistive listening devices, and if you have a deaf students coming to your classes, you may want to hire an interpreter as well. There are sign language interpreters that specialize in deaf education and will know the more complex terms that may be taught at the college level. Another option is to attend an institution that specializes in deaf education such as Gallaudet University.
Deafness does not need to be isolating anymore with the advancement of technology. The assistive listening technology makes it easier for the deaf community to interact within the hearing world. Deafness does not mean that you cannot achieve your dreams of a career or educational path. Deaf education has improved along with the technology making it possible for a student to attend any school within the country.
The deaf culture will continue to reach out to those who suffer a hearing loss and to children who are born deaf. The deaf community can now function with the hearing community with more ease. This can work to help people become more aware of the deaf culture. It will also make it easier for advocates to communicate at government meetings and to find the support they need within the community. The assistive listening devices opens up an easier way to communicate for everyone involved in the process.
