There are technologies you can use to make speech and conversations clearer.
These include:
- technology that connects your hearing aids directly to the sound you’re listening to
- using assistive listening devices to make conversations clearer.
Connect your hearing aids directly to the sound
If you use hearing aids, there are technologies that can connect your hearing aids directly to the sound you want to hear. This cuts out background noise, making the sound clearer and easier to hear.
Hearing loops
Hearing loops are used in many public places, including some theatres, shops and reception desks.
If you use hearing aids, a hearing loop can help you pick up speech sounds more clearly, especially if you are further away. It focuses your hearing aid to pick up sound from the loop system microphone, rather than other noises around you. This helps to cut out background noise.
To use a hearing loop, you need to have your hearing aid switched on to the hearing loop setting. Your audiologist may need to enable this feature on your hearing aids and show you how to use it. Find out more about how to use your hearing aids.
Hearing loops are available:
- in public places that have the ‘T’ sign displayed – you may need to check with staff that the hearing loop system is switched on
- with your landline phone
- with your mobile or smartphone
- for your home TV or radio
FM systems
An FM system is another system used to help people hear speech more clearly. It uses radio waves to transmit sounds from a microphone to several people at the same time. It’s normally used in schools, group tours, conferences and lectures.
Several manufacturers make FM systems, but they can be used with any hearing aid. You need to use a compatible receiver that’s usually attached to the bottom of your hearing aids. Your audiologist may need to link your hearing aids to it. They can also advise which receiver is required.
Infrared technology
Infrared technology is similar to an FM system. It is sometimes used in theatres or lecture halls. It transmits sound from a microphone to several people at the same time.
You’ll need:
- a special receiver to pick up the sound with your hearing aids – this is normally available at a customer service desk or by asking a member of staff
- a device to connect the receiver to your hearing aids, such as a neck loop or inductive ear hook
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Devices to make conversations clearer
There are assistive devices and apps available to make speech and conversation clearer.
Personal listening devices
These are small, portable devices that pick up speech and make it louder. They can be useful if you are in a noisy place or find it hard to hear someone at a distance.
Prices for these assistive listening devices are between £80 to £600 for more advanced models that can pick up sound over a greater distance.
If you use hearing aids, you can connect listeners directly to them using:
- a neck loop – a cable that you wear around your neck.
- ear hooks – a small device attached to a cable that hooks over the ear next to the hearing aid
- Bluetooth streamers – if the device has Bluetooth, it can channel the audio straight into your hearing aids
If you are connecting your hearing aids to the personal listener using an induction loop, you need to have your hearing aid switched on to the hearing loop setting for this to work. Your audiologist may need to enable the loop programme on your hearing aids.
Speech-to-text software
Speech-to text-software allows you to read a transcription of everything that is said in a conversation. It can be helpful for group meetings or work situations. It is now widely available in apps for smartphones and tablets.
There are free and paid apps available for Apple, Android and other smartphone models. Paid apps can cost up to £300. You can buy and download these from your smartphone app store.
How to get assistive devices
You may be able to get assistive devices from social services. You’re entitled to an assessment – contact your local social services to find out more.
Buy assistive devices
You can buy assistive devices from a range of suppliers online. One of these is Connevans, who specialise in equipment for deaf people and those with hearing loss and tinnitus.
We work in partnership with Connevans to make sure you can buy all the assistive devices you need.
If you buy from the Connevans online shop, 10% of the purchase price will be donated to RNID, to support our vital work.
Help to pay for assistive devices for work or study
If you’re in work, the Access to Work scheme could help cover the cost of assistive devices or communication support you need to do your job.
If you’re a student, the Disabled Students’ Allowance could help cover the cost of assistive devices or communication support that you need for your studies.