Lesson 3: Assistive Devices
Lesson 3 will cover many reliable and popular assistive devices available today. The items in this lesson are things I know from personal experience or strong recommendation, have been helpful, reliable and have proven to be of high quality over time.
Medical procedures, such as the cochlear implant won't be included because that's a whole different ball game.
Keep in mind that technology changes rapidly but you’ll see enough to get the idea of how assistive devices can help you.
Special Note:
If you wear hearing aids, consider getting a Medic-Alert bracelet. If, Heaven forbid, you're in an accident, your hearing aids could fall out and emergency personnel might think you're unresponsive when you just can't hear.
A Medic-Alert bracelet will let them know to look for your hearing aids or at least to know you can't hear them if the hearing aids can't be found.
Introduction
Technology is incredible. It moves so fast that a book written ten years ago lists many outdated devices. There are so many assistive devices on the market today that no matter what your degree of hearing loss, there’s something that can help you communicate and cope.
The first person to talk to about assistive devices is your audiologist. Always ask "what’s new that can help me?" Don’t just wait, hoping that if something new comes out, someone will call you. If you see your hearing aid practitioner, ask if anything new is out. Check the web sites in the resource list to keep up with what’s new. Then don’t be afraid to ask! You have to take an active role in your ability to communicate.
There are so many devices to make your life easier - don’t hesitate to try them. Ask your audiologist and hearing aid practitioner what, if any, trial periods there are. Many hearing devices come with one, so if it doesn't work for you, you're not out the money.
From special telephones like the "Walker Clarity", to little strap on amplifiers that you can carry with you and strap onto the phone, assistive devices can make your life easier.
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The little Shake Awake portable alarm clock can wake you anywhere, even in a hotel.
Today's technology can help you communicate and feel safer all the time. |
A word to the wise: Always check with your audiologist and/or hearing aid practitioner before you buy a device. Don't buy just anything you read or hear about. There are several excellent and reputable companies that make top quality products. Don't be fooled by flashy ads and tempting promises.
Corny but relevant: If it seems too good to be true, it is.
Optional Reading
Please read:
- Hearing Loss & Hearing Aids, pages 76 – 158 and/or
- Coping with Hearing Loss, pages 65 – 94
Please also read:
- Hearing Loss & Hearing Aids, chapter 13 (pages 234 – 247) in and/or
- Coping with Hearing Loss, pages 125 – 138
