How to Use Assistive Listening Systems
Below are three sections to help you, as a consumer, begin. Pick and choose what would be most helpful to you.
1. Why assistive listening systems?
Assistive listening systems bring audio clarity by minimizing the negative effects of distance, noise, and reverberation in meetings, events, and services.
2. Where can you find them?
- Anywhere there is a sound system with microphones and loudspeakers (religious entities are often exempt). There are thousands in the United States and even more around the world. Places for assistive listening systems (1 page)
- Look for the signage with the ‘blue ear’ (technical name: “International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss”).
3. How to connect?
- Without hearing aids/cochlear implants: borrow headphones and a receiver
- With hearing aids: a) Ask your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser, b) read the handouts below, and/or c) ask the facility staff when you arrive.
