Hearing aids are the most widely known tool for managing hearing loss, but they are not the only one. For many people, a hearing aid addresses the majority of listening situations well — but certain environments or tasks remain genuinely difficult even with well-fitted amplification. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are technologies designed to help in those specific situations, working alongside hearing aids or independently of them.

Assistive listening devices are a broad category of tools that help people with hearing loss access sound in specific situations — such as telephone calls, television, public venues, or one-on-one conversations in noisy environments. They include hearing loops, FM and Bluetooth systems, captioned telephones, vibrating alerting systems, and more. Some devices work alongside hearing aids; others are used independently. An audiologist can help identify which options may be relevant to your needs and hearing profile.

What Are Assistive Listening Devices?

The term "assistive listening device" covers a wide range of technologies. What they have in common is that they are designed to bridge the gap between the sound source and the listener — reducing the effect of distance, background noise, and poor room acoustics that can make hearing aids alone insufficient in some situations.

ALDs are used by people across the spectrum of hearing ability — from those with mild hearing loss who are not yet wearing hearing aids, to those with profound loss who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants. They are also widely used in public spaces, educational settings, workplaces, and healthcare environments.

The Main Categories of Assistive Listening Devices

Hearing Loops (Audio Induction Loops)

A hearing loop — also called a telecoil loop or induction loop — is a system installed in a room or venue that transmits sound directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant via a built-in feature called a telecoil (or T-coil). When a person switches their hearing aid to its T-coil setting, they receive a clean audio signal directly, without background noise from the room.

Hearing loops are common in:

  • Auditoriums, theatres, and cinemas
  • Places of worship
  • Bank counters and service desks
  • GP and medical reception areas
  • Public transport announcements

Look for the hearing loop symbol (a stylised ear with a "T") at venues. If your hearing aid has a telecoil and you are unsure how to use it, your audiologist can show you.

Not all hearing aids include a telecoil — it depends on the model and size. This is worth asking about when choosing a hearing aid, particularly if you frequently attend venues where loops are available.

FM and Digital Wireless Systems

FM (frequency modulation) and digital wireless systems work by transmitting sound from a microphone directly to a receiver worn by the listener — typically as a small unit that plugs into a hearing aid or clips onto clothing. The key advantage is that the microphone can be placed close to the sound source (such as a teacher, a meeting presenter, or a dinner companion), eliminating the effect of distance and background noise.

These systems are widely used in educational settings for children and young people with hearing loss. They are also used by adults in meetings, social situations, or anywhere that distance from the speaker is a challenge.

Some newer systems use digital radio or Bluetooth rather than FM, offering improved sound quality and more flexibility.

Bluetooth Streaming Systems

Many modern hearing aids can connect directly to smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, streaming audio directly to both ears. This means that phone calls, music, podcasts, navigation instructions, and television audio can be delivered as a clear, direct signal to the hearing aids.

For those whose hearing aids do not support direct Bluetooth streaming, small intermediary streaming accessories are available that connect to the hearing aid and receive Bluetooth audio from a device.

Streaming technology has significantly improved telephone access for many hearing aid wearers. If you are finding phone calls difficult even with your hearing aids in, it is worth asking your audiologist whether streaming is an option for your particular devices.

Captioned Telephones and Relay Services

For people who find telephone conversations very challenging — even with hearing aids — captioned telephone services can be helpful. These services provide a live text transcription of what the other person is saying, displayed on a screen while the call is in progress.

In Australia, the National Relay Service (NRS) is a government-funded service that provides telephone access for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. It offers several options including:

  • Voice Relay — an operator relays the conversation in real time
  • Type and Listen — the caller types their side of the conversation and listens to responses
  • Captioned Relay — a captioner types what the other person says, displayed on screen while the user speaks directly

The NRS is accessible via phone, web, and app. Your audiologist or a hearing support organisation can provide more detail on how to access it.

TV Listening Systems

Television can be a persistent source of frustration for people with hearing loss — particularly when others in the household prefer a lower volume. Several purpose-designed TV listening systems are available:

  • Wireless TV streamers — connect to the television and stream audio directly to compatible hearing aids via Bluetooth or a proprietary signal
  • TV headsets — wireless headphones that receive a direct signal from the TV, allowing the listener to set their own volume independently
  • Soundbars with hearing aid connectivity — some modern soundbars offer Bluetooth pairing with hearing aids

If your hearing aids support direct streaming from television, a small wireless transmitter connected to the TV is usually all that is needed. Your audiologist can advise on compatible accessories for your specific hearing aid brand.

Alerting and Vibrating Systems

Some sounds matter beyond the content of what is being said — doorbells, smoke alarms, alarm clocks, and baby monitors are examples. For people who may miss these sounds, alerting devices can make a practical difference. Options include:

  • Door and phone signalers that trigger a flashing light or vibration when activated
  • Vibrating alarm clocks (under-pillow or wristband styles)
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms with strobe or bed-shaker alerts
  • Baby monitor systems with visual alerts

Many of these devices are available through specialist hearing technology retailers and some general electronics stores.

Assistive Listening Devices in Public Spaces

Australian disability access standards include provisions for hearing access in public buildings and venues. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and associated standards, facilities open to the public — such as cinemas, hospitals, government offices, and places of assembly — are expected to make reasonable adjustments to ensure equitable access for people with disability, including hearing loss.

If you have difficulty hearing in a specific public venue, it is reasonable to ask whether a hearing loop or other assistive listening system is available. If you are unsure what is provided, the venue's accessibility coordinator is usually the right contact.

Assistive Devices and the Australian Government Hearing Services Program

The Hearing Services Program provides eligible Australians — including holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, and certain other eligible recipients — with access to hearing services including assessment, hearing aids, and some assistive devices. What is covered under the Program depends on the individual's eligibility category and assessed needs.

Your audiologist can advise whether any assistive devices may be available under the Program for your particular situation, or whether they would need to be self-funded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a hearing aid to use assistive listening devices? No. Many ALDs — such as captioned telephone services, TV headsets, alerting systems, and hearing loop receivers — can be used by people who do not wear hearing aids. Some devices, however, are designed to interface with hearing aids or cochlear implants specifically.

Q: How do I find out which ALDs are compatible with my hearing aids? Your audiologist or hearing aid provider is the best starting point. Compatibility varies between hearing aid brands and models. When considering new hearing aids, it is worth discussing which wireless accessories and streaming options are available for that range.

Q: Are assistive devices expensive? Costs vary widely depending on the type. Simple alerting devices can be quite affordable; advanced wireless streaming systems and captioned phones vary in price. Some may be available at subsidised cost for eligible clients through the Hearing Services Program or via NDIS if you are an eligible participant. Your audiologist can discuss what may be applicable to your situation.

Q: I wear hearing aids but still struggle in noisy restaurants. Can ALDs help? Possibly. Some hearing aids are compatible with remote microphones that can be placed near the person you are talking to, transmitting their voice directly to your hearing aids. This can make a meaningful difference in difficult listening environments. Ask your audiologist whether a remote microphone accessory is compatible with your hearing aids.

Finding Out What Suits You

Assistive listening devices work best when they are matched to the specific situations where you are having difficulty. An audiologist can discuss your daily listening challenges, consider your existing hearing aids (if any), and suggest options that may be practical for your circumstances.

If you live on the Redcliffe Peninsula or in the Moreton Bay region and would like to discuss hearing support options, the team at Hearing Help would be glad to help. Get in touch to arrange a conversation or an appointment.