Assistive Listening Devices


Many people who report difficulty hearing are not candidates for hearing aids; rather, they may require an assistive listening device to address their specific needs.  For example, a TV Listener with an amplifier may help two people with different hearing levels enjoy the same TV show at a comfortable listening level for each.

A Pocket-talker with earphones and a volume box may be an economical answer for the person who only infrequently needs to hear better—such as during doctor's visits. 

For the individual with significant difficulty understanding speech, an FM system can improve conversations, especially in difficult listening environments, such as large church environments or noisy restaurants.


Alarm Devices

Other devices support independent living….such as a visual or vibrating fire or smoke alarm.  This alerts the hearing impaired individual who doesn't hear much when the hearing aids are turned off, such as while sleeping. 

Another device enables the hearing impaired individual to hear the doorbell.


Custom Ear Molds

Appalachian Audiology makes custom ear molds for a variety of needs.  Ear mold impressions are taken open bite or closed bite, depending on the need:

  • Motorcycle bikers – ear molds to cut down on wind noise
  • Swimmers – ear molds that float, that prevent water in the ears,
    that keep pe tubes dry
  • Hunters – ear molds with a valve that shuts in response to the gunshot sound, enabling the hunter to "hear the squirrel crack a nut" and protect hearing at the same time
  • Musicians – ear molds with a flat frequency response to maintain the relative sounds of all the instruments, permitting good monitoring of the performance and practice.

Cellphone Use Solutions

New technology permits Bluetooth accessories to use with cell-phones and hearing aids.

The result is "no feedback" and hands free conversations, even for hearing aids that are not Bluetooth compatible.