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Ryan Holden, H.A.D.
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Jan 14, 2026
Part 3 of the “Better Hearing in Background Noise” Series
Even the most advanced hearing aids can struggle when the noise level rises and distance gets in the way. That’s not a sign something’s wrong — it’s just physics.
Sound weakens over distance, and background noise tends to overpower speech, especially for those soft, high-frequency consonants that give words their clarity. That’s where Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) come in. These small, smart accessories bridge the gap between what your hearing aids can do on their own and what’s possible when sound gets sent directly to your ears.
Think of them as your secret weapon for hearing your best in challenging places.
What Are Assistive Listening Devices?
ALDs are accessories that work alongside your hearing aids to improve the clarity of speech in specific listening situations. They don’t replace your hearing aids — they enhance them.
While your hearing aids are designed to amplify sound around you, ALDs work by bringing the sound source closer to your ears electronically. The closer the sound, the clearer it is and the less background noise your brain has to fight through.
There are several types of assistive devices, each designed for different environments — from busy restaurants to classrooms, cars, and even living rooms.
1. Remote Microphones: Shrinking the Distance
Remote microphones are one of the simplest and most effective accessories you can add. Picture this: you’re sitting across a noisy dinner table from a friend. Instead of trying to pick their voice out of the crowd, you clip a small wireless mic onto their shirt or place it on the table. Their voice is transmitted directly into your hearing aids — clear and crisp — as if they were standing right next to you.
Many of today’s hearing aids connect to these mics via Bluetooth, and the sound quality is excellent. Some models even automatically adjust volume and direction based on the distance between the mic and your hearing aids.
They’re perfect for:
Restaurants and coffee shops
Car rides with road noise
Group conversations
Talking to a teacher, coach, or speaker
For a lot of my patients, a remote mic is the single most impactful add-on they’ve ever tried.
2. Table Microphones: Hearing in Groups
Table mics are a step up from a single remote mic. They sit in the center of a table and use multiple small microphones to pick up voices from different directions. The device prioritizes whoever is speaking, automatically lowering background noise between speakers.
They’re fantastic for:
Family dinners
Office meetings
Game nights or book clubs
Some models even rotate their focus depending on who’s talking — so you don’t have to manually change settings or pass a mic around.
If you’ve ever avoided group situations because “it’s just too hard to follow,” a table mic can make those moments enjoyable again.
3. TV Streamers: Private, Clear TV Listening
TV streamers connect directly to your television and send the audio wirelessly to your hearing aids. Instead of amplifying the room’s sound (and the echo), you get pure, direct sound — at a comfortable volume for you, while others listen at their own level.
This eliminates the classic tug-of-war over the TV remote. You can finally enjoy your favorite shows, sports, or movies clearly — no subtitles or arguments required.
It’s also a great way to rest your brain. Listening through a TV streamer requires less concentration and effort compared to trying to understand muffled sound through open air.
4. Phone Streamers and Apps: Clarity in Conversation
Most modern hearing aids now connect directly to smartphones, allowing you to stream calls, music, and even navigation prompts right into your ears. But beyond streaming, the companion apps are becoming incredibly useful tools.
Through these apps, you can:
Adjust your hearing aid programs for different environments.
Control your remote or table microphones.
Fine-tune bass and treble for comfort.
Locate your hearing aids if you misplace them.
Phone streaming is especially helpful for those who struggle to hear callers clearly — the sound bypasses background noise completely, going straight to your ears.
5. Public Space Systems: Loop, FM, and Auracast™
Hearing technology isn’t just improving for individuals — public spaces are getting smarter too. Many theaters, churches, and lecture halls now use hearing loop systems or FM transmitters that broadcast sound directly to compatible hearing aids.
And soon, we’ll start seeing Auracast™, a new Bluetooth technology that allows public venues to stream audio directly to hearing aids and earbuds — like a private broadcast channel for your ears. Imagine walking into an airport or museum and instantly hearing clear announcements or guided tours without any extra devices.
It’s an exciting step toward a more inclusive, hearing-friendly world.
6. When to Consider an ALD
If you already have well-programmed hearing aids but still find yourself struggling in:
Restaurants
Classrooms or meetings
Worship services
Watching TV with family
Riding in the car
…then an assistive listening device could make a major difference.
These devices are also great for couples — one spouse can wear a mic or use a TV streamer, dramatically improving day-to-day communication without frustration. I often let patients demo these accessories in my office so they can experience the difference before making a decision.
7. Fine-Tuning Your Setup
ALDs are most effective when they’re paired and programmed correctly with your specific hearing aids. I make sure each device is synced properly, levels are balanced, and you understand when and how to switch between modes.
Because each manufacturer handles streaming and accessories a little differently, professional setup helps avoid connection issues and ensures you’re getting full benefit from your devices.
The Bottom Line
Even the best hearing aids can only do so much against physics. Sound loses strength with distance, and noise will always compete for your brain’s attention.
Assistive listening devices close that gap — sending the sound you want to hear directly to your ears and helping you stay confident and comfortable in situations you might have avoided before.
If hearing in noise has been your biggest frustration, adding one of these devices could be the missing piece.
