Sound that is communicated through audio devices such as radios, televisions, computers and speakers can be poor in quality, contain interference and be misheard due to distractions especially in group settings for those that are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A range of equipment solutions are available to improve access to audio devices:
Telephones
- TTY—telephone typewriters are available to allow Deaf people to communicate via the telephone through a combination of typing and reading messages, rather than through hearing and speaking. If a TTY machine is unavailable, the national TTY relay service can relay messages on your organisation's behalf. The contact number is 13 36 77:
- telephone amplification options are available to assist those that are hard of hearing to adjust ring volume and the loudness of the speakers voice:
- mobile phones—SMS or text communication is now available via both mobile and some home telephones as well as video phones allowing sign language via the telephone via inbuilt cameras
- facsimile—still in use to communicate via written documents and eliminate need for hearing.
- VOIP—voice over internet protocol allows phone calls to be made via the internet, but more importantly for those who rely on sign language to communicate, also provides video conferencing.
Computer
- Email and video conferencing via Auslan can be used to eliminate the need for hearing in a conversation.
Captioning
- Captioning and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services involves the transcription of speech into text usually onto a computer, which may be projected onto a screen, or by written notes immediately after being spoken. It is a technique that can be utilised either in small group situations or at large conferences or seminars:
Television
- television caption decoders, previously known as teletext, consists of closed captions or subtitles which display dialogue and other audio information such as music and sound effects. They allow a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing to watch television or presentations and understand what characters are saying, know when there is music and experience sound effects:
- earphones or headphones can be plugged directly into the television if watching alone to ensure sound is transmitted directly to the ear
- television amplifiers can be used if watching television with other people without affecting the volume. A microphone is attached to the TV speakers and connected to earphones or a neckloop that transmits signals to the hearing aid
- the ‘T’ switch or telecoil on a hearing aid can be activated and allow transmission of sound from the TV via a neckloop direct to the aid. Induction loops help to eliminate background noise and improve speech and noise clarity:
- infrared systems are small transmitters that are used to convert sound into infra red light waves which are picked up by individual headsets with volume controls. The headsets can be connected to hearing aids. These can also be used to hear TV and radio.
Large group environments
- induction loops can be used with a hearing aid, when the ‘T’ switch is activated, to hear sound transmitted direct to their hearing aid such as in conferences, seminars or entertainment venues, as long as sitting within the specified magnetic field of the loop system
- FM Listening systems can be used in small group settings such as a small training environment. The speaker wears a lapel microphone or transmitter and a receiver is worn by the listener that is hard of hearing which allows the system to be very portable
- infra-red systems as outlined above.
Hearing aids
A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved communication. Hearing aids receive sound through a microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a speaker:
References
Australian Hearing 2010, Communication tips, Australian Government Department of Human Services, Sydney, viewed 15 April 2010, http://www.hearing.com.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=227&languageId=1&contentId=-1.
Australian Hearing 2010, FM Systems, Australian Government Department of Human Services, Sydney, viewed 15 April 2010, http://www.hearing.com.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=107&languageId=1&contentId=-1.
Australian Hearing 2010, Assistive Listening Devices, Australian Government Department of Human Services, Sydney, viewed 15 April 2010, http://www.hearing.com.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=108&languageId=1&contentId=-1.