Hearing Assistive Technology Systems (HATS) are special devices used to improve listening in various environments, amplifying telephone and face-to-face conversations, television broadcasts, as well as classroom and theater settings. Evaluations are available to assess individual amplification needs.
HATS differ from hearing aids; they are not programmed for individual levels of hearing loss. They are not a cure for hearing loss, nor can they restore hearing back to normal. They may be:
- Used alone or in conjunction with hearing aids.
- Wired or wireless (e.g., FM, infrared and Bluetooth systems).
Personal Sound Amplifiers
These devices use an external microphone near a person speaking to pick up and amplify speech. The speech signal is delivered to an earpiece worn by the listener. This device can be used in homes, places of worship, theaters and other public venues.
TV Amplifiers
These amplifiers connect directly to television sets in order to deliver sound to an earpiece or hearing aids
Classroom Devices
These external microphones worn by teachers amplify speech delivered to students through:
- Speakers on desks.
- Earpieces.
- Hearing aids.
Alarm Systems
These systems are used when there is a safety concern caused by hearing loss. They can connect to doorbells, smoke alarms, telephones or baby monitors to deliver a warning signal to non-audio receivers (e.g., bed shakers or flashing lights).