Enhancing Accessibility: Developing Assistive Listening Solutions

Enhancing Accessibility: Developing Assistive Listening Solutions Did you know that 40% of adults aged 20 to 79 in Canada experience at least slight hearing loss in one or both ears? Hearing loss affects millions, yet assistive listening solutions are still underutilized.

Now, you may be wondering: What is assistive listening in the first place? It’s a set of technologies that help people with hearing loss hear more clearly. As the UN Sustainable Development Group points out, these solutions promote inclusion, especially in educational and working settings. Besides, every $1 invested in assistive tech generates $9 in social and economic benefits.

Having worked with assistive technology solutions, we’ve seen their impact firsthand. For example, our client struggled with an outdated, poorly designed app for assistive tech installations. We tackled that by building a modern platform for assistive listening solutions, which put our client ahead of the competition.

Read on to discover the main types of assistive listening systems, ways to choose the best ones, and why they’re worth your investment.

Key takeaways:

• What are assistive listening systems? At their core, these are solutions that transmit clear audio to those who need it the most.
• Not all ALS solutions are the same — from hearing loops to WiFi-based audio, choosing the right one depends on venue size, privacy needs, and budget.
• Why invest in ALS? To enhance accessibility, ensure compliance, and improve customer experience.

Types of Assistive Listening Solutions

Assistive listening systems (ALS) may take various forms and have different use cases. Let’s clarify each type.

What Are the Different Types of Assistive Listening Systems?

Based on the core technology used, assistive listening products divide into the following kinds:

• Hearing loops or induction loops. Imagine an area looped with copper wires, which create a magnetic field that hearing aids or cochlear implants can pick up. You’ll often find these in theaters, places of worship, and conference halls. They’re great for large spaces as they minimize background noise.
• Frequency-modulated (FM) systems. These use radio waves to transmit sound to receivers or hearing aids. They’re typically used in classrooms and lecture halls where distance or background noise is challenging.
• Infrared (IR) systems. Similar to FM systems, these use infrared light to transmit sound. They offer excellent sound quality and privacy, which makes them perfect for courtrooms or corporate meeting spaces.
• WiFi-based audio systems. These allow users to stream audio to their devices via an app by connecting to WiFi networks. Such systems suit public spaces like museums, theaters, and large event halls.
• Bluetooth systems. These use Bluetooth technology for direct, wireless connectivity. They’re ideal for personal use, like connecting to smartphones, TVs, and other digital devices.

What Are the Examples of Assistive Listening Applications?

Assistive listening can be used to improve accessibility in various settings:

• Public transport. Airports, train stations, and bus terminals can use ALS to provide clear announcements.
• Schools and universities. FM systems and hearing loops can help students with hearing loss follow lessons without missing a beat.
• Corporate meetings and conferences. IR systems make sure everyone participates in the meeting.
• Theaters and cinemas. Hearing loops and WiFi systems let people enjoy movies and performances without struggling to listen to the dialogue.
• Places of worship. FM and IR systems as well as hearing loops work to ensure people can participate in services.

To make things a bit clearer, here’s a brief comparison table:

Choosing the Right ALS

Now that you know the main types of assistive listening technologies and their typical use cases, you may be thinking about how to choose the right one. Let’s figure this out.

How to Select the Best ALS for Your Needs?

Before picking an ALS, consider the following factors:

• Venue size. Got a massive conference hall? Hearing loops or WiFi-based systems might be your best bet. Smaller room? FM or Bluetooth will work well.
• Privacy requirements. If confidentiality is your top priority, infrared systems prevent audio from leaking outside the room.
• Budget. Consider your budget for ALS implementation. WiFi and FM systems are often more budget-friendly than, for example, hearing loop installations. Factor in maintenance costs as well.

Besides the above considerations, keep the following challenges in mind:

• WiFi reliability. If a venue has poor WiFi, FM or IR systems might be better alternatives.
• Metal interference. Hearing loops can be affected by metal structures, so correct placement and amplifier selection are a must.
• Range limitations. FM and Bluetooth have their limits. Know your space and plan accordingly.

Common ALS Questions

In case you’re still unsure which ALS matches your processes, here are the most commonly asked questions on such solutions:

• What if my venue has poor WiFi?
  Consider hardwiring access points or exploring alternative systems, such as FM or IR, that don’t rely on an internet connection.
• Are hearing loops difficult to install?
  Not necessarily, but they do require professional installation. And the effort is absolutely worth it — hearing loops are one of the best long-term solutions for large venues.
• Which ALS is best for a corporate setting?
  IR systems are perfect for corporate meetings that require confidentiality. Yet, FM and WiFi systems can also be used.
• Can I use multiple ALS systems in one venue?
  Of course. For example, you can combine hearing loops with FM systems to provide comprehensive coverage.
• How to ensure my ALS system complies with accessibility standards?
  Consult with or hire assistive tech developers with relevant expertise in local and international accessibility guidelines.

Real-World Impact of Assistive Listening Systems

Exoft has been in the software development industry for over 10 years and, during this time, we delivered plenty of assistive technology software solutions. Here are two of our most impactful projects:

Web Platform for Assistive Listening Solutions

One of our clients, a leader in assistive listening solutions for 50+ years, needed a modern web portal to design and manage assistive tech installations. Their previous application, though functional, suffered from poor UI/UX, slow performance, and frequent errors.

As a solution, we handled:

• Discovery and code audit to identify inefficiencies in their legacy system.
• UI/UX redesign to create a more intuitive interface.
• Custom web development to implement features like tender management, parameter estimation, recommendations, documentation repository, training portal, and beyond.
• Ongoing maintenance to keep the platform up-to-date.

Ultimately, our healthcare app development process helped our client surpass the competition in just a year.

Web and Mobile Solution for a Veteran Rehabilitation Center

A rehabilitation center approached us to digitize their psychological support framework for veterans. They were struggling with manual processes, paper-based records, and security concerns.

To tackle the challenges, we developed a digital solution for a veteran rehabilitation center that comprised a web platform and one of the top healthcare mobile apps. Together, these elements digitized the psychological support process and enabled hassle-free coordination for veterans, their families, and medical staff.

Now, let’s reiterate the importance of adaptive software. Here’s how ALS improves accessibility in different settings:

• Public venues (theaters, stadiums). It creates an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy performances and events.
• Corporate and education settings (meetings, lectures). It ensures clear communication, better understanding, and participation.
• Healthcare (hospitals, rehabilitation centers). It offers better support for patients with hearing impairments and improves patient-doctor communication.

Why Invest in Assistive Listening Solutions?

Assistive listening software development and device installation is a way to create truly inclusive spaces where everyone can engage fully. Whether you run a theater, an office, or a healthcare facility, ALS offers plenty of benefits. Here’s why it’s worth the investment:

• Enhanced communication and inclusivity. Assistive listening systems make it easier for individuals with hearing loss to participate in conversations, presentations, and events. Basically, when you provide ALS, you’re saying, “You belong here.”
• Legal compliance with accessibility standards. Accessibility isn’t just a moral obligation — it’s often a legal one. Regulations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar accessibility laws worldwide require public spaces to accommodate people with disabilities. Investing in ALS ensures you’re on the right side of the law.
• Improved customer experience. Happy customers come back. And when everyone feels welcomed, everyone’s happier. Implementing assistive listening tools lets you present your company as forward-thinking and customer-centric — leading to higher satisfaction and deeper engagement.

How Exoft Can Help You Overcome ALS Development Challenges

Implementing customizable assistive listening solutions requires the right strategy, technical assessment, and engineering expertise. That’s precisely what we offer at Exoft. In particular, our services include:

• Custom ALS solutions. If you decide to hire dedicated development team at Exoft, you’ll get solutions tailored to your specific venue, use case, and accessibility challenges.
• Budget-friendly solutions. We offer outsourced development team for startups — meaning you can launch your product quickly without sacrificing quality and putting a strain on your budget.
• IT staff augmentation. As an IT staff augmentation agency, we can swiftly find the right developers for your ALS project. Whether it’s web development, mobile development, UI/UX design, or another service, we help you scale your team fast.

On top of the flexible services we provide, our specialists have proven expertise in healthcare and accessibility software. They can pick up a suitable ALS tech stack and build performant, intuitive solutions that truly improve assistive listening experiences.

Conclusion

We’ve covered a lot of ground, but the core message is simple: assistive listening solutions are essential for creating accessible spaces. They go beyond just amplifying sound — they amplify opportunities.

What are the basic assistive listening devices (ALDs) you can use to make your space more inclusive? You can use any model, from hearing loops and WiFi-based audio to FM, IR, and Bluetooth systems. You can even increase your impact with AI-enabled assistive technology — smart systems that use algorithms to filter out noise and enhance speech.

If you plan to implement an ALS solution, count on Exoft. With a 10-year background and expertise in assistive tech, we can make sure that no one is left out of the conversation.