Assistive Listening Devices
Augment hearing aids — or replace.
Pocketalker Ultra
$170Personal amplifier. Senior favorite. Senior centers love.
Best personal.
TV Ears 5.0
$130Wireless TV listening. Doesn't bother family.
Best for TV.
Bose Hearphones
$250Bluetooth amplification. Like AirPods Pro.
Best modern.
Sennheiser RS 175
$300Premium TV headphones.
Best premium.
Apple AirPods Pro 2
$200Live Listen feature = built-in amplifier.
Best with iPhone.
When ALDs help
- TV too loud for family but quiet for you.
- Hearing in noisy restaurants.
- Group conversations.
- Religious services.
- Meetings.
- Watching TV without disturbing spouse.
AirPods Pro = secret weapon
- iPhone Live Listen feature — phone becomes microphone.
- AirPods amplify what phone hears.
- Place phone near speaker, listen via AirPods.
- FREE feature with $200 AirPods.
- Apple says NOT FDA-approved hearing aid.
- But many seniors find very effective.
- Settings → Accessibility → Audio → Live Listen.
Loop systems (T-coil)
- "Hearing loops" in churches, theaters, courts.
- If hearing aid has T-coil — auto-connects.
- Audio direct to your hearing aid.
- Crystal clear in noisy venues.
- Look for "hearing loop" sign.
- Free if available.
- Ask audiologist if your aids have T-coil.
Free for veterans
- VA provides hearing aids + ALDs to eligible vets.
- VA hearing programs comprehensive.
- Apply through VA benefits.
- Many vets have service-connected hearing loss.
- Don't pay if eligible.
Combine devices
Hearing aids for daily + Pocketalker for restaurants + TV Ears for TV + AirPods Pro for travel. Don't rely on one device. Each best for specific situation. Multi-tool approach = best senior hearing experience.