The LA-161 is a single ear bud, friction fit with one replaceable cushion.It can be used with any of Listen Technologies receivers. This economical, low cost hearing option comfortably sits inside the ear with absolutely no discomfort to the listener.Replaceable ear cushions are available and the receiver's antenna is built into the headphone cord.
A Word About ALDs (Assisted Listening Devices).
According to the "National Association For The Deaf" hearing is not an all or nothing phenomenon. People show varying degrees of hearing at varying frequencies in both ears. The implications of this fact are often overlooked for a variety of reasons that include a lack of understanding about modern technology that improves access to sound. Research indicates that people who are hard of hearing require a volume (signal to noise ratio) increase of about 15 to 25 dB in order to achieve the same level of understanding as people with normal hearing. An ALD allows them to achieve this gain for themselves without making it too loud for everyone else. ALDs are used by people with all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound. This includes hearing aid users and cochlear implant users, as well as consumers who do not use either hearing aids or cochlear implants. Hearing aids or cochlear implants have performance limitations and do not work well in all situations. ALDs are sometimes described as "binoculars for the ears" because they "stretch" hearing aids and cochlear implants, thus extending their reach and increasing their effectiveness.
ALDs are covered under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This title stipulates that ALDs be provided in public places such as movie theaters, live performance theaters, and public classes. The ADA specifies that ALD receivers be provided at no cost and specifies the number of receivers that must be provided depending on the number of seats (4% rule).