Assistive Technology for Hearing Resources
*These lists is provided for informational purposes only. Washington Access Fund does not endorse any particular assistive technology device, vendor or manufacturer. Please send updates, suggestions or information about other hearing related resources to info@washingtonaccessfund.org.
Visit the following links for:
General Hearing Resources
Hearing Speech & Deafness Center
Audiology, speech & hearing, assistive technology and advocacy services for individuals with hearing loss of all ages plus a new preschool for deaf and hard of hearing children. Store with assistive devices is open from 10:00 – 2:00 Monday through Friday & has a variety of helpful devices for everyday living – phones, alarms, smoke detectors, door bells, FM devices, TTY’s etc. Items also can be purchased online. HSDC's Store website includes many helpful FAQ’s on hearing related AT. Offices in Seattle, Tacoma & Bellingham.
206-323-5770 (Voice)
1-800-761-2821 (TTY)
206-452-7953 (Videophone)
- Assisted Listening Devices (ALD’s) – Free Loan Program: HSDC has FM systems available free for loan to Deaf and hard of hearing community members.
- Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED): in partnership with the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) the TED program distributes much needed specialized telephone equipment to residents who might otherwsise not be able to afford the equipment.
Office of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
Resources and Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program; amplified phones, TTYs, captioned phones & other communications devices available to individuals with hearing loss – (CAPTEL) free and/or low cost on a sliding scale. Lists of interpreters & captioning services.
Voice/TTY: 1-800-422-7930
Washington Relay and Video Relay Services
Washington Relay is a free service provided through Office of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services and operated by Sprint allows hearing and hard of hearing or deaf individuals to communicate via a TTY and Relay Operator. To place a relay call, dial 711. Video relay services use a video phone or web cam equipped computer enabling ASL users to communicate using ASL.
TTY Software
You can find free TTY software on the web by searching for “TTY software” including for example: http://www.nextalk.net. This software allows you to use your computer as a TTY.
Websites/Organizations
Online Catalogues
You can find many helpful assistive devices from online catalogues including, for example, HearMore and Harris Communications.
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
An international organization with information on hearing loss, hearing aids, and cochlear implants.
Voice: 202-337-5220
TTY: 202-337-5221
AARP Consumer Guide to Hearing Aids. Excellent and easy to read introduction to hearing loss, hearing aids and recommendations for process in selecting and using hearing aids to ensure a good outcome. See also: AARP PDF Guide.
American Speech Language Hearing Association: National professional organization for speech, language and hearing professionals. Excellent and accessible information about hearing, hearing loss and hearing loss treatment. Search for licensed audiologists based on your location, user’s age and conditions.
Better Hearing Institute: a Washington D. C. nonprofit established to educate the public about hearing loss with many excellent research articles and consumer publications on hearing loss, technology, the impact of hearing loss and other hearing related issues plus a call center for inquiries about hearing loss. Call 1-800-EAR-WELL.
• Cell Phones Which are Compatible with Hearing Aids
• Cell Phones Which are Compatible with Hearing Aids, The Basics
Consumer Reports – Tips on Selecting Hearing Aids: Information on hearing loss and tips on choosing hearing aids, hearing professionals, consumer rights and expectations. Some materials available only via subscription. See also Consumer Reports July 2009 Article "Hear Well in a Noisy World."
Deafweb: Washington state website with many excellent resources for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing including information about assistive technology from hearing aids to video relay to cochlear implants. Also includes list of relevant organizations including regional service centers for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and membership & advocacy organizations.
Deafnation: is the international leader in video content, news coverage, social networking and special events for the greater deaf and hard-of-hearing community. DeafNation.com is an exclusive social network offering resources for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Deaf Northwest News: is a website, newsletter & mailing list including information ranging from event announcements, news, sports, state school for the deaf news & sports, press releases, state and local newspapers, advertisements, classified ads, business news, education news, technology news, sports news, religious news, ADA, local/state government news and job opportunities of interest to the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, Speech-Challenged, and professionals in Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders in the Northwest (Local/State).
Hearing Loss Association: Consumer advocacy, information and tips on purchasing hearing aids, cochlear implants and other assistive technology fro hearing loss. Updates and webinars on latest and greatest in technologies.
Hearing Loss Association of Washington
Tips & advice on selecting audiologists & hearing aid vendors; information about selecting and using hearing aids. Local resources & events throughout Washington State related to hearing loss and assistive technology. Chapters throughout state. Voice: 206-817-3213 - Bothell/ 360-871-0997 - Kitsap County
Washington State Association of the Deaf
Statewide organization with mission of promoting, protecting and preserving rights and quality of life of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Washington state. Newsletter, annual conference & other events.
Washington State Deaf-Blind Citizens
Statewide organization to encourage fellowship and to promote civil rights, educational, economic, and social welfare for deaf-blind individuals.
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