If you’ve started researching hearing support, you’ve probably come across both hearing aids and assistive listening devices (ALDs), and wondered whether you need one, the other, or both. They solve overlapping but different problems, and mixing them up is one of the most common points of confusion for people exploring their options for the first time.
This guide breaks down what separates the two, when each one makes sense, and how to work out which fits your situation.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids use a microphone to pick up sound, a processor to amplify and shape it based on your hearing test results, and a speaker to deliver the processed sound into your ear. Modern types of hearing aids also include noise reduction, directional microphones, and often Bluetooth hearing aids that stream calls, music, and TV audio directly.
Hearing aids are fitted and programmed by an audiologist and are designed for continuous, all-day use across every listening environment.
What Are Assistive Listening Devices?
ALDs capture sound at the source and send it directly to your ears, cutting out the distance and background noise that make listening difficult. Common types include:
| ALD Type | How It Works | Best For |
| Hearing loop (induction loop) | Sends sound via magnetic signal to telecoil-equipped hearing aids | Theatres, churches, public venues |
| FM system | Wireless microphone worn by the speaker, sound sent to a receiver | Classrooms, lectures, meetings |
| Infrared system | Uses light signals, similar to a TV remote | Watching TV, home theatre |
| Bluetooth streamer | Connects phone, tablet, or TV wirelessly to your ears or hearing aids | Calls, music, everyday streaming |
| Personal amplifier | Portable microphone and headset for one-on-one conversations | Restaurants, one-on-one chats |
What’s the Difference Between Hearing Aids and ALDs?
Hearing aids are medical devices, custom-fitted and programmed to your specific hearing loss. They amplify and process sound continuously, all day, across every environment you’re in.
Assistive listening devices are situational tools. They solve a specific listening problem, like hearing the TV clearly or following a conversation across a table, either alongside hearing aids or on their own.
The simplest way to think about it: hearing aids treat your hearing loss. ALDs solve a specific listening situation.
Do I Need a Hearing Aid or an Amplifier?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, especially from people who’ve seen personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) advertised online. The key difference:
- Hearing aids are individually programmed to your hearing test results, regulated as medical devices, and fitted by an audiologist
- PSAPs and amplifiers boost all sound generically, are not customised to your hearing loss, and are intended for situational use, not everyday correction
For anyone with diagnosed hearing loss, a hearing aid (not a generic amplifier) is the appropriate treatment. PSAPs can have a place for specific situations, but they are not a substitute for a fitted device.
To understand better which option is good for you, a consultation with a hearing specialist can help.
When You Might Need Just One, or Both
- Hearing aids alone often suit people whose hearing loss shows up consistently across environments, like conversations, TV, phone calls, and background noise
- ALDs alone can suit people with very mild hearing difficulty in specific situations only, such as struggling with the TV but hearing fine everywhere else
- Both together is common for people with hearing aids who still find certain situations difficult, such as when in restaurants, theatres, large meetings, where an ALD fills the gap hearing aids alone can’t
The best hearing aids for your situation, and whether an ALD would help alongside them, is something an audiologist can confirm after a hearing assessment.
Hearing Aids and Tinnitus
For people who also experience tinnitus, many modern hearing aids for tinnitus include built-in sound therapy or masking features, which can make the ringing less noticeable while also treating any underlying hearing loss. This is worth raising at your consultation if tinnitus is part of what you’re dealing with.
Funding for Hearing Aids and ALDs
Both hearing aids and ALDs may be available through government support, depending on your eligibility:
- Hearing Services Program (HSP) — covers hearing aids and ALDs for eligible pensioners and concession card holders
- DVA — covers both for eligible veterans with an accepted hearing condition
- NDIS — may fund hearing aids and assistive technology for eligible participants under 65
Our pensioner’s guide to hearing services in Australia covers HSP eligibility and funding in more detail.
Find the Right Fit for How You Actually Hear
Hearing aids and assistive listening devices solve different problems, and most people need to understand both before deciding what’s right for them. A hearing aid treats your hearing loss across every situation. An ALD solves one specific listening challenge particularly well. Many people benefit from both.
The clearest way to know which applies to you is a hearing assessment. If you want to have better guidance, our team at Audience Hearing is here to offer you support on which option can best work for you, or to ask about assistive listening devices if you have a specific situation you’re struggling with.
Book an appointment with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a hearing aid or an assistive listening device?
It depends on your hearing loss. If it affects your hearing consistently across situations, a hearing aid is the appropriate treatment. If you only struggle in specific situations like watching TV, an ALD alone might be enough. Many people use both.
2. What’s the difference between a hearing aid and an amplifier?
Hearing aids are medical devices individually programmed to your hearing test results and fitted by an audiologist. Amplifiers (PSAPs) boost sound generically and aren’t customised to your hearing loss.
3. Can I use assistive listening devices without hearing aids?
Yes. ALDs can be used on their own, particularly for mild hearing difficulty in specific situations, or alongside hearing aids for more comprehensive support.
4. What is a hearing loop?
A hearing loop (induction loop) sends sound via a magnetic signal to hearing aids with a telecoil. They’re commonly installed in theatres, churches, and public venues to improve clarity for hearing aid users.
5. Can hearing aids help with tinnitus?
Many modern hearing aids include tinnitus features like sound masking, which can make tinnitus less noticeable while also addressing any underlying hearing loss. Ask your audiologist whether this applies to your situation.
6. Are ALDs covered by NDIS or DVA?
Yes, for eligible participants. NDIS may fund assistive technology as part of a participant’s plan, and DVA covers ALDs for eligible veterans through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program.
7. How do I find out which option suits me?
The best way is a hearing assessment with an audiologist. Book an appointment with Audience Hearing to find out whether hearing aids, ALDs, or both suit your situation.
