Hearing Assistive Devices (HAT) for
Personal Use at Home, On the Go, and In the Community
​Hear Better: With Hearing Loops, FM Systems, and Infrared Systems
We demonstrate many assistive-listening devices (ALDs) that enable you to hear better
​in challenging listening environments
Communication Accessibility in Colorado Springs and El Paso County
The Colorado Springs Office of Accessibility
  • Communication Accessibility is provided by request to participate in a City Program, Service, or Activity.  For more information and to request accommodation, click here.​ 
El Paso County Accessibility Compliance Office provides communication accessibility by request for County Programs.  For information and to request accommodation, click here.  
Technology in the Community 

IMPORTANT!!   When purchasing a hearing aid be SURE to ask for a Tele-coil to take advantage of all assistive technology.   

"Telecoils Improve Hearing Aids Dramatically!" 
Reference: 2 pages (pdf) and 4 pages-detailed (pdf)

Hearing Loops in Large-Area Venues are the Preferred Technology ​
of People with ​Hearing Loss!
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Universal Symbol that a Hearing Loop is Installed
  • The City of Colorado Springs has Installed large-area Hearing Loops at City Hall and throughout the City:  For a list, click here.
  • El Paso County installed hearing Loops in the County Commissioners auditorium.
Window and Countertop Hearing Loops
These are found at service counters (i..e, check-in desks, pharmacy counters, etc.)
​El Paso County also has numerous counter hearing loops throughout the 
​Citizen's Service Center. 
Picture at right shows a counter hearing loop in the Elections Department
The Colorado Springs Airport Information Desk has a Counter Hearing Loop.  Renovated gates will also include hearing loops 
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Universal Symbol that Accessible Hearing Devices are Available
FM Assistive Listening Devices are available in many public places, i.e., churches, courtrooms, schools, theaters, etc.
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  • For more information about  large-area and countertop hearing loops, and FM Systems and devices, as well as local and statewide map of locations with communication accessibility, click here
CART and Captioning
 Captions are the written text of the spoken word displayed on a screen for personal use (smart phones and mobile devices), or on screens for presentations in large-area venues.  For more information,
click here.
For Personal use - Captioning on smartphones and other mobile devices are free or subscription-based - i.e., Ava; Caption Call, Google Transcribe; Apple app, and others. 
​ Movie Theaters - Did you know that Colorado has open caption movies?
Find Out When Open Caption Movies in Colorado are Shown.  Click here
Like and Follow the Colorado Open Caption Movie Facebook page
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Symbol for open captioned movie
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Open Captions on Movie Screen
​Open Caption Movies Offer the Best Option​
  • An Open Caption Movie has the dialog imprinted on the bottom of the movie screen in real time (no delay like you see on TV newscasts and programs). 
  • No device needs to be picked up at the ticket window!
  • ​Read ​Pauline's article, An Afternoon at an Open Captioned Movie, about her experience. 
  • To view an actual  clip of an open caption movie, click here
  • Read about the Difference click here
 Individual Closed Captioned Devices Available ​at Theaters - These devices display movie dialog only to the individual using them and ​must be checked out at the Ticket Office
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Caption Device Sits in Cup Holder
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Close-up of Caption Device
​Sony Access Captioned Glasses (captions
​appear on lenses). ​
The disadvantages of these individual devices are:
  • Theaters have a limited number of these devices - check with the theater if you have a large group
  • You have to check them out at the ticket window (sometime having to leave your ID to check them out)
  • You need to allow extra time for the staff to get for you and explain its use
  • Bulky equipment to carry into the movie, while having to manage your coats, concessions, your kids, and also have your ticket handy to give to usher
  • Units are sometimes not charged, have to be programmed for the movie you want to see, and you dont find out if they are not working until the starts - thus having to return to the staff to get another
  • The devices that go into a cup holder are heavy and fall out; plus where do you put your drink now?
  • The glasses are heavy, leave an impression on your nose, and give you a headache 
Do You Need ​Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids?   
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H.E.A.R.S of El Paso County - Provides hearing aids to El Paso County residents who cannot afford them.  
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​Click on: ​ hearscosp.weebly.com
A local member of Hearing the Call.  ​
​Click here
Click here