Williams AV
Creating Inclusive Environments with Innovative Assistive Listening Systems

The feeling of being involved in a conversation that one cannot understand is frustrating. It takes away one’s confidence and the opportunity to engage with others. Unfortunately, this is the reality that individuals with hearing challenges often face. While these individuals could use hearing aids, the shortcomings associated with them, such as high cost, multiple visits to audiologists, and the hassle of operating them and changing batteries, dissuade many, leaving them with no other viable option to deal with their hearing impairment. This scenario compelled Minnesota-based Williams AV to innovate with technology to offer products designed for assistive listening to encourage faster inclusion and engagement for its clientele. “When people have difficulty hearing, they are less confident to participate in a discussion or ask questions. The goal is to provide them more intelligible audio and clearer images so they can engage and collaborate. That is what Williams AV is all about,” adds Tony Braun, VP – global sales and marketing at Williams AV.

The company started its journey in the assistive listening device segment more than four decades ago on realizing the needs of people suffering from hearing loss. Ever since, the firm has been employing different technologies to help individuals improve their ability to hear intelligible sounds without a hearing aid. Williams AV instead offers a device called Pocketalker® that amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise. Pocketalker has been no less than a marvel for those who haven’t been able to do anything to improve their hearing ability for years. While hearing aids have always been available for these people, many consider them a conventional product, more suitable for seniors. Pocketalker can easily be used by seniors as well as youth alike. “People are more comfortable with technology now, so, there is less resistance about seeking out a piece of technology that may be able to help them hear in a variety of environments,” explains Braun.

Williams AV’s Pocketalker is a user-friendly device with an ergonomic design, fits in hand, and is easy to clean. Williams AV has two models—Pocketalker Ultra and Pocketalker 2.0. Both the models efficiently amplify the sounds closest to the microphone and, more importantly, save the users from hearing distorted sounds.

Williams AV’s Pocketalker efficiently amplifies the sounds closest to the microphone and, more importantly, saves the users from hearing distorted sounds

What makes Pocketalker stand out is that by quickly adjusting the volume and tone control, users can easily improve intelligibility as they listen to sounds in their environment. As the training required to use the device is minimal, individuals get comfortable with it in minutes. The Pocketalker 2.0 includes an internal microphone and balance control which elevates the experience for those using it. The in-built telecoil further enhances its usability. “When users at a venue see the sign indicating that a hearing loop is present, they can simply click a button on the Pocketalker and receive the signals directly from the sound source without the background noise directly from the hearing loop to their ears,” adds Braun.

Williams AV also offers other products to help its users address hearing challenges in a wide variety of environments. For instance, the company has a line of FM products that operate on a frequency range of 72 to 76 Megahertz. It allows organizations to install FM equipment in churches, stadiums, and convention centers and carry out affordable broadcasts that help make these venues compliant with ADA requirements. Williams AV has a complete range of FM systems and can even leverage a venues in-house Wi-Fi to facilitate the audio broadcast. “If a venue has a commercial grade Wi-Fi system, the Williams FM+ system either allows someone to visit an information desk to check out a receiver for listening, or join the Wi-Fi and listen to the broadcast using their own smartphone,” elaborates Braun.

Over the years, the usage of Williams AV’s products has significantly increased as the company continually develops functionalities and features that enhance how they can impact individuals’ lives. The company also offers interpretation and translation technology and video annotation to further improve individuals’ communications in their environment. Ultimately, every move that Williams AV makes aims to help individuals hear the important things in life.