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Communication is how we as individuals express ourselves. It allows us to get our point across, to show another indvidual we understand them, and it makes us feel like we are not alone in this world. But what if your communication is hampered by multiple sclerosis? How can you communicate a simple sentence if your mind and body are not communicating? 

Fortunately, technology has made such large advances that communication is now feasible for everyone. With the help of assistive devices and technology, many options are available to help amplify the sound of your speech, express yourself through synthesized speech, and remain alert if you are having trouble with hearing. The terminology for these assistive devices may vary, but the goal of technology is to help improve the quality of life for those who have issues with communication. 

The three main categories of assistive devices available are assistive living devices, augmentative and alternative communication devices, and alerting devices. Let's go through each category and understand how these devices can help improve the ability to converse with others. 

Assistive listening devices

ALDs can help communicate in one-on-one conversations by amplifying the sound of your speech and the speech of others. The type of device that works best for you will depend upon the extent of your hearing difficulties. 

• Audio induction/hearing loop: This device can help to transmit sounds using electromagnetic energy. The four parts of a hearing loop are a sound source such as a telephone or microphone, an amplifier or a receiver that can be worn in your ear as a headset, and a thin loop of wire that encircles a room or branches out beneath any carpeting. 
• FM systems: These systems make radio signals to make sounds louder. For example, an individual would wear a microphone connected to a transmitter, and the other person with whom the conversation is occurring wears a receiver tuned to a specific channel. People with hearing aids or cochlear implants can use a neck loop or a silhouette inductor to turn radio signals into magnetic signals for their devices. FM systems work up to 300 feet and can be used in public places, but listeners need to use different channels in different rooms to avoid mixed signals. 
• Infrared systems: These systems work like a TV remote. With the use of infrared light waves, a transmitter will send speech from a sound system. The problem with IR systems is their lack of ability to be used during daytime as the sunlight will affect the transmission. It is ideal if you are having conversations with another individual indoors and they are within proximity of you.
• Personal amplifiers: Personal amplifiers are best used for situations such as wanting to hear the TV louder, being outdoors, or if you are in a car. The device can help to increase the sound levels the person or thing you want to amplify and decrease the background sounds. Like other assistive listening devices, the amplified sound can be heard through a receiver the listener wears, either as a headset or earbuds.

Augmentative and alternative communication devices

AAC devices can be used in situations where you may feel you are having difficulty expressing yourself properly, either through producing speech or writing. The simplest AAC device is a picture board or touch screen with pictures of common items or activities. For example, touching a picture of a glass asks for a drink. These boards can be customized based on the person's age, education, job, and interests. Keyboards, touch screens, and sometimes a person's limited speech can also be used to communicate words, with some devices having text displays for easier communication. 

Speech-generating devices turn words or pictures into speech with various voice options. Some use prerecorded words, while others can say any word typed in. Software is available to turn computers into speaking devices. TTY machines can help people with hearing loss or speech difficulties communicate by phone with a typewriter keyboard and screen. Today, new devices such as laptops, PDAs, and cell phones have made TTY machines almost obsolete. Text messaging and voice recognition software that translates sign language into text or speech are also popular. Captioned telephones provide a transcript of spoken conversations for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. 

Alerting devices

The last type of AT device to assist with communication are alerting devices. Alerting or alarm devices use sound, light, vibrations, or a mix of these to notify someone when something is happening. Clocks and wake-up alarms can wake a person with flashing lights, loud noises, or a gentle shake. 

Visual alert signalers watch for sounds from things such as doorbells and phones. When the phone rings, the signaler will vibrate or flash a light to let the individual know the phone requires attention. Remote receivers around the house can also alert a person from any room. Portable vibrating pagers can notify parents or caretakers when a baby is crying. Some baby monitors can analyze a baby's cry and show a picture to indicate if the baby is hungry, bored, or sleepy.  

Choosing the right communication aids may require a trial-and-error approach. There may be days where you require more assistance from technology than others. To learn more about which type of communication aid may be useful, discuss your options with your healthcare team, and remember there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this.