Abstract: A personal radio-based hearing aid system is provided. The hearing aid system interfaces with existing hearing aids using the “T” facility. The system comprises a switchable unidirectional or omnidirectional microphone; a line input; and an FM radio transmitter. The components are housed in a discrete hand-held unit with integral stand, and a FM receiver unit connected to an inductive loop to form a discrete pendant and necklace. The prime use of said system is to give the user greater control over his environment by using the system to compensate for the loss of natural aural focus.