Frequently Asked Questions
I DON’T UNDERSTAND….WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A HEARING LOOP?
Hearing loops also called induction loops help people with hearing aids and cochlear implants hear more clearly as long as their hearing instruments are equipped with Telecoils (T-Coils). When using t-coils along with hearing aids, a PA system reduces or cuts out background noise when the user selects the Telecoil setting.
IF I HAVE HEARING DEVICES, WHY ARE HEARING INDUCTION LOOPS NEEDED?
In venues such as churches, auditoriums and playhouses where you need improved signal to noise ratio, selecting the t-coil setting will reduce the noise and allow you to not only hear but understand speech without distortion. Remember, when using your own hearing instruments, they become your own personalized speakers taking sound directly from the microphone of the PA systems to your ears. When you think about it, it doubles the usefulness of your hearing aids or cochlear implant.
HOW DOES A HEARING LOOP WORK?
A hearing loop, which is the transmitter, creates an electromagnetic field that is picked up by the T-Coil being the receiver, and is then changed to audible sounds. An Induction Loop system consists of a microphone of a PA system which picks up speech; an amplifier which process the speech and is then sent through the loop cable. The cable is installed uniquely for each venue which acts as an antenna that radiates the magnetic signal to the hearing aid.
WHAT IF I DO NOT WEAR A HEARING AID? CAN AN INDUCTION HEARING LOOP HELP ME?
With the help of a Telecoil receiver, yes, you also can benefit from a hearing loop. Telecoil receivers are Available for those who would like to hear the sound by using headphones or ear buds. You will still benefit by the reduced background noise and will have less sound distortion. Speech clarity will allow less listening fatigue on the user.
I HAVE NOT HEARD MUCH ABOUT HEARING LOOPS. WHY IS THAT?
Until recently many hearing aids dispensed in the United States did not include T-coils. Even though the technology was available, many did not utilize it. Today, however, at least 68% of all hearing aids have telecoils and more than half of the people that have the t-coil activated say it is their favorite hearing aid feature. 10 years ago the number was less than half.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A FACILITY IS LOOPED?
Look for the International sign.
CAN A HEARING LOOP BE INSTALLED ANYWHERE?
Induction Loops have been installed in such places as churches, theaters, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, township halls, bank teller windows. We can’t forget restaurants, libraries, schools, hotels, convention centers and hospitals.