If you’re using a hearing aid that comes with a telecoil, you’ll discover a major auditory improvement in public places and performing arts centers that have installed hearing loop systems. You may also decide to install a system in your home after experiencing the type of sound quality you can expect. If you’ve had a hearing loss, a loop system can make a significant difference in your ability to connect with the world around you.
How Do Hearing Loop Systems Help Individuals With Hearing Loss?
Also referred to as induction loop systems, the basic concept is that of a magnetic wire looped around the perimeter of a public or in-home listening space that enables hearing aids to function like wireless loudspeakers. To perform in this manner, the hearing device must have a telecoil installed. As a result of their expanded functionality, the majority of available hearing assistance devices either contain t-coils or offer them as an option. Cochlear implant hearing devices are all equipped with t-coils.
If you’re “within the loop,” you simply switch your hearing device to the “T” setting and the sound, speech or program transmitted by the induction loop gets sent directly to your telecoil-equipped hearing aid. The sound received by your personal wireless in-ear speaker system is also customized to meet your individual hearing needs. An audiological evaluation will serve to ensure that your hearing assistance device is fine-tuned to meet your specific frequency-amplification needs.
The many places and venues where loop systems can make it possible for individuals with hearing loss to experience significantly improved sound quality include:
- Concert, performance and lecture halls
- Movie theaters, ticket counters and pharmacies
- Classrooms and meeting areas
- Houses of worship
- Private homes and group residences
Are There Additional Benefits to Loop Systems?
A residential-use induction loop can be discreetly installed under a carpet and used to transmit TV and other audio-visual programs to occupants and their visitors. Assisted living and other communities for seniors or disabled individuals can provide enhanced entertainment and group activity programs for their residents.
Hearing loops transmitting to telecoil-equipped hearing aids during public concerts and other performances eliminate the need for sharing venue-provided earbuds or headsets used by other patrons. Loop-compatible hearing devices also reduce the need to distribute and collect shared equipment before and after events and meetings.
Overall, hearing loop systems help build more inclusive communities. Rather than feeling excluded, members with hearing impairments can take advantage of expanded opportunities for informed participation and interaction.
How Can Individuals With Hearing Loss Find Out if a Loop-Compatible Device Is a Good Fit for Their Needs?
One of the key elements in taking advantage of a loop system is ensuring that your hearing device contains an activated t-coil. Choosing the hearing assistance device that best meets your individualized requirements is an important decision, and we can help. Founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization, HEAR Center’s mission is to serve the specialized needs of individuals with hearing loss. We’ll provide a no-fee hearing assistance screening that can help ensure that you’re outfitted with the hearing device that meets your individual needs.
Don’t allow the expanding variety of available hearing assistance devices and technologies to cause any confusion or uncertainty. Contact Hear Center to find out what’s the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
Call or text: (626) 734-6555
Email us at: appointments@hearcenter.org
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Also, for more information about Audiology, please visit our webpage: https://www.hearcenter.org/services/audiology/