Hearing Loop Technology
What is a Hearing Loop?
A hearing loop is a wire that circles a room and is connected to a sound system. The loop transmits the sound electromagnetically. The electromagnetic signal is then picked up by the telecoil in the hearing aid or cochlear implant.
To use a hearing loop, you flip on the t-switch on the hearing aid or cochlear implant to activate the telecoil. Usually, no additional receiver or equipment is needed. Using a telecoil and hearing loop together is seamless, cost-effective, unobtrusive, and you don’t have to seek additional equipment. Hearing loops are also called audio-induction loops, audio loops, or loops. If your hearing aid doesn’t have a telecoil, you will need a headset plugged into a loop receiver to achieve the same effect.
What is a Telecoil?
A telecoil in a hearing aid functions as a wireless antenna that links to the sound system and delivers customized sound to the listener. A telecoil is a small copper coil that is an option in most hearing aids and is built into cochlear implant processors. Telecoils also known as t-coils and were originally used to boost the magnetic signals from the telephone handset. The telecoil is activated by a t-switch. All landline and some cell phones are designed by law to be used with a telecoil.
The telecoil can make a noticeable difference in your life when combined with hearing assistive technology such as the hearing loop. This pairing of technology bridges the space between you and the sound source. The hearing loop connects the listener directly to the sound source while most of the background noise is eliminated.
If you are buying a hearing aid for the first time, be sure to ask that a telecoil be included. With a telecoil you can expand the functionality of your hearing aid or cochlear implant.
Why are loop systems the preferred assistive listening system?
Unlike alternative (FM or infrared) assistive listening systems which usually sit unused, loop systems:
- Require (for those with T-coils) no pick up and remembering to return portable receiving units and headsets.
- Require purchasing/maintaining/replacing fewer portable receiving units (for those without T-coils).
- Use a universal magnetic signal, which works no matter the location or hearing instrument brand (FM systems operate on differing frequencies, requiring receivers for each venue).
- Are inconspicuous: No need to display “I am hard of hearing!” Loop systems offer an easy and invisible solution to an invisible problem, thus are much more likely to be used.
- Work in transient situations: They can serve the hard of hearing at ticket counters, teller windows, drive-through stations, airport gate areas, and train and subway stations–venues where other assistive listening systems are impractical.
- Are hearing-aid compatible. There’s no need to juggle between hearing aids and headsets (for example, when shifting from sermon to singing during worship).
- Preclude bothering others nearby with sounds leaking from headset. Sound broadcast through hearing aids is contained within one’s ear.
- Afford flexible use: Can allow either direct listening or loop broadcast modes, or both.
- Deliver personalized in-the-ear sound . . . customized by one’s own hearing aids to address one’s own hearing loss.
Are, for all these reasons, more likely to be used–and to be increasingly used, once installed (as people purchase future aids with T-coils). Loop systems can, thanks to portable receivers, serve everyone including all who are served by existing systems. But, given telecoils, they are much more likely to be used—and therefore to cost less, per user. Moreover, it is those who most need hearing assistance who are most likely to have telecoils
Using Your Hearing Aids with a Smartphone
Most hearing aids can now connect to your smartphone to enhance your overall hearing experience. Here are a few of the features you may be able to use with your hearing aids and smartphone:
- Stream phone calls directly to your hearing aids
- Stream audio, such as music or driving directions, directly to your hearing aids
- Change left and right volume together or separately
- Switch between programs
- Find lost hearing aids
- Check battery status
- Control hearing aid accessories like a TV streamer or remote mic
The steps to using your smartphone with your hearing aids varies by model of hearing aid and by smartphone. Here are some general principles to help you get started.
Download the Hearing Aid App
Each hearing aid manufacturer has its own app that is designed specifically for use with your hearing aids. In order to take full advantage of the smartphone features, you will need to download the app specific to your hearing aid from the Apple App Store (for iPhones) or Google Play for (Android phones).
