Hearing Loops-FAQ

Today’s hearing aids enhance hearing in conversational settings. Yet for those with hearing loss, the sound becomes unclear when loudspeakers are distant when the context is noisy, or in rooms that reverberate sound. A hearing loop magnetically transfers a microphone or TV sound signal to hearing aids and cochlear implants that have an inexpensive “telecoil” receiver. This transforms the instruments into in-the-ear speakers that deliver sound customized for one’s own hearing loss.

You can read more and watch a video on our website The Need.

Unlike alternative (FM or infrared) assistive listening systems which usually sit unused, hearing 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!” 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 hearing 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). Hearing 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.

Anyone can use an assistive listening system: anyone who wishes to have clearer speech with less background noise. Individuals with hearing loss, those with other disabilities also find assistive listening systems invaluable.

Sometimes people will say, “My hearing loss isn’t bad enough. I don’t need to use the system.” Why not listen with less effort and understand more words?

Yes! All forms of assistive listening, including hearing loops, come with portable receivers and headphones.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you can borrow equipment, at no cost, from the site. Check the site’s website or inquire where you can find the equipment, which is commonly available at these locations: guest services, A/V, information desk, etc.

Seek advice by talking with your doctor and pacemaker manufacturer for your individual needs.

For room hearing loops, there are usually no concerns, as people are not in very close proximity to the floor where the hearing loop is installed (e.g., lying on the floor).

For counter hearing loops, it’s probably good to follow the hearing loop manufacturer guidance-see Zotero online library. From one manufacturer “Stand at least 20cm (about 8 inches) away from the counter loop.”

For neckloops used with FM and IR systems, ILHMA statement below.

Resources

• International Hearing Loop Manufacturers Association (IHLMA) Position on Neck Loops and Cardiac Pacemakers
• Zotero online library of articles and websites