Hearing Loops are also known as Telecoil Loops or Induction Loops which are mainly used in Public buildings such as theatres, banks, supermarkets or post offices. There are also sometimes fitted in assistive devices such as telephones or televisions. Signs are generally displayed to indicated that the building has a telecoil.
A hearing loop system works by converting sounds from the speaker via a pre installed hearing loop system into radio waves which are then received by the listener via their hearing aids, directly into the ear. The benefit of a hearing loop is that when used correctly it eliminates any loss of sound that occurs naturally as it travels through the air. As sound travels it reduces in volume at the rate of 6 decibels over double of the distance it travels. This means when listening to a speaker in church for example, from at the back of a room, means that the sound will be quieter by the time it reaches the listeners ears. Couple this with the eroding affects that any unwanted back ground noises and poor building acoustics and the listener with a hearing loss becomes totally isolated. A hearing loop in a church for a person with a hearing loss is, if you pardon the pun, “a God send”
Also please importantly remember that the “T Program” must also be switched on at the hearing aid in order for it to work. There are generally two settings that the hearing aid dispenser can set the telecoil program on. One is a Telecoil program on its own with the microphone muted. This setting blocks out all other sounds through the microphone so that the user can concentrate solely on the sounds transmitted via the Loop System. This can at sometimes make the user feel isolated, especially as other sounds not in the loop cannot be heard. But it is an option that some people prefer but a good dispenser should discuss the options with you before hand.
Some Digital hearing aids do not have the facility for a hearing loop, so be careful to find out at point of sale. The Loop System can also be incorporated in your home and assist you in conversation or whilst watching the television or when on the telephone.
Please note that hearing aids do not always come with the Loop System as standard. Please discuss this with your Dispenser at the initial consultation. For more information call us today free on 0800 0304 542
