Assistive listening devices are a collection of technology that is used to help those with hearing loss hear better in complicated listening environments. These systems can be used in large facilities, such as a conference center, or small settings with one-on-one conversations.
An audio-induction system, also called an audio loop or hearing loop, is a wire that circles a room and is connected to public address (PA) sound systems in concert halls, high-traffic public buildings, auditoriums, places of worship, courtrooms, meeting rooms and homes. The loop transmits the sound electromagnetically through an induction process. The electromagnetic signal is then picked up by the telecoil, also referred to as a T-coil, in the hearing aid or cochlear implant.
To use the hearing loop, switch your hearing aid or cochlear implant to the T-coil setting. Using the telecoil on your instrument and hearing loop together is seamless, cost-effective and unobtrusive. You don’t have to seek additional equipment. If your hearing aid doesn’t have a telecoil, you may use a specialized hand-held receiver. This is a small pocket-type device with a single earpiece you position in your ear. This receiver is supplied by the manufacturer of your system and should be available from the customer service office in one of our designated settings.
Below is a diagram of commonly used audio/hearing loop configuration:
What is a Telecoil or T-Coil?
The pickup coil in a hearing aid is known as a telecoil, or T-coil. Originally it was designed to pick up a magnetic field of coils from the telephone. The telecoil enabled hearing aid users to hear the phone conversation more clearly without also picking up background noise around them. The telecoil in a hearing instrument or cochlear implant picks up the magnetic field of energy the audio loop transmits in the room.
How to use the Audio-Induction System/Hearing Loop system:
If you know you have a T-coil on your hearing aid or cochlea implant, simply switch it to the T-coil setting. If it does not work properly, you should return to your audiologist to ensure the T-coil is working properly.
If you do not know if you have a T-coil on your hearing aid or cochlear implant, you should consult with your audiologist. You may have a T-coil and it simply needs to be programmed. Depending on the style, age and other factors of your device, a T-coil may or may not be added.
If you know you do not have a T-coil in your hearing device or you do not use hearing aids and need assistance in hearing or understanding, use the special receiver provided with the audio loop system.
This overview was provided by The Audiology Offices. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact their office at (800) 555-5923.