Hearing Loop

"Getting Hard of Hearing people in the Loop"

                                                                                                                                                                                            

People with hearing loss can dream of a future when hearing aids might also serve as wireless loudspeakers, delivering clear, customized sound from inside their ears. They can dream of communities where worship places, auditoriums, business windows, and home TV rooms all broadcast their sound through these in-the-ear loudspeakers. Thanks to the refinement of "induction loop" systems--which magnetically transmit sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants with telecoils (T-coils)--that future can be now!

Experience hearing loop sound demonstrations and see a child's reaction to a home TV room loop.

Essays that explain and advocate for hearing loops: Scientific American, 2013, and the Wall Street Journal, 2015 (Also, printable PDF)

For 2-minute animated explanations of hearing loops, see here and here.

Evidence about how people with hearing loss respond.

For instructions for installing a home TV room loop, see (PDF) or video.

 
 

What are common concerns and FAQs about loop systems?
A Baker's Dozen Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Loops (PDF)

What hearing aids have telecoils and can receive loop broadcasts?
Most hearing aids and all new cochlear implants now come with inexpensive telecoil sensors...more
Why are assistive listening systems needed?...more What do loop systems cost? And where can we order one?...more  

Why are hearing loops the preferred assistive listening system?
Unlike other assistive listening systems, loop systems broadcast to hearing aids...more

Is there a handout explanation? Yes, the Sarasota Hearing Loss Association offers this for staff (PDF) and this for patrons (PDF).

 Where are looped venues?
See here for an interactive national locator for specific hearing assistance technologies, including loops. See lists of looped facilities in West Michigan. See initiatives in Arizona, Baltimore (MD) (PDF), Colorado, Florida (see also here), Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York City, Oregon, Rochester (NY), Sarasota (FL), Seattle (WA), Silicon Valley (CA), and Wisconsin.
What assistive listening does the Americans for Disabilities Act require? ADA General Guidelines (PDF).
Might Bluetooth be a more effective assistive listening technology? See here and (for more information) here (PDF), and here. Is there a hearing loops discussion board? Yes, here. Want advice on starting a loop initiative? See here and here (PDF).

Endorsements:

"The American Academy of Audiology, on behalf of audiologists, and the Hearing Loss Association of America on behalf of people with hearing loss announce a collaborative public education campaign 'Get in the Hearing Loop.'" ~Press release from Hearing Loss Association of America and American Academy of Audiology, 2010 (PDF).

Britain's Royal National Institute for Deaf People (now Action for Hearing Loss) has noted that "Induction loops are vital to ensure accessibility for hearing aid wearers."

See American Academy of Audiology information and brochures on hearing loops, and a Hearing Loss Association of America telecoil brochure (PDF).
   
More endorsements (PDF) of hearing aid compatible assistive listening, and user testimonials.