Hearing Loop Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the biggest
challenge to hearing loop effectiveness?
A: User education is actually the biggest challenge. Many people have no idea
that their hearing aid or cochlear implant has a T-coil. Even if an
organization posts the universal hearing loop symbol, people may not fully
understand that they can easily take advantage of the technology using their
existing assistive hearing device. It helps to provide some information about
T-coils on signs, in programs and in public presentations.
Q: Are there any
venues that just cannot be looped?
A: Ninety percent of all facilities can be looped effectively. Steel and
concrete with rebar can make an installation more complex. It is important to
have a professional hearing loop installer conduct an initial site assessment
to determine the effectiveness of a hearing loop for a particular venue.
Q: Is non-structural
magnetic interference a problem with hearing loops?
A: Generally not. Old computer monitors, old fluorescent lighting, and some old
dimmer switches generate interference, as do some cars and all airplanes. But
all the successful current installations show that interference-free
installation is nearly always possible.
Q: Can hearing loops
serve those without telecoil-equipped hearing aids or without hearing aids
entirely?
A: Yes, hearing loops typically come with portable receivers and headsets to
serve people who don’t have T-coil equipped hearing aids. As T-coils have
become commonplace, we find that most receivers and headsets are not used.
Q: Can hearing loops
be used in adjacent rooms?
A: Yes, systems can be designed that control sound spillover between adjacent
rooms.
Q: Can you see the
hearing loop?
A: No, the hearing loop does not affect the venue’s architecture or appearance
at all.
Q: Do I need to do
anything to maintain a hearing loop?
A: Just check it monthly to make sure that it is working properly.
Installations often come with a special listening device to allow a non-hearing
aid wearer to access the induction loop.
Q: How do people know
that a hearing loop is available?
A: The venue will post this internationally accepted symbol
