Category Archives: communication access

Senior Living Hearing Assistance? Ask About it!

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

By now, it is well known that Aging tops the list of the many causes of hearing loss. The older people become the more problems they have hearing and understanding speech in background sound. This seriously limits socializing for those who hope to find new friends and connections in Senior Living facilities, their new homes.

Sadly, it is not a given that Senior Living places meet the communication needs of the hard-of-hearing (HOH). This has become apparent during personal visits to such facilities. Also, Loop Minnesota gets requests for information about assistive hearing technology from residents.

Limits to participation and quality of life

At issue: Community & Activity locations often lack appropriate accommodation for those with hearing challenges. People feel excluded from participating in physical, religious and leisure activities. Maybe facilities count on residents having hearing aids. However, hearing aids also have their limits in noise-confused environments.

Hearing loss increases the risks for isolation, depression and even dementia. And so, one would expect Senior Living facilities to advertise Hearing Access technology prominently in ads that cater to older adults, their target population with varying degrees of hearing challenges.

Ask about available Hearing & Listening technology

Unfortunately, most people don’t think to ask about communication access when they choose their future homes. If possible, go for an on-site visit and see for yourself. Besides the marketing agent who is usually the “Tour” guide, ask to speak to the AV (Audio-visual) technician.

What kind of hearing accommodation is available? Who operates and maintains the system(s)? Are staff trained in their use? Do residents know that hearing assistance is available, and do they know how to use it?

Public Address (PA) systems are the most common. It was explained to me that they are easy to handle and have plenty of volume. However, louder is not necessarily better for those with hearing loss. It can actually make things worse.

That said, well-maintained and upgraded loudspeaker – or PA – systems are a good start. They also support the addition of other choices, such as hearing loops and/or neckloops to be used with T-coil-equipped hearing aids, FM (Frequency Modulation – basically a radio system), Infra-Red (IR) and Wi-Fi. These technologies can and will coexist for years to come. In the future, we will add the emerging Low Energy (L.E.) Bluetooth broadcast & receiving technology known as Auracast™ to the list.

And so, we have options and changes are happening even as I write this. However, the important thing is for Senior Living residents to hear now.  

In the end, Bingo and Yoga for all!

Without access to communication, people can’t fully participate.  And so, don’t be taken by surprise. Ask about assistive hearing technology. Be included – not excluded – in your new home. After all, it’s a matter of quality of life!

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Also check out my blogs at https://hearing-loss-talk.com/

 

Correct Microphone Use is Essential for Consistent Hearing Loop Sound

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

 

For hearing loop sound to be clear and consistent, loop-connected microphones (mikes) must be used correctly.

The microphone style, type and installation vary with the venue. But no matter what these choices are, sound signals that do not go through loop mikes are not fed into the hearing loop. They are not picked up by telecoils and cannot be heard by those listening through the loop.

·        A church member wondered what was wrong with the church hearing loop. He heard and understood the sermon and readings perfectly, but he could not hear anything when the pastor made announcements away from the altar and pulpit.

Obviously, the loop worked. However, in some way the pastor was not “miked” when he addressed the congregation away from the fixed loop microphones attached to the altar and pulpit. That’s when a loop-connected handheld mike should have been used. Then again, maybe the pastor had a body/belt worn microphone pack, such as a lapel mike, that was not turned on. Or maybe he forgot to wear it?

·        Recently, my husband and I attended the launch of a new hearing loop in a Town Council Chamber. The microphone used for public comments was a handheld mike that was used incorrectly in many ways. People held it low at chest level, turned their heads away from it and waved the mike around…

Listening through the loop became almost impossible as the burping, halting sound faded in and out. In this case, a fixed mike such as a “gooseneck” mike is preferrable as it forces people to speak directly into it. The problem has since been resolved.

Tips for improved loop microphone use

·        Make sure that loop-connected microphones of any style are turned on and ready for use.
·        Speak at a normal voice level directly into the microphone.
·        Do not walk away from fixed loop mikes – or use a loop-connected portable mike
·        During “looped” question-and-answer sessions, handheld microphones are passed around so that all can hear the question and the             answer. The person who has the mike speaks – one at a time.
·        Hold handheld mikes still and close to the mouth, usually at chin-level. This leaves the lips of the speaker visible.
·        When you turn, the microphone must turn with you in order to maintain that close-to-the-mouth position.
·        Waving a handheld mike around or turning the head away from it leads to uneven, broken-up sound signals that frustrate loop users.
·        Ultimately, maintain the handheld or body-worn mikes: Turn them off and wipe them clean after use. Store them correctly. Put them             on the charger or replace the batteries as needed.

In the end, correct microphone use is essential for consistent hearing loop sound. It promotes clear and effortless listening, which in turn makes for satisfied hearing loop users.  It is a matter of communcation access and quality of life.

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If you want to learn more about various topics concerning hearing and hearing loss, please see my blog at  https://hearing-loss-talk.com/

Caring About Others Leads to New Hearing Loop

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Picture by Justin Burwinkel

 

This is not only a story about the installation of a new hearing loop in a Church in Minnesota. It is a story about communication access.  It is a story about empathy and advocacy without having a need oneself. But mostly, it is a story of how caring about others leads to a new Minnesota Hearing Loop.

Not understanding speech-in-noise can be very isolating and life-limiting for those with hearing loss. This is one of the major reasons why people no longer attend book clubs, church services and social club meetings.  As one woman put it:” There is nothing in it for me anymore. I can’t understand a word.” This is why hearing loops are important. So far, this is the only assistive listening technology that helps improve the understanding of speech in background sound.

Hear Clearly at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan, Mn

Some weeks ago, the Church became the proud owner of a new hearing loop. It has excellent sound quality and now ALL can hear!  A parishioner saw the need for including people with hearing challenges in the Church community. He suggested the installation of a hearing loop, advocated for it and saw the project through to completion with the help of an equally devoted friend. They deserve double kudos as neither of them has hearing loss. How cool is that – thinking and caring about others and advocating for those who would be excluded!

That said, many thanks also go to those who supported the looping effort and helped fund it. Hearing loops do not install themselves, and they are not free.

And so, the list of hearing loops across Minnesota grows as many people are beginning to appreciate that the time for them to hear clearly in noise is Now – NOT years from now!

In the end, Care about Others! Make venues accessible with hearing loops and help people find those loops! List them on the Access Page of Google Maps. Announce them on Website pages and mention them in any publications, such as Newsletters and Bulletins. Tell the world that you care about communication access and quality-of-life for ALL.

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So, where do you want to hear better? Contact us at Loop Minnesota with any questions or loop suggestions?

May – the Month to Showcase Hearing Loops and Telecoils!

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Every year, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) dedicates the month of May as Better Hearing and Speech month. The purpose is to raise awareness about communication disorders.

Loop Minnesota wants to broaden the focus of this message as far as Better Hearing is concerned. People with hearing loss struggle to hear and understand speech in background noise. For them, communication and learning are seriously hampered in loud places. While hearing aids and assistive devices can help, they too have their limits.

Better Understanding Speech in Noise Means Better Hearing

To this day, the assistive system of Hearing Loop & Telecoils is the most effective and predictable way for overcoming speech-in-noise challenges. This is why the month of May is also a good time to showcase the technology that enables those with hearing issues communicate a lot more efficiently because they Hear Better in noise.

And so, it makes sense that the discussion about Better Hearing should also focus on Better Understanding of Speech in noisy venues.  For those with telecoils in their hearing aids or cochlear implants, hearing loops manage background noise in venues, such as churches, conference halls and meeting rooms. As counter loops, they make life easier at store check-out counters, information desks, ticket counters, bank teller windows and more.

In the end, let the month of May be a time of advocating for Better Hearing by means of Hearing Loops and Telecoils in public places, no matter what their size.

  •  Ask hearing specialists about Loop Technology and Telecoils (T-coils). Do my hearing aids have telecoils? Are they activated? Why not?
  • Ask venues, businesses, churches, and libraries what kind of access they provide for visitors, customers, and members with hearing loss. Let them know how and why Loops could help.
  • Get involved! Become a member of Loop Minnesota. Learn about hearing loops, and about other access technology choices.
  •  Help spread the word on Hearing Loops and Telecoils in your communities.
  • Let Loop Minnesota know about places with existing loops or access technology so that they can be added to our website list.
  •  Where would you like to hear and understand better? Contact us. We can help.

The world is getting louder by the day. Expecting life to play itself out in quiet, accommodating environments is fast becoming an unrealistic expectation. No matter what time of the year, at Loop Minnesota we aim to help people hear and understand and communicate better. Join us. Be bold!  It’s the Month of May and it’s O.K.

Loop Minnesota a Finalist for ACG MN BOLD AWARDS

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Picture courtesy ACG MN BOLD AWARDS

Loop Minnesota is proud to be a candidate for the 2023 Minnesota Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) BOLD Award.  We have moved through the application and vetting phases and are now a finalist in the Not-for-Profit category.

According to the ACG website, “BOLD Awards honors and highlights the innovative and inspirational organizations that make Minnesota great. These awards are designed to honor and recognize innovation, inspirational moves, bold visions and leaders that have made bold moves to positively grow, restructure or enhance their companies for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

 BOLD moves for Loop Minnesota are embedded in our mission. We advocate for Equitable Access to Communication for those with hearing loss. ALL people need access to their communities – stores, businesses, banks, libraries, places of worship etc.

Hearing loss is a communication problem. The biggest challenge is understanding speech in background noise. And so, it is quite BOLD for Loop Minnesota to advocate for accommodation technology on behalf of the roughly 20% of Minnesotans with hearing loss.

For now, and into the future, hearing loops are still the best bet for understanding speech clearly in loud venues – large and small. They include rather than exclude people. Participation beats isolation!

 Even if Loop Minnesota is not chosen, only good can come from being nominated for this award. Our BOLD moves and efforts are recognized. The public exposure and increased visibility are priceless.

At the very least, ACG member corporations and businesses will learn about the need to make businesses and venues accessible to people with hearing challenges – an untapped population of potential clients, customers, members, sponsors etc.

The recognition of assistive listening advantages might make Loops for Daily Living – one of our BOLD goals –a dream come true. Hearing Loop signs everywhere – at bank teller windows, ticket counters, information desks, store check-out counters and customer service windows! What a wonderful, accessible world this would be!

Regardless of the outcome, Loop Minnesota will BOLDLY proceed with its mission to ease communication and preserve quality of life for Minnesotans with hearing loss.

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To join us as a member or for more information, Contact Us – Loop Minnesota 

Minnesota Hearing Loops are Happening!

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Hearing Loops Help Everybody

And Loop Minnesota rejoices and celebrates the Equitable Access to Communication that these loops represent for those with hearing loss.

  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

 

Hearing Loops have arrived at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The airport redesign, construction and refurbishment projects have lasted for some years now and a lot more work must still be done.

One of the major goals is to make our airport the most accessible in the World for people with disabilities. This includes people with hearing loss. And so, it is great news to see the mention of hearing loops pop up in the website Accessibility Page.

(Note: Loop Minnesota Vice President Monique Hammond continues to serve on the Travelers with Disabilities Advisory Committee where she advocates for people with hearing loss.)

From the Airport’s Website:

Hearing Loop Technology

…At Terminal 1, travelers will find hearing loop technology throughout the departures hall and arrivals level including both the baggage claim and the international arrivals areas. For those looking to relax, this technology is also readily available in the See18 short film space. Several gate areas on Concourse G have also been equipped with this technology as we continue to expand the footprint of this program through new construction projects. 

At Terminal 2, travelers will currently experience hearing loop technology between gates H11 – H14 with construction currently underway to make it available in gates H1 – H10…

More good news: Access for Township residents!

  • On October 17, 2022, Loop Minnesota was present when the Board of Becker Township (Sherburne County) “commissioned” the brand-new hearing loop that was installed in its meeting room. And so, all township residents can now participate in the happenings of their communities. It’s a matter of Access.
  • Work will soon begin on the installation of a loop in the Board meeting room of a neighboring Township.

 

Get involved! There are so many ways to make a difference

Tell your audiologists/hearing device specialists to teach clients about Telecoils and hearing loops. Ask your hearing care providers to activate the telecoils in your hearing aids.

Join us! Become a Loop Minnesota member! Help us make a lot more loops happen throughout the State. Check the Home Page of our website for a partial list of hearing loops in and around Minnesota. If you know about other loops, please contact us so that we can add them to the list.

Click this link to contact us. Tell us where you want to understand speech in noise a lot better. Grocery store? Bank? Place of worship? Does your library offer any accommodation? How about getting hearing loop access in your City Council Chambers or in your Township Board Room?

Although there is a lot of buzz about access technology changes, this is still quite a way in the future.  We must remember that we need to hear right here and Now.

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Also, visit my website where I write blogs on all sorts of topics related to hearing and hearing loss  https://hearing-loss-talk.com/

Grocery Store Hearing Loops!

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Contactainc.com: Grocery Outlet, Springfield, OR

Is my dream of Loops for Daily Living becoming a reality? Things are looking up!

Grocery store hearing loops are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. Even a single hearing-loop-enabled check-out counter is a valuable business investment. To customers with hearing loss, it means “Access.” It tells them that they too are recognized and appreciated.

Announce the presence of active, certified loops on your website! Tell Google Maps. Edit your organization/business “Accessibility” attributes to include Assistive Hearing Loop. How to edit or add: https://t.co/cxtvhWqh1E

In Springfield, Oregon, all checkout counters of the Grocery Outlet store now have hearing loops! Thanks to owners Tracy and Tom Hogan, customers can use the telecoils in their hearing aids and cochlear implants to help them understand speech so much better in the background noise of the store.

Checkout counters can be daunting. So many questions! Found everything OK? Do you want your receipt? Cash or credit? Got any coupons? All I usually hear is something like WhoaWhoa.  While trying to guess at body language, I run my credit card through the reader. Did they ask for my email to send me stuff? Very frustrating!

Tracy Hogan shares that she has bilateral hearing loss and so she can relate to the struggle of trying to hear in a sound-confused environment. Listen to her as she explains how the loop works in her store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI0vhf9HjqA

Then, along the East Coast Wegmans Food Markets, a company with over 100 stores across 7 States also has installed hearing loops  in their stores.

And of course, there are more grocery stores that have also been in the news for making the shopping experience for the hard-of-hearing easier with hearing loops. Check your local store. Encourage the owner/franchisee to consider a checkout loop.

The important thing for us to remember is that hearing loops are not dead, retro or antiquated. On the contrary, their popularity is on the rise. The travel industry is no longer the only major industry that recognizes the importance of communication access with loops.

As hearing loops spread in the communities, are you ready to use them? Do you recognize the blue-and-white sign with the T in the right-hand corner?  Do you have telecoils in your hearing aids? If so, are they activated? Do you know how to use them? There is no time like the present to ask your audiologist/hearing specialist for details.

In the end, hearing loops do not appear miraculously. For loops to happen we have to learn about them, ask for them and advocate for them. That’s what we do at Loop Minnesota. Join us!

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Also visit my website https://hearing-loss-talk.com/ where I post blogs on all sorts of issues concerning hearing loss.

 

 

 

Hearing Loop Advocacy Talking Points

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Spread the word

Advocates speak in favor of a particular cause with the purpose to inform and to change behavior. In this case, the “cause” is equitable access to communication for the hard-of-hearing in loud, echoey places by means of hearing or induction loops.

Although nobody needs to be a “loop specialist”, it is important to be reasonably familiar with some basic facts of the technology. Also, a polite, non-confrontational approach makes people more willing to listen.

And so, how can people make an impact and convince decision makers that a hearing loop would be indeed a good investment for their places of worship, convention venues or business areas, such as information or customer service windows? Following are some tips that can be considered while making a case for loops.

  1. Personal Experience.

 

Describe in a few words how connecting hearing aids to loops by means of telecoils improves clarity of speech, fosters inclusion and improves quality of life. Make it your story. By now, just about every family has at least one relative who struggles with hearing loss. An emotional appeal can be quite effective.

2. Sound Demonstration

From your smartphone or laptop, share a YouTube to illustrate the difference between the un-looped and looped sound environments. Although there are others, here are two examples:

New York Subway station: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahbz0VvlZF0

Church readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOKuf_Eu1J4

3. Basic explanation of how a loop & telecoil system works – if asked.

Note: The actual hearing loop is an electrical wire. Telecoils are wireless antennas in hearing instruments.

Sound from a speaker’s microphone activates the hearing loop wire. Telecoils in hearing instruments tap into the magnetic energy of the loop. The magnetic signals transfer wirelessly to the hearing instrument, which changes them back into audible sound. The audible signal is now clearer and stronger without any or minimal background noise.

Detailed explanations can be found at loopminnesota.org. People can also contact us for more information.

5. Know some of the advantages that loops provide

  • Once installed, they are long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free
  • Loops are invisible and discreet, which eliminates the risk of stigma attached to hearing loss
  • Loops are user-friendly and easy to use
  • Loops make businesses accessible to the hard-of-hearing. Advertise your loop!
  • Hearing loops for service windows, check-out counters and information desks are becoming quite popular. 2-way communication systems tied in with a loop are available as kits. All-in-one portable devices are also popular. There are plenty of choices out there. These are some examples for starters.

 

6. What about disadvantages?  

  • The physical installation is often seen as an invasive drawback. Loops for larger areas – places of worship, libraries, convention halls or meeting rooms – are best installed during new construction or during venue refurbishments.
  • Cost. This depends on the size of the loop and on the complexity of the design. It is best to have a certified loop contractor do an on-site inspection.

 

7. Gratitude and follow-up

  • Thank people for their time and their willingness to listen.
  • Ask if and when you can check back with them. Usually, other members or committees have to be consulted on the feasibility of the project. However, it is important to keep the channels open and the discussion going.

 

In the end,

It is up to those who are hard-of-hearing to advocate on their own behalf for equitable communication access by means of hearing loops. For now, loops and telecoil systems are the only and best bet for helping hard-of-hearing people understand speech clearly in large, loud and echoey places. So, spread the word on the communication advantages of hearing loops in the interest of inclusion and quality of life.

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Note: Any links to websites or mention of products or technology are for information and illustration only. Loop Minnesota does not favor or endorse one brand, manufacturer or distributor over others.

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Also visit my website hearing-loss-talk.com where I post blogs on all sorts of issues concerning hearing loss.

 

 

 

 

Hearing Loops and Telecoils or Bluetooth? We Need Both!

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Bluetooth Headset

It is all about access to communication

Recently, the question was asked in a meeting why we keep talking about the need for telecoils in hearing aids and cochlear implants and the installation of hearing loops in venues when Bluetooth is in and telecoils and loops are out.

This is a very timely question as it talks to the confusion about current and future use of Bluetooth for those with hearing loss.

Hearing loops and telecoils work together anywhere in the world. They work in venues of any size, from TV dens in homes to convention halls. No synching needed.

While Bluetooth enables wireless connections between smartphones, hearing aids and other Bluetooth devices, even the latest version of this technology is not ready for public, large-scale signal broadcasting. That type of connectivity is still at least another 10 years out, according to technology specialists.

Loops and telecoils versus Bluetooth? At this time, these are two very helpful but different types of technology that coexist and complement each other.

Telecoils and Bluetooth can be installed together in the same hearing instruments, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. They have their pros and cons but for the foreseeable future, we need both types of technology.

Because in the end, this is all about quality of life through equitable access to communication for those with hearing loss.

Bluetooth changes by leaps and bounds

In 2014, Bluetooth became a popular feature in hearing aids. People with hearing loss immediately appreciated having a direct, wireless, hands-free connections between their smartphones and their hearing instruments.

Nowadays, cochlear implants, earbuds and devices known as “hearables” are also routinely Bluetooth-enabled. Hearing devices can link up with laptops, TVs and computers and more. Accessories like Bluetooth adapters and streamers help bridge connectivity and compatibility issues.

Overall, Bluetooth is technology that allows wireless, one-on-one, short distance connections between different devices that recognize each other. So far, it is mostly helpful for private, personal use.

Enter Bluetooth LE 5.2

With its new coder-decoder (CODEC) LC3, Bluetooth LE 5.2 is fast becoming the new hype of the town. Within the next year or so, this technology will be found in smartphones, hearing instruments and other devices. While it offers some great advantages, converting to this latest Bluetooth version, or protocol will NOT be a simple software upgrade of existing technology.

And so, people must prepare themselves to invest in new phones and hearing instruments capable of handling this newest Bluetooth edition. In order to get ready for Bluetooth LE (LC3), manufacturers are busy adapting their device hardware and software. Particularly, instrument “chips” must be redesigned and re-licensed.

No overnight magic

Although hearing technology changes very fast, there will be no overnight magic. Getting high-quality, reliable Bluetooth connectivity in large spaces is a worldwide undertaking. Progress is expected within the next 10 years or so.

For the time being, the Bluetooth emphasis is still on short-distance connections. Even the latest Bluetooth LE 5.2 (LC3) version is not ready for public audio broadcast in big venues, such as places of worship, airports, lecture and convention halls etc. There are many kinks to be worked out.

Also, as venues must have hearing loops installed for telecoils to function, so venues must be equipped and readied for Bluetooth LE 5.2 (LC3) transmission and reception.

So far, Hearing loops and telecoils are our best and only bet for understanding speech in large, noisy places. And so, there is a continued need for this technology. It is ready and available to help us hear better NOW as well as throughout the lengthy Bluetooth LE 5.2 (LC3) transition period.

Read more: Bluetooth streaming instead of induction?

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To learn more about all sorts of topics on ears and hearing, visit my website at hearing-loss-talk.com

2022 – The Year for Hearing Loops & Telecoils in Minnesota

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

It is all about “equitable” access

Hearing Loops & Telecoils in Minnesota
Equitable access means that those who need extra accommodation get the help they need. Equal access, or what everybody else gets is often not enough.

For equitable access to communication, those who are hard-of-hearing need boosted sound signals and reduction of background noise in order to hear and understand clearly in noisy venues and businesses. PA (Public Address) systems, 2-way microphone intercoms and even hearing aids are not enough.

Fortunately, the type of technology that facilitates inclusion of the hearing-challenged in lecture rooms, museums, places of worship, convention halls and even at information desks and teller windows exists.

Assistive listening systems made of hearing loops and telecoils can deliver sound clarity beyond one’s wildest dreams. Telecoils, or T-coils are wireless antennas that are installed by the manufacturers in many hearing aids and cochlear implants. They access professionally installed hearing, or induction loops.

Unfortunately, many who could benefit from this technology are not aware of it. Even among hearing specialists there is often bias against it. Do you know if your hearing aids have telecoils? Luckily,  in spite of it all, hearing loops are now in higher demand than ever – in the United States and worldwide.

Back to the old ways? Time for change!

Once COVID simmers down, in-person meetings will be back. Where will that leave Minnesotans with hearing loss? Back to the old struggle of deciphering speech in noise? Back to isolation and depression over feeling excluded?

2022  –  the year of inclusion and equitable access

And so, the time for equitable access to communication for those with hearing loss has arrived. Become involved.

Join Loop Minnesota and let 2022 be the year of hearing loops and telecoils. Let it be the year when Minnesotans learn a lot more about this technology and how it can help communication. Be an advocate for equitable access for yourself and for others. It takes all of us to make a difference because, oh my, there is so much to do in 2022!

Happy Holidays and the Best of Hearing ever in the New Year!!

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To learn more about all sorts of topics on ears and hearing, visit my website at hearing-loss-talk.com