Category Archives: Hearing Loop Solutions for Daily Living

Hearing Loop Solutions for Daily Living

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Hearing Loop Solutions for Daily Living

Small but practical

Traditionally, people think of the installation of pricey hearing loops in large, noisy venues where communication  for those with hearing loss is close to impossible. Here, one might mention meeting/conference rooms in workplaces or in libraries; auditoriums; places of worship; convention halls etc.

But these are not the places where we spend significant amounts of time in daily life. Yet, understanding speech in background noise is an ongoing challenge, especially in smaller groups and during one-on-one conversations, at home or at work.

Earlier, I had mentioned the usefulness of a neckloop and of desk loops for businesses. These desk loops are basically dual intercom systems that can be tied to a hearing loop.

However, I came across some interesting and practical loop ideas while searching for everyday and more affordable applications of loop technology. Remember that telecoils are necessary for tapping into a hearing loop.

Check it out

As always, the links for different products are for information and illustration only, as Loop Minnesota does not favor one manufacturer or distributor over another.

Make sure that you read all the instructions and specifications regarding the equipment. Are any other accessories required, such as amplifiers, batteries or microphones. Discuss your needs, prices and installation details with a specialist. Might it be a good idea to get professional help so that the system is installed correctly?

The mat can be placed on or below a non-metal chair so that one sits in the loop. Or, it can be on the floor in front of a customer service window, for example for people to step into the loop.

Yet, might the mat be a tripping hazard? How about people in wheelchairs or with walkers? These are installation details to be discussed with the representative.

  • Intercom loops for homes, apartment buildings or businesses.

Going to visit friends in an apartment building with a fuzzy intercom? What was that? Wha-whup. I-boo-penny. Instead, it would be nice to hear: Come on up. I’m in two-twenty.

There is help for this:

www.ampetronic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/UP39701-4-HLS-2C-datasheet-interactive-V005.pdf

These are just some examples. There are many more manufacturers and vendors of hearing loop systems. So, where would you like to hear and understand better? I bet there is a loop for that.

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For any questions or suggestions regarding hearing loops, contact us.

Also visit my website: hearing-loss-talk.com where I blog about all sorts of topics related to hearing and hearing loss.

Hearing Loops for Businesses

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Hearing Loops for Businesses

Shortcomings in equitable access

Although totally necessary, COVID-19 safety precautions have led to serious communication issues for those with hearing challenges ─ over 20 percent of the population.

While all customers and clients need equitable access to communication at any time, the Coronavirus has uncovered the fact that many businesses have few if any ways of accommodating hearing loss for everyday business transactions.

No more lipreading

Speechreading (lipreading), an important communication method for those with hearing loss has become pretty much impossible these days. Keeping at a distance weakens sound signals, which are further muffled by facemasks and plastic or glass barriers. Facial expressions are no longer visible. And then, there is no other accommodation!

Even as the COVID pandemic rages on and safety precautions are all important, tending to daily business should not be a dreaded chore because of lack of access. And that access should be discreet, wireless and touchless while providing sound clarity.

Counter Hearing Loops can help.

These have been around for some time and are very common overseas. They are simpler, faster and less expensive to install than whole area loops. There are even portable versions.

Clients can tune into the loop sound signal by activating the telecoils in their hearing aids, cochlear implants or portable T-coil devices. No yelling. No overly amplified, embarrassing cacophony. No need for unhygienic access devices.

Get information

When it comes to sound access, every situation is different. Therefore, it is important to do some research and to get information from knowledgeable sources. Get started by Contacting Us.

Advertise!

Once counters or kiosks have been made accessible, include this information in your advertising material. Let people with hearing loss know that you are inclusive and that equitable access is an important business concern.

The blue-and-white hearing loss symbol marked with a prominent “T” (for telecoil or T-coil), tells customers that they have loop access and which waiting line or service desk to choose.

Disclaimer: The above web address links are provided for information and illustration only. Loop Minnesota does not favor one manufacturer, company or supplier over another.