Category Archives: Hearing Loops Help Everybody

Hearing Loops Help Everybody

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Hearing Loops Help Everybody

No Hearing loss needed!

So, you think that you have perfect hearing. Yet, you became exhausted from straining to follow the wedding ceremony of your favorite niece in that echoey church?

Yes, indeed large, reverberating venues like hotel convention rooms, conference halls and places of worship can challenge even those with still decent hearing to understand clearly in background noise.

However, in this case, it did not have to be that way. Signs posted throughout the venue indicated that a hearing loop was in place. Too bad that the general public does not know about this technology or how to access it.

All anybody needs are telecoils

Small wireless antennas called telecoils or T-coils are needed to access a hearing or induction loop. Telecoils are usually found in hearing aids and in cochlear implants, which leads people to believe that hearing loops are only for the hearing-challenged. Wrong!

The truth is that anybody who has a device with telecoils can tap into an activated hearing loop for much clearer speech signals. In venues that display the universal blue hearing loss sign marked with a T (for telecoil) loop listeners/receivers are available for those without telecoils in their hearing aids as well as for the general public.

Loop listeners and personal FM listening devices equipped with a telecoil are usually used with a set of light headphones or earbuds. Now, paired with an app, earbud sets with telecoils can turn an iPhone into a loop receiver.

Learning more

So, what are telecoils and how does a hearing loop work? The answers to these questions are beyond the scope of this blog. I refer you back to the main body of our website at loopminnesota.org. Also, read our blog posts on this site for more information and practical applications, such as loops for daily living.

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

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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.