Tag Archives: telecoil

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/

Assistive Listening Technologies – Present and Future – to Coexist

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

 

COVID-19? Need for Hearing Loops & T-coils

We still need it ALL!  This conclusion came out of the discussions at the World Congress of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH). The World Congress was held in September 2022 in Budapest, Hungary.

Worldwide, the ongoing challenge is to help those with hearing loss understand and communicate better in background sound, especially in larger venues. This is when hearing aids and cochlear implants (CIs) are typically not enough. So far, hearing loops & telecoils are the universal, wireless way of providing clearer sound signals and of connecting many people to one sound source, such as a speaker.

As the search for new technology is on, all eyes and ears turn towards Bluetooth®. The new buzzword of the World of Hearing Loss is Auracast™.

A different kind of Bluetooth

Auracast ™ is based on a totally different Bluetooth version from what we have in our hearing instruments right now. This has led to many misunderstandings. In the future, people with hearing loss need re-designed and re-engineered hearing aids and CIs that are Auracast-compatible.

Auracast™ is a wireless, universal broadcast audio using Low Energy Bluetooth as a means of transmission. Besides other helpful and innovative features, it will allow for broadcasting from one Auracast-capable sound source to many Auracast-compatible receivers. Such receivers will include hearing aids, CIs, earphones etc.

On a smaller scale, our “Auracast-capable” phones, TVs, pads and computers will act like mini radio stations. And so, many people can listen at the same time to the same phone call, music or podcast with their “Auracast-compatible” hearing aids and CIs.

But how about large venues, such as conference halls and places of worship? Must they be fitted with Auracast-broadcast technology? At what cost?  Obviously, it is a gigantic project to make the world Auracast-accessible and there are many unanswered questions.

One thing is for sure: It will take time, patience and money. Also, we might expect a lengthy transition period. Not everybody will be on board at the same time. This is one of the reasons why present technology will continue to serve us well. We still need it all.

Hearing Now! 

Meanwhile, we all need to hear and understand better now. IFHOH recognizes this by stating that “it is important that the globally used and proven systems of Hearing Loops, FM, IR + Telecoils not be dismissed.”

In its “Budapest Declaration,” IFHOH recommends that hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturers continue to integrate telecoils in their products. “Telecoils need to come with clear user instructions and with clear information and training to the hearing health professionals.“  Also, it will be important for future hearing aids and CIs to include both Telecoil and Auracast™ technologies for some time.

In the end…

Yes, change is coming but it will be a while. For clearer sound in loud places, telecoils and hearing loops are still very much needed. And therefore, assistive listening technologies – present and future – will indeed coexist for quite some time.

Reference: Budapest Declaration.pdf (dropbox.com)

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For information on Hearing Loops and Assistive Technologies, contact us on this website.

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

 

COVID Homebound? Learn About Neckloops

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Learn About Neckloops

Got telecoils in the hearing aids but no loop at home with which to use them? Learn about the induction neckloop, which could be a very helpful tool for those who do not have Bluetooth hearing aid connectivity for streaming over short distances.

What is a neckloop?

A basic, non-amplified neckloop is a miniature version of a large loop, such as a room loop. It is an electrical wire that is worn unobtrusively around the neck, under a shirt maybe. It has a plug that connects to different sound sources, such as personal FM amplifiers, phones, MP3 players, laptops, TV etc.

The sound source energizes the loop wire. Users activate the telecoils by switching the hearing aids or cochlear implants into T-mode or T/M mode. The telecoils tap into the magnetic field generated around the wire and pick up the refined audio signal for much clearer listening.

Of course, there are all sorts of assistive devices on the market. However, at a cost of less than $50, I find that my neckloop (pictured above) was a good investment. When I do Zoom presentations, the loop is plugged into the laptop headphone jack. It is invisible to the audience and so is the wireless communication between the neckloop and the hearing aid Telecoil. Discussions that all too often take place in low-quality sound environments become a lot easier to follow.

Complexity and compatibility

More advanced neckloop versions incorporate a microphone and amplifier button or wheel. These are often referred to amplified or powered neckloops. They cost more than the basic version and the larger mic/amplifier portion is visible. But they do have their advantages.

People who use such loops regularly for easier communication, especially at work, share that they are great for one-on-one communication, while being socially distanced. An amplified/powered neckloop could be quite helpful at the doctor’s or lawyer’s office or when visiting with a friend. They also facilitate hands-free telephone conversations that will be heard in both ears if the user has two hearing aids with telecoils.

Amplified/power neckloops must be matched to the devices and phones to which they will connect. Compatibility is key and so it is important that the correct connector cables are provided or purchased. Read the fine print!

Making the most of the devices that we have

People with hearing loss know that change is constant, especially when it comes to changes in hearing technology. Yet, it does not always have to terribly expensive and over-the-top complicated. For the price, neckloops can help us make the best of all sorts of hearing gadgets that we have already stashed around the house.

Do some research. Look at the websites of the many companies that deal with this technology, such as these local providers:

harriscomm.com

williamsav.com

Also, talk to the audiologist about neckloop options and assistive listening devices (ALDs).

However, for any loops to work, we must remind audiologists that we need telecoils in our hearing aids and cochlear implants – tuned to our hearing loss and activated.

And so, spend a few moments googling the topic because in the World of Hearing Loss learning never stops. Contact us at loopminnesota.org to learn more.

Disclaimer: Any web addresses or links are provided for information and illustration only. The author and Loop Minnesota do not favor one manufacturer, supplier or company over another