Get the Most Out of Your Hearing with Hearing Loop Technology

Even the best of hearing aid models needs a little help now and then in certain environments and that’s where loop technology comes in. Areas with lots of negative space – empty walls, high ceilings, lots of nooks and crannies, absorb and/or distort sound. It would be helpful in these areas to use a hearing loop with your hearing aids.

First, what is a Loop?

A hearing loop is actually a sound system. It provides a wireless, magnetic signal that is picked up by your hearing aid when you set it to the “T” for telecoil setting. The hearing loop functions as a microphone which will pick up sounds and an amplifier which processes the sounds and a loop cable acts as an antenna.

You can install the loop cable during construction or in a discreet area in a meeting room, a church, under a counter at a physician’s office or restaurant and it acts as an antenna that sends the processed sound to your hearing aids. At retail location or public venue, you would see a small placard saying an induction device has been installed. Many public establishments like museums as well as historic and tourist sites here and around the world have loop cables installed so you can use your hearing aids with assistive loop technology.

Houses of worship are routinely installing induction loops around the perimeter of the worship area as well as in fellowship areas to help individuals who are hearing impaired. There are loop locations listed for each state at www.time2loopamerica.com/loop-locator. California has hundreds of locations including churches, libraries, public venues, California State University and even funeral homes.

Hearing Loop Advantages

Having a hearing loop available means you can concentrate on specific sounds, conversations and it reduces background noise. There is no need for headsets or receivers with loop technology. Before this technology was available, the hearing impaired might have to sit with headphones on during presentations to be able to hear.

Sound goes directly into your hearing aids if there is loop technology available in an area and it can be used by anyone with a compatible hearing aid. Most hearing aid models are compatible.
It is cost effective because loop technology doesn’t limit users.
You get quality sound because it uses the processors in your hearing devices which are already set to your personal preferences.

The loop technology provides a cleaner option for venues that must be Americans with Disability compliant. In the past, they would give out earbuds for the hearing impaired to use with specific devices or give out headsets. Each had to sanitized after use. Loop technology is universal. You can go to a tourist attraction in France or California and be able to use loop technology.

Hearing Loop Questions

Are your hearing aids compatible? If your hearing aid has a “T” setting, this is where the loop function would be. You can also go on the manufacturer’s website and look or, the staff at an Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services can help you figure out if your hearing aid is compatible.

Does it work with a cochlear implant? It depends on the processor model in the implant.
Are there loops for homes? Yes, we can see about helping you find someone if you need a residential loop.

If I am at an establishment – how will I know if a loop is there? Churches, theaters, hospitals, some shopping centers, banks and even coffee shops have loops installed. There is a sign posted letting you know if loop technology is available.

Are loops really necessary? Hearing aid technology improves every day because hearing aid manufacturers want to be on the cutting edge. There will always be times, either because of the shape and layout of a room, maybe the hum of the air conditioner, or background noise of people talking, when a loop would be helpful.

Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services

You can get information about the loop and using it at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services. The loop or audio induction loop as it is sometimes called, is best used with hearing aids, not as a hearing enhancement. With the broad array of hearing aid products at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services, you will be able to find a hearing aid works well with loop technology. Here’s what loop technology can do for you