Whether you already have a set of hearing aids or you’re considering making the investment, you should ask your audiologist about a feature called a telecoil (t-coil). These are small copper coils that are standard in most modern hearing aids. When used in conjunction with a hearing loop, it can significantly improve your listening experience in certain public places. We review more about telecoils and loop systems below.
How Do Telecoils Work?
Telecoils receive electromagnetic signals from a variety of sources, and they’re easily activated with just the touch of a button.
Telecoils are compatible with loop systems, which are assistive listening systems used widely in places like religious institutions, courthouses, movie theaters, live performance theaters and public classrooms.
Loop systems provide magnetic, wireless signals that can be picked up by telecoils. This way, the audio from the event is directly sent to the telecoil, enabling you to hear well at a long-distance range without background noise.
How Can I Find Venues with Loop Systems?
When you’re in-person at a venue, you’ll know that they have a loop system if they have a blue sign with a large white ear icon and a letter “T” in the bottom right corner.
If you’re researching places to go, that have loop systems, like Riverwatch Cinemas, know that Google Maps now provides an indicator if a venue has this type of accommodation. Simply:
- Download and open the Google Maps application on your smartphone.
- Search for a particular venue.
- Under their photos, scroll to the right to find the venue’s “About” tab, then click on it.
- Scroll down to reveal the “Accessibility” information.
- See if “Assistive hearing loop” is listed in the details.
Or:
- Search for Google Maps on a computer’s internet browser.
- Search for a particular venue.
- Click on the right arrow that looks like this: >
- Under “Accessibility,” see if “Assistive hearing loop” is listed.
For more information about hearing aids with telecoils and loop systems, or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy today.