Many individuals with hearing loss have difficulty understanding television and in places of worship. Most people find that hearing aids alone help improve these listening conditions; however for some, these situations continue to prove difficult even though sound is made loud enough. For these hearing instrument users, induction loop technology may prove beneficial.

Induction looping allows a hearing aid wearer hear a desired signal (i.e. television, or the voice of their pastor/priest/rabi) directly in their ears. This technology cuts out the distance between the signal of interest and the hearing instrument wearer, thereby eliminating the detrimental effects of extraneous background noise, distance and reverberation.

Induction looping has three requirements: 1) a loop amplifier; 2) a cable plugged into the amplifier and looped around the perimeter of a room; and 3) a T-coil in the hearing aids. The loop amplifier works to amplify the sound from the television or the voice of the speaker at a place of worship. This amplified signal is sent through the closed loop cable around the room where is generates an electro-magnetic field within the loop. Hearing aids equipped with T-coils act as receivers of this electro-magnetic signal. Hearing instrument users simply have to switch to their T-coil listening program to hear the signal being transmitted via the loop. Essentially, the individual's hearing aids become a wireless headset.

In Europe, many public places such as airport terminals, train stations, movie theaters, post offices, cathedrals, etc. are looped allowing those with hearing loss access to clear looped signals. However, here in the United States, looping is not as prevalent, but there is a current movement underway to "Loop America." This movement has its roots in Michigan, and is gradually spreading throughout the U.S. As a matter of fact, New York City is presently testing loop technology in some of its taxi cabs.

Induction loop technology is relatively inexpensive, and generally simple to install. If you are interested in finding out more about looping or if you'd like to try it for yourself, we would be more than happy to demonstrate its effectiveness at our Civic Center or North Scottsdale locations where our conference rooms are looped. Just give us a call and schedule an appointment for a demonstration.

T-Loop Sign!
This universal sign indicates the room or facility is looped.
Individuals with T-coil equipped hearing aids merely
have to switch their hearing instruments to their T-coil
program to hear what is being transmitted via the loop.