Hearing loops offer a clear advantage to the hearing impaired community due to the emergence of more community awareness for hearing problems as well as more affordable technology. People suffering every day with hearing impairments no longer have to sit back and take it, afraid that they can’t respond appropriately to questions in a business meeting because of all the background noise. Thanks to the hearing loop, this has all changes, leveling the playing field for hearing impaired people. It’s true that hearing aids assist those with hearing loss hear better but sometimes those same people have a hard time hearing within crowds. This is where hearing loops present a benefit. You’ll see them in many conference rooms, lecture halls and public transportation areas today.
What are Hearing Loops?
A mainstay in conference rooms and meetings, hearing loops offer hearing impaired people a better way to catch sound with their existing devices. This is all done without extra cumbersome equipment. In fact, you may not even know the hearing loop is there. Operating under the principle of two forms of technology: the hearing aid itself and a cable that circles a room, the hearing loop has a cable that detects detailed sounds within that particular area. This provides people with hearing aids a means with which to detect crystal clear detail on conversations where they are being spoken.
A Closer Look
A more detailed look at the technology reveals a two-part system involves placing a loop strategically around a room or area to help those with hearing aids pick up directed sound. The transmission sends electromagnetic signals to telecoils in hearing aids, using the same components in handset telephones responsible for a higher range of frequency and signal when not on their home base. Working in conjunction with t-switches present in modern hearing aids and cochlear implants, this telephone technology-inspired device is a critical offering for many.
What the hearing aid user gets is a clear, crisp sound that he would otherwise not get with a hearing aid on its own. Use the device with a microphone for even better sound should you require additional amplification. Hearing loops are ideal for detecting electromagnetic sounds that are transmitted to the user.
Implementation
Especially useful in conference rooms across the country, as well as public areas, hearing loops may become law in many states and nations. This enhancement for hearing aid users is just another step that technology has taken in recent years.
