Whether you’re attending the opera, going to the movie theater or going to your place of worship, larger community events can be difficult for those with hearing loss.
Thankfully hearing aids and, specifically, hearing aid technology like telecoil and loop systems can make it easier to feel more connected at these events.
What Is a Telecoil?
Telecoils are small copper antennas located inside most hearing aids. Originally, they were used to improve the clarity of phone calls for people who have hearing loss by picking up electromagnetic signals from the phone, converting the sound and streaming it directly into the ears of people with hearing aids.
Eventually, they were expanded to be used in hearing loop systems to help improve the experience of hearing aid users at public events.
What Is a Hearing Loop?
A hearing loop system consists of a sound source, such as a PA system or speaker, an amplifier, a loop of wire (hearing loop) and a telecoil.
If you have a telecoil in your hearing aids or cochlear implants and are in the vicinity of the loop, you can activate it and have clear sound streamed directly into your device, free of any distracting background noise.
Hearing loops and telecoils are important because even with hearing aids, people can struggle to hear in certain environments. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the percentage of adults with hearing difficulties, even when using a hearing aid, increased with age.
By using complementary technology, you can hear clearly in places like airports, arenas, lecture halls, sports venues or taking in a show at Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center.
Does My Hearing Aid Have Telecoil?
While many models do, not all hearing aids have telecoils. Specifically, smaller hearing aids that fit completely within the ear canal don’t have enough space within the device to fit the copper antenna. If you are unsure, contact your audiologist to ask about your hearing aid’s telecoil capabilities.
If your current hearing aids don’t have a telecoil, but you feel as though it would be beneficial for you, discuss your options with your audiologist. The type of hearing aid that’s best for you is based on many different factors that provide the best experience for you and your individual needs.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call M.K. Larson Audiology today.
