What Is An Induction Loop And How Does It Work?

A hearing loop, also known as an Induction or Audio Loop, provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to ‘T’ (Telecoil) setting.

The loop system consists of a microphone to pick up the spoken word; an amplifier which processes the signal which is then sent through the final piece; the induction loop, a wire placed around the perimeter of a room or sanctuary to act as an antenna that radiates the magnetic signal to the hearing aid.

When a hearing aid user selects the ‘T’ setting; he or she can pick up the sounds spoken into the PA system’s microphone instead of the hearing aid’s internal microphone. This results in improved speech understanding because the listener receives a clear signal without any background noise.

What is the purpose of an Induction Loop?

A hearing loop helps persons who use hearing aids that are equpped with T-coils hear sounds from a PA system directly and clearly in the hearing aids, because it reduces or cuts out background noise.

 

Why are Hearing Loops needed if I already own hearing aids?

Digital hearing aids have significantly improved in the last decade, but they still do not restore hearing to normal. What most hearing aid users need is an improved signal to noise ratio (or SNR) of +10 or greater. This is difficult to attain in reverberant places, such as auditoriums or churches, resulting in the typical “I can hear but not understand!” complaint. Hearing aids equipped with T- coils can help reduce this problem.

When a hearing aid is set to “T”-coil, the instrument becomes a personalized speaker in your ear for the sounds that are picked up by the microphone of the PA system. That way sounds are heard clearly, without distortion or background noise pick-up.

Hearing Loops in your Home: TV and Computer Room
Hearing loops can be easily installed in your TV room, living room or bedroom. TV will sound clearer without having to turn the volume up. Hear TV broadcast from your own hearing aids, that are now wirelessly connected to receive the audio from the TV.