Even though they offer improved sound quality, are easy to install and are cost effective, hearing aid loop systems are not well known to hearing aid users. When hearing aids fall short of providing better hearing on the TV, when listening in the presence of background noise or while talking on the phone, a loop system can easily close the gap toward better hearing.
What is a Loop System?
Loop systems are a type of assistive listening device that work in conjunction with a hearing aid’s t-coil to help hard of hearing people hear speech better, especially in background noise. Other types of assistive listening devices that work alongside hearing aids include such things as FM systems and Companion Microphones. Unlike with FM and Companion Mics, there is often no external accessory needed in order to connect to and use a loop system. The only requirement is that the hearing aid is equipped with a Telecoil, also known as a T-coil or T switch.
What does a Loop System Do?
Imagine being able to hear sound from the TV or stereo system from anywhere in the house. If you’d like to wash dishes in the kitchen and listen to the TV in the family room at the same time, you can. If you don’t want to miss the score of the big game but want to get a snack from the fridge, you don’t have to worry. With a Loop system, the sound is delivered directly to the hearing aids and stays exactly the same as you move from room to room, as long as you stay within the loop. It improves sound quality by allowing the hearing aids to adjust the incoming sound for your specific hearing loss and then delivering the sound to both ears simultaneously.
You can also set up the system to deliver sound from the phone directly into the hearing aids, allowing for binaural sound and improved sound quality. Loop systems can also be used in meeting rooms and theaters, museums, churches and even in the car or RV! Loop systems can be found all over the world. Here in Issaquah, The Village Theatre is looped, allowing for a clear sound from the actors on stage. Timber Ridge Senior Living Community also has a looped theater that allows its residents to enjoy better sound quality with their hearing aids. Our office also has a Loop in the front office. When you’re in next, ask us about your T-coil or ask us to demonstrate our Loop. We’d be glad to have you give it a try!