Hearing Loops and Induction Loop Technology

What is a Hearing Loop? What's the benefit to hearing aid users? Why not use FM? What are the advantages of Induction Loop Hearing Systems? What is a T-coil or telecoil? How does using Induction Loop technology reduce background noise? How do Induction or Hearing Loops work? Is there a Hearing Loop quality installation standard? Where are Hearing Loops and T-coil inductive accessories used? Why are Induction Loops the best solution for "transient" listening environments? Can non-hearing impaired people use Induction Loop Systems? Are there Induction Hearing Loops for personal use? Do other assistive listening technologies utilize T-coil? When I switch to the "T" program I hear buzzing - what's going on? Why haven't I heard more about Induction Hearing Loops?

What is a Hearing Loop?

A Hearing Loop uses Induction Loop Technology to transmit sounds directly to a hearing aid's built-in wireless T-coil receiver. [Back to Top]

What's the benefit to hearing aid users?

Hearing Loops provide improved listening clarity for people with hearing loss who experience difficulty and fatigue, when trying to understand speech, because of distance, reverberation, and distracting background noise. Reduced distracting background noise (when using T-coil only program) Reduced reverberation and sound distortion Reduced listening fatigue Improved listening clarity and understanding Improved hearing at a distance from the speaker [Back to top]

Why not use FM?

The greatest difference between Induction Loops and other assistive listening technologies is that users do not need to be given a receiver; they already have one! As long as the hearing aid or cochlear implant (CI) has a built-in T-coil (telecoil), that's all users need. There is no extra expense or need to supply each user with a loaned, system compatible receiver. That means that when public facilities like meeting halls, theatres, churches, post offices, hotels or banks are looped, all a user has to do is

switch their hearing aid or CI to the T-coil program. Now they can experience the improved clarity, easier listening, and better understanding that Hearing Loops provide. Once the Induction Loop system is in place, any hearing impaired person who uses a Tcoil program can benefit from it; there is no user limit. [Back to Top]

What are the advantages of Induction Loop Hearing Systems?

Induction loops offer low maintenance, easy to use, "set-it and forget-it" technology. From a business perspective Businesses do not have to purchase, maintain, recharge, repair, replace, sanitize, or issue and retrieve multiple assistive listen device receivers: users utilize the built-in T-coil wireless receiver of their T-coil enabled hearing aid or cochlear implant. An audio frequency induction loop system is flexible in its ability to easily accommodate one or a thousand users; there is no limit to how many may utilize the system. Conversely, large-area assistive listening systems, that require each user to have a personal receiver, will have a finite user capacity that is dependent on: projections of how many people might wish to utilize the system; how many receiver units were budgeted for and purchased; how many receiver units are currently charged, maintained and available for loan. Also, user acceptance and utilization levels are likely to be much greater than with other assistive listening technologies. These other technologies come with the inherent negative stigma of having to wear a device or headset that advertises the user's disability and raises concerns about the maintenance and hygiene of borrowed equipment. Hearing loops are an appropriate assistive listening solution for both short-term (transient) and long-term (non-transient) listening environments. Hearing Loops offer a cost-effective, large-area assistive listening solution with the likelihood of a high degree of user acceptance and utilization as well as considerable ongoing savings in equipment management and personnel training costs. From a user perspective Users can take advantage of their personal hearing aids built-in T-coil wireless receiver without having to rely on borrowed equipment from facilities that may not maintain it correctly. Also, hearing aid users are able to benefit from hearing loop technology while still enjoying the customized hearing correction that their hearing aids provide. This is not the case with ear bud and stethoscope style assistive listening devices that require the user to remove their hearing aids! Theres no standing in line to checkout assistive listening devices and return them after use. And, concerns about hygiene and sanitization are eliminated. Induction Loop technology uses a universal frequency

A hearing aid user's T-coil will work in any looped facility. This is not the case with FM and Infrared technology, where transmission frequencies may vary from one facility to another and require that the user has, or is loaned, a compatible receiver. Induction Loop technology is an International standard For example, a T-coil user from the United States would have no problem using their hearing aid's T-coil in Amsterdam airport. Unfortunately this is not the case with other technologies such as FM and Infrared where transmission frequencies vary from one country to another. [Back to Top]

What is a T-coil or telecoil?

"T-coil", "telecoil", "T" program or even "telephone coil" are all equivalent terms used to describe the induction loop wireless receiver. The induction loop receiver is housed inside a hearing aid or CI (cochlear implant). The receiver picks up the electromagnetic field from a telephone handset or induction loop system, which is then converted into analog sound. The T-coil or telecoil is only activated when the, hearing aid or CI, "T" program is selected by the user. Selecting the "T" program automatically disables the hearing aid or CI microphone. This is beneficial because it eliminates "feedback whistling" and reduces distracting background noise. Some hearing aids have an optional "T+M" program where the T-coil ("T") and microphone ("M") are active simultaneously; this may somewhat negate the benefit of reducing background noise. Another option for hearing impaired users with two hearing aids is to switch one aid to the "T" program, leaving the other to pick-up environmental sounds. Some newer digital aids offer 'automatic' program selection (as opposed to manual switching). The aid attempts to identify the sound environment and automatically select the most appropriate program. Whether this is successful or not, will depend on the design of the aid and the perceived strength of the induction loop field from the telephone handset or induction loop system. [Back to Top]

How does using Induction Loop technology reduce background noise?

When the T-coil (telecoil) program is selected, the hearing aids external microphone is automatically disabled. This eliminates "feedback" and reduces distracting background noise providing the listener with a clearer signal from the sound source. This is referred to as, improving the speech to noise ratio (SpNR) or 'signal to noise ratio' (SNR) and is a very beneficial strategy for improving speech comprehension.

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How do Induction or Hearing Loops work?

A Hearing Loop (transmitter) creates an electromagnetic field that is picked up by the T-coil (receiver) in a hearing aid and converted to audible sound. The electromagnetic field actually "induces" an equivalent current in the T-coil, hence the the term Induction Loop. Induction Loop is a more correct term, but Hearing Loop does a better job of describing the purpose and benefit. Physically, a Hearing Loop is simply a loop of copper wire or flat copper tape (for installation under carpeting). Hearing Loops can be very large, encircling the perimeter of a meeting room, theatre or church. Hearing Loops can also be quite small, embedded in a chair cushion loop-pad or quite simply a loop around your neck - a neck loop. Hearing Loops may not even look like a loop! For example, T-Link and MusicLink don't look like Induction Loops, but internally they each have a complete loop of wire. Neck loops and ear hooks are sometimes called "couplers" because they provide the inductive coupling (link) to the T-coil receiver. Electronic audio input from a microphone, TV, audio player, telephone or any sound system feeds into a driver (amplifier). The Hearing Loop driver conditions the low-level, audio frequency electric current before it enters the wire loop, ensuring that the resultant electromagnetic field is consistent and at the correct strength. This is the same type of low-level, audio frequency electric current that feeds into the loud speaker wires of a regular audio system. Technically speaking, an Induction Loop or Hearing Loop is referred to as an Audio Frequency Induction Loop System (AFILS). AFILS drivers come in different sizes depending on the area of the Hearing Loop. UniVox DLS-50 is an example of a small-area driver intended for home use or areas up to 400 sq. ft. More powerful drivers available from TecEar cover areas up to 7,000 sq. ft. Personal Hearing Loop devices, such as the T-Link and Music-Link that use inductive ear hooks or neck loops, don't require a separate driver. Instead, they draw their audio current directly from the device (e.g. iPod or cell phone), just like regular headphones and headsets. [Back to Top]

Is there an installation standard to ensure the consistent quality of Hearing Loops?

Yes, it is important that purchased AFILS equipment and the installed wire loop design produce a uniform induction field that provides the correct strength and frequency response.

Induction loop systems are used worldwide and are required to meet an established international standard, which was developed under the auspices of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). The International number of this standard is IEC 60118-4. This is also variously known as EN60118-4 (in Europe), or by specific national publication numbers in other parts of the world. This standard defines the strength of the magnetic field, frequency response and methods of measuring these requirements. It also gives a maximum level for interfering signals. Compliance with the standard will be the result of correct equipment specification, wiring loop design and installation. All installations should be tested with a Field Strength Meter to verify compliance. [Back to Top]

Where are Hearing Loops and T-coil inductive accessories used?

Almost anywhere! Hearing Loops come in a variety of styles and sizes. And, depending on their size and type, may be permanent or portable. Large public facilities like churches, concert halls and meeting rooms are ideal places for Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems - Hearing Loops. Service counters at post offices, banks and hotel reception desks can use Hearing Loop devices such as the Soundshuttle. Doctors, health workers, teachers and other professionals who have hearing loss or who need to interview people with hearing loss can use the portable Clipboard Loop. Hard of hearing people can easily install their own home Hearing Loop for TV and entertainment center listening using a Home Room Loop Kit. The wire loop is laid under carpet, behind baseboard molding, a picture rail, or even in a basement ceiling. A very easy and quick installation is the Chair Loop Pad Kit. A factory made loop pad is placed underneath the cushion of a favorite chair for easy and enjoyable TV and audio listening. Pocketalker, iPod and other MP3 player users can simply plug in the MusicLink. Music-Link provides a stronger signal than most less powerful neck loops. Any corded, cordless or cell phone with a 2.5 mm headset jack can be connected to the T-Link with its built-in microphone for clearer hands free phone conversations. See the TecEar T-coil Solutions Guide for further selection information. [Back to Top]

Why are Induction Loops the best solution for "transient" listening environments?

"Transient" or short-term listening environments such as subway ticket offices, hotel check-in desks, bank teller windows etc., are listening environments where it would be impractical to issue assistive listening devices. Consequentially, in these types of listening environments, FM radio and infrared technologies are of little use. On the other hand, leveraging the wireless, T-coil receiver already built-in to a hearing aid or CI makes perfect sense. Looping such short-term listening environments is a practical and cost effective solution that enables hard of hearing people to hear clearly and understand important information via their T-coil. Of course, Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems also offer a great, cost-effective solution for "non-transient" listening environments too; places where people live, work or stay for longer periods such as meeting rooms, lecture theatres, concert halls and churches. [Back to Top]

Can non-Hearing Impaired people use Induction Loop Systems?

Yes, telecoil receivers are available for non-hearing impaired users who will hear the sound via ear buds or headphones. Non-hearing impaired users will share all the benefits of reduced background noise, reverberation, sound distortion and listening fatigue plus improved clarity and ease of listening at a distance. [Back to Top]

Are there Induction Hearing Loops for personal use?

Yes, personal assistive listening devices (ALDs), utilizing Induction Loop technology, available from TecEar include: Music-Link allows you to enjoy music and other audio from an iPod, MP3 Player, Pocketalker or FM assistive listening device. T-Link reduces background noise and makes phone communication possible with phones that are not otherwise hard of hearing friendly. Youll appreciate the improved listening clarity. The Chair Loop Pad Kit is a great solution that enables you to enjoy and hear TV again without turning up the volume and disturbing others. See the TecEar T-coil Solutions Guide for further selection information. [Back to Top]

Do other assistive listening technologies utilize T-coil?

Surprisingly, the answer to this is yes! This is because there are very few viable ways to introduce an electronic sound into a hearing aid. An older option (that is rarely utilized today) is to use direct audio input (DAI) cables that connect to electrodes on the base of a behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid. Obviously, this would not be possible with other styles of hearing aid that are positioned in the ear canal. Not all BTE hearing aids have DAI. Another issue is the inconvenience of trailing wires which can get caught and easily damaged. Another option, which has been extensively developed by Phonak, is to attach an FM radio receiver to the base of a BTE hearing aid via an adapter called a "boot" or "shoe".

The shoe connects to the three pins of the DAI connector and provides the correct interface for the additional FM receiver module. These extra components have the disadvantage of adding size, cost and electric current drain to the hearing aid and again are not available for other styles of hearing aid. FM receivers are designed to operate on specific FM frequencies, so compatibility can be an issue. Commonly, FM receivers that are integrated into hearing aids provide good individual or classroom assistive listening solutions but are not practical for general use in public areas. A much newer technology is Bluetooth. Recently, an innovative Bluetooth add-on module called "ELI" was introduced. Like the FM receivers, it attaches to the base of a BTE aid. While an exciting technological advance, it too adds size and cost to a BTE hearing aid and is not a practical assistive listening technology solution for multiple users. So, public large-area assistive listening systems (that utilize FM radio or infrared) are left with two options: Introduce transmitted electronic sound to hearing aids as analog sound via headphones and ear buds or use induction loop technology and the hearing aid's T-coil wireless receiver. The analog sound option is likely to create difficulties with feedback from hearing aids or require users to remove their hearing aids - a rather counterproductive solution! That brings us full circle back to induction loops. Ironically, even if a facility chooses a large-area assistive listening technology such as FM or infrared, the last few inches of the transmission (from the issued FM or infrared receiver to the user's hearing aid) will be most effectively accomplished via inductive ear hooks or neck loop and the hearing aid's T-coil wireless receiver. [Back to Top]

When I switch to the "T" program I hear buzzing - what's going on?
Any buzzing that you hear in the background when using the T program comes from electromagnetic interference or EMI. EMI can come from electrical wiring, fluorescent lights, TVs and CRT (cathode ray tube) computer monitors or other electrical devices yes, even your car! Dont panic! Here are some simple tips for dealing with EMI. 1. Be a detective! Turn on your T program and walk around your home or office space. Buzzing if any, may vary in strength from one location to another. Notice which areas have the least EMI and which have the most. Try to identify the source of the EMI as you move closer and further away from it. 2. Implement solutions: EMI from wiring or lighting may not be something you can easily control or change, but what about relocating your desk or chair? In any case, you would be smart to be facing people as they enter your living space so that they do not surprise you, and you are immediately aware of their presence. Replacing a CRT computer monitor with a flat-screen LCD monitor or laptop computer is a very practical and worthwhile solution. The benefit is well worth the expense and will even give you more desk space and bring you into the twenty-first century!

Another EMI management technique is to reduce the volume level of the EMI and increase the volume level of the sound source you wish to hear. If the background buzzing is reduced to a lower level, you may not even notice it! Achieving this involves two steps: First, reduce the T program volume level so that the loudness and annoyance of the EMI buzzing is reduced as much as possible. You can do this via the volume control on your hearing aid or you might even consider getting your audiologist to turn down the T program volume level. Second, compensate for the decrease in hearing aid volume by increasing the induction loop field strength from the sound source you wish to hear. This can be done easily by increasing the volume setting on the induction loop amplifier, iPod, MP3 player, computer, cell phone or telephone etc. Now you should be experiencing the best of both worlds: reduced buzzing from EMI and louder, clearer audio listening from the sound source you wish to hear. I use this technique when listening to TV via the Chair Induction Loop Pad. The EMI in my lower-level TV room is quite strong but Im easily able to manage it so that I can enjoy the amazing TV sound that comes from the Chair Induction Loop Pad Kit. [Back to Top]

Why havent I heard more about Induction Hearing Loops?

Most Induction Loop technology available at TecEar comes to us from Europe. Because hearing aids with built-in T-coil (telecoil) are supplied to hearing impaired people, via the public health services in countries like Britain and Sweden, Induction Loop technology has taken off with many manufacturers and innovative applications. Also, public policy mandates access for people with disabilities, including those with hearing loss, so looped public facilities are common. In the United States, the situation is somewhat different. Until quite recently, many hearing aids dispensed in the US did not include T-coils! The technology was not widely known about or utilized. Several communities in the States have championed Induction Loop technology in an effort to make it more widely available, especially in public facilities. One such community is Holland, Michigan. [Back to Top]