Even when using hearing aids, there are some situations that can be difficult for people with hearing loss to understand or distinguish sounds. It can be particularly difficult in busy, public places with a lot of background noise. Telecoil technology can make it easier.
What are Telecoils?
Telecoils, also known as t-coils are small copper wires coiled in most hearing aids. They can receive electromagnetic signals from a variety of sources like telephones and loop systems.
How Telecoils Work with Hearing Loop Systems
Hearing loop systems use electromagnetic energy to transmit sound directly to your hearing aid. They consist of a sound source, an amplifier, a loop of wire and a telecoil that acts as the receiver.
Hearing aids that have a telecoil have a “T switch” that lets you receive signals either from the hearing aid microphone or a loop system. Switching on the T-setting turns off the microphone so only signals transmitted from the loop system are heard.
When you are near the loop, you will receive clear sound free of background noise. Hearing loops can be connected to all types of audio sources and are often set up in public facilities such as:
- Airports
- Churches
- Lecture halls
- Theaters
- Auditoriums
- Museums like the Vero Beach Museum of Art
Benefits of Telecoil Technology
Telecoils are easy-to-use technology that helps individuals hear more clearly and improve the quality of sound coming into their hearing aids. They are discreet, versatile and ADA compliant.
A 2014 study published in The Hearing Review asked users of telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants to rate their ability to hear in places where telecoil is regularly used on a scale of 1-10 (1= heard nothing, 10= heard every word.)
The study found that:
- Only 13.5% rated their hearing devices as 8 or higher when not using loop systems
- 86% rated their hearing devices as 8 or higher when they did use loop systems.
The use of hearing loop systems significantly improved user satisfaction and their ability to hear.
Do My Hearing Aids Have Telecoil?
While telecoils can be used with most hearing aids, there are some that do not come equipped with the technology. Smaller hearing aids that fit completely inside the ear canal do not have telecoils because of their size.
If you feel like you would benefit from the use of telecoils, talk to your audiologist. You can discuss your needs and together you can work to find the best hearing aid technology for your lifestyle.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Hear Care Center today.