A Dozen Advantages of Loop Systems

by David Myers, Ph.D.

Here are a dozen advantages of loop systems. They . . .

• Are hearing aid compatible. This also means there’s no need when at worship to juggle between hearing aids out/headset on (during sermons) and hearing aids in/headset off (during singing).
   
• Can harness, at no added expense to the hearing aid wearer, the same telecoil technology used by hearing aid compatible telephones.
   
• Require (for those with telecoils) no pickup and remembering to return portable receiving units and headsets.
   
• Require purchasing/maintaining/replacing fewer portable receiving units (for those as yet without telecoils or heading aids).
   
• Operate on a universal frequency (FM systems operate on differing frequencies, requiring receivers for each venue).
   
• Serve those with most new cochlear implants (which come with telecoils) as well as those with hearing aids (especially those most needing assistive listening, who generally have behind-the-ear aids, which generally include strong telecoils).
   
• Are inconspicuous. Loop systems offer an easy and invisible solution to an invisible problem, thus are much more likely to be used.
   
• Work in transient situations. They can serve the hard of hearing at ticket counters, teller windows, airport gate areas, train stations, etc.—venues where other assistive listening systems are impractical.
   
• Contain sound. Because sound broadcast through hearing aids is contained within one’s ear, there is no risk of leaked headset sound bothering others nearby.
   
• Afford flexible use. Can allow either direct listening or loop broadcast modes, or both. Also typically allow M/T (mic + telecoil) settings to allow both assistive listening from PA system or TV and normal listening of conversation or singing from people nearby.
   
• Deliver personalized in-the-ear-sound—sound customized by one’s own hearing aids to address one’s own hearing loss.
   
• Are, for all these reasons, much more likely to be used—and to be increasingly used, once installed (as people purchase future aids with T-coils). (1)

To learn more about these wonderful loop systems, read the article, “Loop Systems—The Best-Kept Secret in Town“.

(1) Used by permission http://www.puredirectsound.com/id11.html