by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
Someone asked me, “When setting up a loop for a small area, does it make a difference if I use a double-wire loop or a single-wire loop when using the Univox 2A system?” Good question.
According to the manufacturer, a double-wire loop is only a bit more powerful than a single-wire loop. So feel free to use either a double-wire loop or single-wire loop, whatever your preference. (The single-wire loop is a bit easier and faster to set up.)
Personally, I like to use the double-wire loop since I use lamp cord for the loop and it already has two parallel wires in it. (It doesn’t do my Scottish heart any good to “waste” the extra wire.)
Tip: When using a loop, it’s always better to have a stronger loop signal rather than a weaker loop signal. That way you can keep the volume on your hearing aid (t-coil) down. With the hearing aid volume down, your t-coils don’t pick up as much interference from things such as nearby wiring in the walls and electrical appliances.
Having a weaker loop signal and turning up your hearing aid volume (in t-coil mode) can give you just as loud a signal as the above method–but you may hear a lot of annoying buzzing at the same time.
If you want an interference-free system (or as close to interference-free as possible), have a “loud” loop while keeping the volume down on your hearing aids. This is particularly important if you already have interference in the room where you have installed your loop.
For more information on these wonderful loop systems, and how and why you would want to use them, point your browser to our article on loop systems.
