Imagine spaces as small as a city cab to a large train station to a music auditorium as being inclusive environments to those with hearing impairments. With the advent of the audio induction loop, it is possible now for many public spaces to be navigated with greater ease and clarity. Here, we take a look at the remarkable technology of hearing loops.<\/p>\n
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Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems (AFILS) is known commonly as the \u201cLoop\u201d.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with the environment that the loop system is a part of. Look for a label indicating that the site has the \u201cLoop\u201d system available. The location will be equipped with a microphone connected to an amplifier. The amplifier is connected to wires within and around the floor or ceiling of the space. It then sends out a current which generates magnetic signals. Your hearing device or cochlear implant is equipped with a telecoil that picks up the magnetic signals.<\/p>\n
Telecoils are also available in other assistive listening devices such as the IR (Infrared) or FM systems with a neck loop. The \u201cLoop\u201d system is known for delivering clarity in sound and speech in otherwise highly challenging environments for people with hearing loss. It cuts out distortion and enables the user to hear speech clearly without having to fight to differentiate it from background noise.<\/p>\n
The flexibility of the system means environments that were once a nightmare for the hearing impaired to navigate are now much less so. From ticket booths to the corner pharmacy to pick up prescriptions to musical plays to places of worship, the Loop system is opening up a world where sounds are not a source of anguish for those with hearing loss.<\/p>\n
The \u201cLoop\u201d system is gaining traction with businesses and institutions worldwide. The push for public awareness and education is making the system advantageous for those in need and for places that have to be ADA compliant.<\/p>\n
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Sound Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n The system delivers the clarity of speech despite ambient and noisy background sounds. The user can receive sound programmed to their needs and in accordance with their own personally programmed requirements. Because of the loop induction system installed in the space, the telecoil in the user\u2019s hearing device is picked up directly!<\/p>\n Across the board<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the reasons the \u201cLoop\u201d is highly advocated is that communication is effectively facilitated over a wide range of public and private environments. These range from an apartment to an auditorium!<\/p>\n Travel-friendly<\/strong><\/p>\n You can experience clarity of sound while dealing with ticket counters for trains, airports, and buses or getting your prescriptions at pharmacies. All you have to do is switch your device to its telecoil program based on your hearing needs and you\u2019re ready to go!<\/p>\n Easy to implement <\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s not necessary to switch to headphones or earbuds used by others in public places. You have a greater level of hygiene and that is a big plus for the health of your ears.<\/p>\n Finally, imagine a high level of clear speech and sound being delivered to your personal hearing device that is barely noticeable to others. It makes for a more inclusive experience!<\/p>\n As of 2010, the ADA Standard for Accessible Design continued its advocation for more public awareness and implementation of the \u201cLoop\u201d in venues that are required to be ADA compliant. This means those with hearing loss can look forward to engaging in an even broader spectrum of activities that a lot of us take for granted.<\/p>\n Surveys have shown user experiences of the \u201cLoop\u201d system have been graded extremely high and that there really is a need for further public education and advocacy to both those with hearing loss and those without.<\/p>\n \n If you currently have hearing aids and are curious if they\u2019re equipped with telecoils, contact us at Audiology Associates of Redding. Our hearing professionals will be able to let you know, and we\u2019ll also take the time to explain the benefits of the loop induction system to you so that you can enjoy a more inclusive and wider range of hearing experiences. We can also inform you of programming options that will fit your needs and better serve you.<\/p>\n \nARE MY HEARING AIDS EQUIPPED WITH TELECOILS?<\/h2>\n
AUDIOLOGY ASSOCIATES OF REDDING<\/h2>\n