Who We Are and What We Do
Loop Minnesota is an IRS non-profit 501(3)c organization. We advocate for Communication Access for people with Hearing Loss and educate on the various types of access technology.
Loop Minnesota supports any technology that helps people hear and understand better, whether Hearing Loops, FM Listening Systems (Frequency Modulation), IR Listening Systems (Infra-Red), Captioning or other systems are involved. However, we do NOT install hearing loops or other assistive systems.
Loop Minnesota provides information to those who want to learn about hearing loops or other types of assistive hearing technology. We also offer guidance to those who plan on installing a hearing loop or who try to decide which system might be best for them. We remain neutral in the process and do not favor one equipment manufacturer or vendor over others.
Learn About Hearing Loops and other Technology from the Pages of this Website!
The reason why we feel that Hearing Induction Loop technology is the preferred choice is because it provides superior speech clarity for those with hearing loss, especially in places with background noise.
A Hearing Loop allows those with Hearing Loss to listen to the presenter through their telecoil-equipped Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants (CIs), which are tuned to their specific Hearing needs. In addition, they can do so by switching their hearing instruments discreetly into Telecoil mode.
In places where hearing loops have not been installed, those with telecoils in their hearing devices or cochlear implants can “loop” themselves by using a neckloop that is plugged into an FM or IR receiver.
Also, discuss smartphone, telecoil, loop and hearing aid compatibility and connectivity, especially when purchasing new hearing aids. Technology keeps on changing.
What a Difference a Hearing Loop Can Make!
Listen to a sample. This is recorded in a New York City subway station where it is almost impossible to hear clearly, even for those with normal or near-normal hearing.
Why We Advocate
Advocating for hearing loop installations becomes a matter of access to information and communication for those who are hard-of-hearing.
Hearing loop technology makes understanding speech in background noise so much easier. This is the major struggle for those with hearing loss. As soon as it gets the least bit loud, speech signals are drowned out and everybody seems to mumble. This happens in places of worship, libraries, conference rooms and convention centers as well as at places of business. What did the bank teller say just now?
This is where hearing loops can help. They complement hearing aids and cochlear implants in places where noise makes communication difficult or impossible. Therefore, it is important for people with hearing loss to raise awareness on this technology.
We need your ideas and your help. Looping does not happen all by itself.
But Hearing Loops are not only for churches and libraries. Businesses can install loops in places such as information desks, check-out counters, customer service desks or teller windows at banks, for instance. It is all about access!
From a business point of view, it makes a lot of sense to include the 20% of the population who struggle with understanding speech in noise among one’s customers.
And so, as the numbers of those with hearing challenges are up in every age sector, where would it be beneficial to hear and understand more clearly? In large conference halls? At school? At work in the echoey meeting room? During worship services? At the teller window at the bank? The information desk at the airport or train station?
In Minnesota, we have a good track record for being forward-thinking. So, get involved! Think about communication access for now and for the future. Learn about Hearing Loops.
Click this link to contact us for more information and together let’s Loop our State.
Our Board
Ross Hammond, P.E., President
Monique Hammond, R.Ph., Vice-President
Daniel Bonkowske, MBA, Treasurer
Dick Davis, Director at Large
Justin Burwinkel, Au.D., Director at Large
Are There Hearing Loops in Minnesota?
Please, see bottom of our Home Page
How Do Hearing Loops Work?
Please, see our Hearing Loop Basics Section