Category Archives: communication access

Advocate for Telecoils in OTC Hearing Aids

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People in Conference Room

In early July 2021, President Biden signed a comprehensive Executive Order. Among other issues, the Department of Health and Human Services is directed to consider the release of proposed rules for the Over-the-Counter (OTC) sale of hearing aids within 120 days.

We might remember that back in August 2017 the bipartisan Over-the Counter Hearing Act was signed into law. The FDA had up to three years to create an OTC, FDA-regulated category of hearing aids. The 2020 Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) was missed. COVID-19 was cited as a major reason.

Public comment period: don’t miss it!

120 days would put the time for the rules release into early November 2021. It is expected that after the rules’ release there will be a 60-day public comment period.  This is the opportunity for the public to speak up about likes, dislikes, recommendations and omissions in the proposed rules.

This is our chance! Watch out for the notice in the media! As soon as I know, I will certainly post it on this site and on Facebook/whatdidyousaybook as well as Tweet it @WhatDidYouSay88.

However, before all of this happens, it is worthwhile to do a bit of homework by reading  up on information regarding  FDA Public Comments.

That said, after the public comment period, the FDA has 180 days to review the comments and to formulate a final rules edition.

Advocate for Telecoils in OTC Hearing Aids

The recommendation for telecoils to be included in OTC hearing aids is a must as it speaks to the importance of communication access. Product labeling has to have a Telecoil/hearing loop section to educate the users on this assistive technology system that allows for clearer hearing in loud and sound-confused places and that makes businesses accessible to those with hearing loss.

As the features of OTC hearing aids are discussed in the media, one hopes that telecoils and hearing loops will get much-needed public exposure and that prospective users will see the importance of advocating for this technology.

Best for Hearing Better

And so, It would be tragic to miss the opportunity to speak up on our own behalf. Experts agree that at least for the next 10 to 15 years and maybe longer, hearing loops and telecoils are the best bet for hearing better in background sound – which is where most of life is lived.

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To learn more about topics related to Hearing and Balance, see my website: hearing-loss-talk.com

Advocacy for Hearing Loops and Telecoils

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Advocacy for Hearing Loops and Telecoils

Improved hearing and understanding: A matter of communication access

Hearing loops and telecoils work together to help hearing-challenged people hear and understand speech more clearly and effortlessly, especially in loud places. Therefore, Advocacy for hearing loops and telecoils means standing up for communication access for those with hearing loss.

Yet, way too many people do not know about the advantages of these universal, non-proprietary communication systems – what they are or how they work. Advocacy can change this by educating and spreading the word to others with hearing loss as well as within the communities at large.

So what is advocacy?

Advocacy may simply mean standing up for oneself or speaking out on things that must be changed in some way. However, raising an issue and making a case on their own can be hard for people. Those with hearing loss may prefer to connect with groups that advocate for Hearing Loop systems as well as for assistive technology in general, such as Loop Minnesota.

Advocacy for Hearing Loops!

Hearing loops – also called Induction loops – can raise the SNR (Speech-to-Noise Ratio) to levels that hearing aids by themselves cannot do. Even with changing technology, loops are to this day the only means for connecting many people to the same sound source in large venues such as meeting rooms, churches, convention halls etc. Besides, they work the same way worldwide!

Hearing loops come in all sizes covering small rooms such as TV dens as well as whole arenas. Desk top or countertop versions are designed to ease communication for daily living. They make businesses accessible at customer service windows, check-out counters, bank teller windows etc.

The telecoil or T-coil connection

Hearing loops are accessed by means of wireless antennas, called telecoils or T-coils. They are located in most hearing aids, cochlear implants and in portable devices. In hearing instruments, the telecoils must be activated and tuned by the instrument specialist at the time of purchase and the client must be instructed in their use.

The telecoils tap into the magnetic energy field generated by an activated hearing loop. Background noise is greatly diminished or even eliminated. A speaker’s voice becomes clearer and listening less tiring.

And so, hearing loop and telecoil work together as a communication system. They are a team. One without the other is worthless. And this is why we must advocate for both.

Advocacy for telecoils!

Do you know if your hearing aids have telecoils? Were you ever told about them? Some States have a mandate that requires that patients be informed about the use of telecoils when they buy hearing instruments. Minnesota has an acoustics & hearing loop mandate but not a T-coil mandate. At least not yet.

And so, we must inspire our State audiology and HID (Hearing Instrument Dispenser) groups to inform clients about all of their communication options.

Also, hearing aid and cochlear implant manufacturers must be encouraged to keep installing telecoils in their instruments. Email, Tweet – whatever works.

In the end, it is up to us. In so many ways, improved access to communication rests with our hearing loss communities – what we need and want and for what we are willing to stand up.

Note: Any links to websites are for information and illustration only. Loop Minnesota does not favor one brand, manufacturer or distributor over others.

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Also visit my website hearing-loss-talk.com where I post blogs on all sorts of issues concerning hearing loss.

Be in the “Loop” while Traveling

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Be in the “Loop” while Traveling

More loops, but can we connect?

It looks like the travel industry, airports and public access facilities are finally recognizing the benefits of hearing loops for those with hearing loss – which make up roughly 20% of the U.S population, age 12 and over. Loops are popping up in more and more places.

In October 2020, the New York and New Jersey Port Authority released updated accessibility guidelines. Travelers can expect hearing loops to be installed at airports, railways, bus and ferry facilities.

Although last reviewed in August 2018, this site lists airport areas with hearing loops at home and abroad. I am sure that in the time that has since passed, many improvements on existing loops have been made and many more airports can be added to the “accessible” list. I do know first-hand that loops are being installed throughout the terminal and also at information desks at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minnesota.

Telecoils needed!

In Europe, hearing loops have been longtime favorites for providing access to communication for the hard-of-hearing. International travelers can benefit immensely from the multitudes of hearing loops – IF they have telecoils, that is!

A lady told me that the only times that she had her telecoils off when visiting London was while walking outside and in her hotel room. There were loops everywhere. Being able to consistently hear and understand more clearly in museums, banks, ticket counters, trains, taxis and buses boosted her self-confidence and gave her freedom. She said that it made her trip less stressful and a lot more informative.

Learn about it!

I am always amazed how many American people with hearing loss do not know about the advantages of hearingloop-and-telecoil communication access systems. They may have very fancy and complicated hearing aids and devices but they do not knot know if they got telecoils!? Yet, no telecoil means no loop access!

It is actually quite frustrating to see the blue-and-white hearing loss signs with the prominent capital T (for telecoil) everywhere while not being able to connect for better and clearer listening and understanding in noisy and echoey places.

And so, do you know if you have telecoils in your hearing aids or cochlear implants? Are they tuned and activated? As hearing loops gain in popularity, the word about their usefulness must be spread within the hearing loss and hearing professional communities. Learn about the loop communication “system” on this – the Loop Minnesota  website. Talk to your hearing specialist and then –  Bon voyage!

Telecoils? Ask for them!

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Telecoils? Ask for them!

The “T” in the above pictures stands for Telecoil. It tells people to activate their telecoils because the venue has a hearing loop. Do your hearing aids have telecoils? Most people do not know and have no clue what telecoils actually are and why they may be important.

Telecoils are wireless antennas that are already manufacturer-installed in most hearing aids and in cochlear implants. They help people access hearing loops that are installed in many venues across the United States. Click to check on your State. By the way, loop locator lists may not be complete due to inconsistent reporting on installations.

If there is no loop, one might ask why not?

If you have telecoils, call the venue that you will visit ahead of time to inquire about loop access.

That said, hearing loops can be accessed by anyone who has a telecoil-equipped device, such as a loop listener or even telecoil-enabled headsets or earbuds. Hearing loss, hearing aids or cochlear implants are not required to hear clearly through a loop.

A matter of communication access.

Unfortunately, the telecoil issue is often not discussed with patients during hearing aid consults and fittings. Many specialists deem hearing loops to be “old” technology that confuses clients and that does not merit a lot of time.

Of course, this limits people’s communication access choices and options when in reality installers report that they notice an increase in demand for hearing loops. Does your State have a requirement for State-funded building projects ─ for new buildings and for remodels ─ to implement good acoustic design and hearing loops in public gathering spaces? Minnesota does. Why would one accept to stay locked out communication-wise when States actually try to help?

And so, now that you know, ask about telecoils.

The specialist has to “activate” them for them to work. Also, get instructions on how and when to use them. Hint: Look for the blue signs with the T!

Learn about Hearing Loops and advocate for them.

The cooperation between telecoils and correctly installed and conformity-certified hearing loops are so far the only way for getting crisper and clearer sound in larger and often noisy venues such as places of worship, conference rooms, convention centers etc. Hearing loops are non-proprietary and work with the telecoils in any hearing aid brand.

With COVID still about, right now would be a good time to plan ahead for the time when society opens up again. Who knows? Maybe now is also the time to get an advantageous installation deal?

One thing is for sure: There is no time like the present to start growing the “Loop Lists”. We want to see lots and lots of blue “Loop” signs.

Note: Loop Minnesota does not favor one manufacturer/distributor or product over another. Website links are for information and illustration only.

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For questions, contact us.

Also, visit my website at hearing-loss-talk.com where I blog about all sorts of issues related to hearing and hearing loss.

Hearing Loop Solutions for Daily Living

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Hearing Loop Solutions for Daily Living

Small but practical

Traditionally, people think of the installation of pricey hearing loops in large, noisy venues where communication  for those with hearing loss is close to impossible. Here, one might mention meeting/conference rooms in workplaces or in libraries; auditoriums; places of worship; convention halls etc.

But these are not the places where we spend significant amounts of time in daily life. Yet, understanding speech in background noise is an ongoing challenge, especially in smaller groups and during one-on-one conversations, at home or at work.

Earlier, I had mentioned the usefulness of a neckloop and of desk loops for businesses. These desk loops are basically dual intercom systems that can be tied to a hearing loop.

However, I came across some interesting and practical loop ideas while searching for everyday and more affordable applications of loop technology. Remember that telecoils are necessary for tapping into a hearing loop.

Check it out

As always, the links for different products are for information and illustration only, as Loop Minnesota does not favor one manufacturer or distributor over another.

Make sure that you read all the instructions and specifications regarding the equipment. Are any other accessories required, such as amplifiers, batteries or microphones. Discuss your needs, prices and installation details with a specialist. Might it be a good idea to get professional help so that the system is installed correctly?

The mat can be placed on or below a non-metal chair so that one sits in the loop. Or, it can be on the floor in front of a customer service window, for example for people to step into the loop.

Yet, might the mat be a tripping hazard? How about people in wheelchairs or with walkers? These are installation details to be discussed with the representative.

  • Intercom loops for homes, apartment buildings or businesses.

Going to visit friends in an apartment building with a fuzzy intercom? What was that? Wha-whup. I-boo-penny. Instead, it would be nice to hear: Come on up. I’m in two-twenty.

There is help for this:

www.ampetronic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/UP39701-4-HLS-2C-datasheet-interactive-V005.pdf

These are just some examples. There are many more manufacturers and vendors of hearing loop systems. So, where would you like to hear and understand better? I bet there is a loop for that.

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For any questions or suggestions regarding hearing loops, contact us.

Also visit my website: hearing-loss-talk.com where I blog about all sorts of topics related to hearing and hearing loss.

Hearing Loops for Businesses

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Hearing Loops for Businesses

Shortcomings in equitable access

Although totally necessary, COVID-19 safety precautions have led to serious communication issues for those with hearing challenges ─ over 20 percent of the population.

While all customers and clients need equitable access to communication at any time, the Coronavirus has uncovered the fact that many businesses have few if any ways of accommodating hearing loss for everyday business transactions.

No more lipreading

Speechreading (lipreading), an important communication method for those with hearing loss has become pretty much impossible these days. Keeping at a distance weakens sound signals, which are further muffled by facemasks and plastic or glass barriers. Facial expressions are no longer visible. And then, there is no other accommodation!

Even as the COVID pandemic rages on and safety precautions are all important, tending to daily business should not be a dreaded chore because of lack of access. And that access should be discreet, wireless and touchless while providing sound clarity.

Counter Hearing Loops can help.

These have been around for some time and are very common overseas. They are simpler, faster and less expensive to install than whole area loops. There are even portable versions.

Clients can tune into the loop sound signal by activating the telecoils in their hearing aids, cochlear implants or portable T-coil devices. No yelling. No overly amplified, embarrassing cacophony. No need for unhygienic access devices.

Get information

When it comes to sound access, every situation is different. Therefore, it is important to do some research and to get information from knowledgeable sources. Get started by Contacting Us.

Advertise!

Once counters or kiosks have been made accessible, include this information in your advertising material. Let people with hearing loss know that you are inclusive and that equitable access is an important business concern.

The blue-and-white hearing loss symbol marked with a prominent “T” (for telecoil or T-coil), tells customers that they have loop access and which waiting line or service desk to choose.

Disclaimer: The above web address links are provided for information and illustration only. Loop Minnesota does not favor one manufacturer, company or supplier over another.

COVID-19? Need for Hearing Loops & T-coils

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

COVID-19? Need for Hearing Loops & T-coils

Growing communications challenges

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, communication challenges of all kinds have turned into an acute issue for those with hearing loss. Speechreading (lipreading) has become impossible during these times of social distancing, masked outings and muffled conversations. Being talked to through plastic or glass partitions contributes to the further dulling of sounds.

As society gradually reopens ever so hesitantly, continued distancing and mask requirements will remain in effect and so will the communication hurdles. Sitting up front, close to the speaker is a thing of the past. “Up close” is a lot further back these days.

Now is the time to advocate for communication access

Wouldn’t it be nice to connect via telecoil or T-coil to hearing loops installed at bank and pharmacy windows, at information desks, in class rooms, libraries, places of worship and in health facilities? Gone would be the background noise and speech would be so much easier to understand – without the struggle, the fatigue and the embarrassment. Hearing loops are especially helpful in large, noisy venues such as convention and meeting rooms.

It is often said that anybody who has ever listened to speech through a correctly installed hearing loop does not want to turn back. As we go forward into a shaky communication future, it is more important than ever for people with hearing loss to get involved and to stand up for communication access. Let’s not be left out – again!

Visit this website and learn about it

The problem is that many people do not know much – or anything at all -about this technology. Non-proprietary hearing loops are different from proprietary, short-distance Bluetooth. A hearing loop is a special electrical wire that is installed throughout or around the area that is to be made accessible.

Telecoils or T-coils are tiny wireless antennas that can be found in cochlear implants, hearing aids and hearing devices large enough to accommodate them. They allow the user to tap into the sound energy carried by the magnetic field that surrounds a hearing loop that is in active service. Together, loops and telecoils act as assistive listening “systems.”

Do your hearing aids have telecoils?

Find out! Now is also the time to ask hearing specialists if the hearing aids that you plan to buy – or have already bought -have telecoils. Most people do not know because they have never told about them. Yet, in order for them to work, the hearing specialist must “activate” the telecoils and tune them to the hearing needs of the client. He/she must also instruct the client on how and where to use them.

The future of access is up to the people

In the end, do people with hearing loss want to be connected and included as communication snags pile up? If yes, it is time to act. Hearing loops do not magically appear. The technology needs advocates and believers who make the case for much-needed accessibility.

And so, what will our communication future look like? As President Abraham Lincoln told us “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” And the time to become “creative” and motivated is now.

Monique Hammond, VP Loop Minnesota

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Also, visit my website: hearing-loss-talk.com. I blog about all sorts of topics related to hearing and hearing loss.