Category Archives: hearing loops

After a Hearing Loop is Installed, Train Staff and Volunteers

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

 

Hearing loops make businesses and venues accessible to customers and visitors with hearing loss who have teleoils in their hearing aids or cochlear implants.

After the successful installation of a hearing loop, the next important step is to train staff and volunteers in the use of the loop. Such training is usually done by the loop installer at the completion of the project but before the loop is put into service. Ask the installer to provide a list of trouble-shooting questions-and-answers, just in case that there might be an issue.

By the way, who will be your on-site company or venue loop expert or guru?

Staff and volunteer training should cover the following items:

  • recognize the loop sign and be able to answer basic questions
  • know the purpose of the loop and how it helps the business & clients
  • have a simple explanation for how the loop works
  • know when the loop is in service – around the clock or only at times? If it is activated on request or as needed, know how to turn it on
  • know how the loop interacts with the PA system and with other audio-visual equipment
  • know about other accessories, such as loop listeners for those who do not have telecoils in their hearing aids. These are used with light headsets. Those items require some maintenance such as battery and ear pad replacements and wiping the units after use.
  • know where these accessories are kept
  • know whom to call if there is a problem with the loop or with the accessories

 

Note: A new loop monitoring sign is now available that indicates whether the loop is on, off or has signal issues. Older loops may not have these. Check with your installer if a retrofit is possible.

In the end…

Loops are only effective if they are correctly designed and installed, if the customers know that they are available and if the staff and volunteers are trained in their use.

For more information, please contact us.

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

 

Hearing Loops and Telecoils or Bluetooth? We Need Both!

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Bluetooth Headset

It is all about access to communication

Recently, the question was asked in a meeting why we keep talking about the need for telecoils in hearing aids and cochlear implants and the installation of hearing loops in venues when Bluetooth is in and telecoils and loops are out.

This is a very timely question as it talks to the confusion about current and future use of Bluetooth for those with hearing loss.

Hearing loops and telecoils work together anywhere in the world. They work in venues of any size, from TV dens in homes to convention halls. No synching needed.

While Bluetooth enables wireless connections between smartphones, hearing aids and other Bluetooth devices, even the latest version of this technology is not ready for public, large-scale signal broadcasting. That type of connectivity is still at least another 10 years out, according to technology specialists.

Loops and telecoils versus Bluetooth? At this time, these are two very helpful but different types of technology that coexist and complement each other.

Telecoils and Bluetooth can be installed together in the same hearing instruments, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. They have their pros and cons but for the foreseeable future, we need both types of technology.

Because in the end, this is all about quality of life through equitable access to communication for those with hearing loss.

Bluetooth changes by leaps and bounds

In 2014, Bluetooth became a popular feature in hearing aids. People with hearing loss immediately appreciated having a direct, wireless, hands-free connections between their smartphones and their hearing instruments.

Nowadays, cochlear implants, earbuds and devices known as “hearables” are also routinely Bluetooth-enabled. Hearing devices can link up with laptops, TVs and computers and more. Accessories like Bluetooth adapters and streamers help bridge connectivity and compatibility issues.

Overall, Bluetooth is technology that allows wireless, one-on-one, short distance connections between different devices that recognize each other. So far, it is mostly helpful for private, personal use.

Enter Bluetooth LE 5.2

With its new coder-decoder (CODEC) LC3, Bluetooth LE 5.2 is fast becoming the new hype of the town. Within the next year or so, this technology will be found in smartphones, hearing instruments and other devices. While it offers some great advantages, converting to this latest Bluetooth version, or protocol will NOT be a simple software upgrade of existing technology.

And so, people must prepare themselves to invest in new phones and hearing instruments capable of handling this newest Bluetooth edition. In order to get ready for Bluetooth LE (LC3), manufacturers are busy adapting their device hardware and software. Particularly, instrument “chips” must be redesigned and re-licensed.

No overnight magic

Although hearing technology changes very fast, there will be no overnight magic. Getting high-quality, reliable Bluetooth connectivity in large spaces is a worldwide undertaking. Progress is expected within the next 10 years or so.

For the time being, the Bluetooth emphasis is still on short-distance connections. Even the latest Bluetooth LE 5.2 (LC3) version is not ready for public audio broadcast in big venues, such as places of worship, airports, lecture and convention halls etc. There are many kinks to be worked out.

Also, as venues must have hearing loops installed for telecoils to function, so venues must be equipped and readied for Bluetooth LE 5.2 (LC3) transmission and reception.

So far, Hearing loops and telecoils are our best and only bet for understanding speech in large, noisy places. And so, there is a continued need for this technology. It is ready and available to help us hear better NOW as well as throughout the lengthy Bluetooth LE 5.2 (LC3) transition period.

Read more: Bluetooth streaming instead of induction?

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To learn more about all sorts of topics on ears and hearing, visit my website at hearing-loss-talk.com

2022 – The Year for Hearing Loops & Telecoils in Minnesota

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

It is all about “equitable” access

Hearing Loops & Telecoils in Minnesota
Equitable access means that those who need extra accommodation get the help they need. Equal access, or what everybody else gets is often not enough.

For equitable access to communication, those who are hard-of-hearing need boosted sound signals and reduction of background noise in order to hear and understand clearly in noisy venues and businesses. PA (Public Address) systems, 2-way microphone intercoms and even hearing aids are not enough.

Fortunately, the type of technology that facilitates inclusion of the hearing-challenged in lecture rooms, museums, places of worship, convention halls and even at information desks and teller windows exists.

Assistive listening systems made of hearing loops and telecoils can deliver sound clarity beyond one’s wildest dreams. Telecoils, or T-coils are wireless antennas that are installed by the manufacturers in many hearing aids and cochlear implants. They access professionally installed hearing, or induction loops.

Unfortunately, many who could benefit from this technology are not aware of it. Even among hearing specialists there is often bias against it. Do you know if your hearing aids have telecoils? Luckily,  in spite of it all, hearing loops are now in higher demand than ever – in the United States and worldwide.

Back to the old ways? Time for change!

Once COVID simmers down, in-person meetings will be back. Where will that leave Minnesotans with hearing loss? Back to the old struggle of deciphering speech in noise? Back to isolation and depression over feeling excluded?

2022  –  the year of inclusion and equitable access

And so, the time for equitable access to communication for those with hearing loss has arrived. Become involved.

Join Loop Minnesota and let 2022 be the year of hearing loops and telecoils. Let it be the year when Minnesotans learn a lot more about this technology and how it can help communication. Be an advocate for equitable access for yourself and for others. It takes all of us to make a difference because, oh my, there is so much to do in 2022!

Happy Holidays and the Best of Hearing ever in the New Year!!

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To learn more about all sorts of topics on ears and hearing, visit my website at hearing-loss-talk.com

FDA Taking Public Comments on OTC Hearing Aids

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

FDA Outlines the Proposed Rule for OTC Hearing Aids

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted a page in the Federal Register, which outlines the Proposed Rule for Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids. The Public Comment period on these self-fitting, non-prescription devices opened on October 20th 2021 and will end on 18th of January 2022.

The goal of OTC hearing aids is to produce affordable, FDA-regulated devices for those with a perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and who are 18 years of age and older. The buyers are left to diagnose and treat their hearing loss themselves.
Get Ready to Comment

Get ready to comment

The following link leads directly to the Federal Register page. Here, you find instructions for submitting comments. But once those details are reviewed, the easiest way to get to the comment box is to click “Submit a Formal Comment” at the top of the page. To start a comment, always reference Docket No. FDA-2021-N-0555

Federal Register

Those who want to read the “Proposed Rule” as it stands right now only have to page-down in order to find that language. Inconsistent and vague statements prove that public comment is indeed needed. We have one chance to get this right.

Advocacy for telecoils

Among other wishes and questions, this is a prime opportunity for telecoil advocacy. As a matter of equitable access, OTC hearing aids should connect the customer wirelessly to hearing/induction loops for clearer understanding of speech in background sound.

Hearing loop technology meets the “assistive listening system” requirements of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for those with telecoils in their hearing aids. Loops are quite popular overseas and they are on an upswing in the U.S. Still, many patients are not told about telecoils and hearing loops, even in professional setting.

Asking for telecoils to be installed in OTC hearing aids not only allows for access to communication in looped venues, it will also popularize the loop/telecoil assistive system in a major and permanent way.

And so, for so many reasons now is the time to act.

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For those who want to learn more about ears and hearing loss issues, please see my website hearing-loss-talk.com

Advocate for Telecoils in OTC Hearing Aids

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

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!

Hearing Loops Help Everybody

Loop Minnesota Posted on by

Hearing Loops Help Everybody

No Hearing loss needed!

So, you think that you have perfect hearing. Yet, you became exhausted from straining to follow the wedding ceremony of your favorite niece in that echoey church?

Yes, indeed large, reverberating venues like hotel convention rooms, conference halls and places of worship can challenge even those with still decent hearing to understand clearly in background noise.

However, in this case, it did not have to be that way. Signs posted throughout the venue indicated that a hearing loop was in place. Too bad that the general public does not know about this technology or how to access it.

All anybody needs are telecoils

Small wireless antennas called telecoils or T-coils are needed to access a hearing or induction loop. Telecoils are usually found in hearing aids and in cochlear implants, which leads people to believe that hearing loops are only for the hearing-challenged. Wrong!

The truth is that anybody who has a device with telecoils can tap into an activated hearing loop for much clearer speech signals. In venues that display the universal blue hearing loss sign marked with a T (for telecoil) loop listeners/receivers are available for those without telecoils in their hearing aids as well as for the general public.

Loop listeners and personal FM listening devices equipped with a telecoil are usually used with a set of light headphones or earbuds. Now, paired with an app, earbud sets with telecoils can turn an iPhone into a loop receiver.

Learning more

So, what are telecoils and how does a hearing loop work? The answers to these questions are beyond the scope of this blog. I refer you back to the main body of our website at loopminnesota.org. Also, read our blog posts on this site for more information and practical applications, such as loops for daily living.

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

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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.

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.