The development of modern digital hearing aids has introduced wonderful new possibilities to help hearing-impaired people. Fittings and set-ups are easier, amplification is powerful and handling has become more convenient. It is safe to say that the hearing aid has been the most important tool for hard-of-hearing people for decades and will be so for the foreseeable future.
However, there are numerous situations where a hearing aid is not sufficient for all listening needs and where an additional system may be needed. Wherever there is high background noise or a long distance to the signal source, the signal-to-noise ratio runs too low and problems hearing become evident. In places like churches, concert halls, theaters, cinemas, conference rooms, school classrooms, work situations, and sometimes even in homes, it can be hard to hear with only the assistance of hearing aids.
There are three types of transmission technologies that can assist in these situations: infrared (IR), radio (FM) and induction loop systems. All three are based on the same concept—to move the signal source closer to the hearing-impaired person. All three transmit the signal wirelessly, and all three need a receiver at the other end.
An induction loop system, in which an area is surrounded by a sound-transmitting wire, offers many benefits to the wearer of a hearing aid equipped with a telecoil (T-coil). In effect, the wire transmits sound to the T-coil, which then becomes a built-in receiver in the hearing aid. T-coil users are able to hear in any looped environment, with no need to reveal their impairment to strangers, ask for help, deal with the embarrassment and possible health hazards of borrowing or renting a conspicuous receiver, or sit in “special” seats or areas.
One way to find out more about induction looping is to ask your audiologist, who will be able to tell you if your hearing aid has a T-coil or if you are eligible to wear one that does. If your hearing aid does have a T-coil, your audiologist may have an induction loop system in his/her office or know of nearby public places where you can try hearing via induction loop transmission. Your audiologist also may be able to install or recommend someone to install a loop system in your home. Find out for yourself what the system can do while you are watching television or listening to music and then imagine the countless situations where a loop system could make a significant difference in your life. Now available wireless Bluetooth technology which allows a person to hear their cell phone, television, landline phone MP3 player and your computer directly into your hearing aid.
Interested in seeing how this technology can help you? Call Audiology Associates and speak with Nola Aronson, M.A., Patrice Rifkind Au.D., Ginny Newman, Au.D. and Nina Ball, M.S. at 661-288-1400.