I had used hearing aids for a decade prior to learning about SHHH, the organization that is now known as HLAA. The first national convention of the organization introduced me to the value of telecoils. That was in 1984! I have been educating and advocating ever since experiencing that experience; often to 'deaf ears' of hearing healthcare providers who have insisted for decades that telecoils and induction loops are 'old technology'. Thankfully, in the last decade, there has been a movement to Loop America, and HLAA has been behind it. It's happening all be it slowly. It should be illegal for anyone who sells hearing aids to NOT tell their customer about what telecoils do, with a complete actual demonstration so the buyer knows what they are talking about. When/if they skirt over this, most first time buyers of hearing aids are overwhelmed and don't want to hear any more than necessary. They will not understand it unless they have a chance to try it. It's like having 'binoculars for the ears', as it allows hearing aids to bypass ambient noise that is there in most settings. This technology is most often installed in large listening arenas, but can also be used on a personal level with TV, in a car, and even in a noisy 'cocktail party' setting. It requires telecoils in the hearing instrument, and a system that relates to it. This is commonly referred to as a 'hearing loop' now. A hearing instrument without a telecoil is like a car without air conditioning. You don't need it all the time, but when you do, you sure want it! Tell your provider you want this feature and tell others they need it. Educate and Advocate! It works.

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