Maybe we should explain why the term 'old technology' is sometimes used when talking about telecoils and induction (hearing) loops. It is technology that has been in use since the mid-1900s. Telecoils were first developed to be used with hardwired landline telephones; this the name 'tele'coil. Those old dial phones had the necessary magnet in the handset to relate to the telecoil component placed in the hearing aid. You all know what happened to those old phones. The phone industry went to cordless landlines, then to cell phones. The hearing aid manufacturers started removing telecoils from hearing aids because the new phones were not compatible with them. This was also pushed by the miniaturization of hearing aids. While the t-coil is small, it still takes up space in the hearing aid. HLAA pushed hard for hearing aid compatibility as new phones developed, which led to many being compatible, but not all. We had to be very careful what we purchased if we wanted it to work with our t-coil equipped hearing aids. We still do. An all out movement to promote telecoils and loops in public venues didn't get going until around 2007, when a handful of audiologists agreed to work with HLAA to push the technology. So yes, this is 'old technology', but it has many practical 'new' uses. Loops are better than ever. It is up to us to advocate and educate to get them out there.

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