This is so frustrating. The telecoil can be used to connect to many audio devices. Why on earth they don't activate it is a mystery. The reason they will give is "It's old technology". The real reason: It doesn't add profit to the product like BlueTooth does. BT is great, but it does not replace the telecoil.

Look at it this way. You walk into a performing arts center, church, or other venue that has an installed hearing loop. All you do is turn the telecoil on to connect. With BT, FM or Infrared, you need to ask for a receiver and either use its headphones or a personal connecting device like a neckloop to plug into that receiver. So much easier to just flick the switch on the hearing aid and use the telecoil. It's like having binoculars for the ears. Read about telecoils and loops at http://www.hearingloop.org Also, it's very easy to install a loop system in your own home for watching TV. It works on the phone; cell or landline.

If more people with hearing loss would get involved in advocating for communication access, we'd have accommodations galore.