That is amazing, alarming and very upsetting! Seriously, a patient is supposed to know what to ask for when getting a new hearing aid???? The audiologists are supposed to be the experts; the teachers, the counselors. They should know that we want to hear in every possible situation. "Communication Access' is our right. Very few of us use sign language, but if we asked for it they would have to provide it. Hard of hearing people who use hearing aids and cochlear implants get left out in the cold, but we have the same rights. Telling someone that venues in the area aren't using the technology is a close out. If they cared very deeply, they would be out there advocating for this kind of connectivity for their clientele.

Another side of this is the frustration we hear about when places install the necessary technology and wonder why people don't use it. But you have to know it's there to try it. You also have to know what it is and what it does. The telcoil in a hearing aid is the key to connecting to all of it. Sadly, stigmas about hearing loss also add to the confusion.

Here is a link that explains the 3 types of hearing assistive technology available to meet the mandates of the American's with Disabilities Act. https://www.hearingloss.org/hearing-help/technology/hat/ To connect your hearing aids to these systems, they must have telecoils. Unless you want to remove your hearing devices and put on a pair of headphones that connect to a receiver. If you're in a 'looped' venue, all you have to do is click the telecoil button on your personal hearing device and you are connected to the sound system. .

Keep in mind, that telecoils can also connect you to personal devices like computers, iPads, iPods, radios, etc.There are personal microphones one can use in noisy settings with telecoils. Problem is they show when you use them. Realistically, it shows that you are doing everything you can to hear and make conversation go smoothly. Telecoils can make a difference everywhere.

What part of the country do you live in? There are also a few websites that list the locations of installed hearing assistive technology. You may be surprised to learn about places in your area that have this tech.