Connect
Hearing Loops Rock! Do You Use Them? Do You Know Where They Are?
Anyone who has tried assistive technology in public venues will tell you that hearing loops are the premier technology. FM systems and infrared (IR) systems work, but loops are the preferred technology by far.
In order to connect with any of this technology easily, your personal hearing instrument or cochlear processor has to have a functional telecoil component. That component uses induction technology to connect your personal equipment to the desired sound.
Sadly, some of the new hearing aids do not contain telecoils, but most of them could if the buyer of the product asked for it, and if the provider promoted it. Instead, they promote BlueTooth (BT) BT is a very good thing to have too, but to get the most bang for the buck out of a hearing device you will want to have both BT and Telecoil (TCoil). BT may connect you to your TV and cell phone, but it will not connect you to the sound system at a meeting, or in a performing arts center, or other place where microphones are in use. With telecoils you can simply turn your personal technology to the telecoil mode in a looped venue and hear whatever is coming through the sound system without background noise. It's wonderful! (Note: A telecoil adds no cost to a hearing instrument. BT adds hundreds of dollars.
In previous discussions, many people have said there are no looped places in their area. Still there should be FM or IR if no loops. WIth the receivers required for those systems you can connect a personal sized neckloop and get the same results. The bother of the receivers is an issue as they have to be maintained, charged made available, etc. With a loop system it's up to you to connect. Easy peasy.
OK. So where are there hearing loop installations. Just received good news from HLAA's 'Get in the Hearing Loop' program that Google maps are going to note locations that are accessible.
Keep in mind that 'communication access' is your right under that Disabilities Act. BUT, you have to ask for it and do some advocating and educating. If you want to hear...get the message! HERE'S THE SCOOP!:
Google Maps Adds Hearing Loops to Website for Hearing Aid Telecoil Users
Published 03 August 2022
Google Maps is now including hearing loops in the accessibility information on its website, which should prove useful for users of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other listening devices that employ a telecoil. Although this has received little notice from the national media or hearing loss related entities, it represents good news for people who are hard of hearing and use hearing aids and other devices that employ a telecoil, according to the consumer advocacy group Loop New Mexico (LNM).
Google Maps Adds Hearing Loops to Website for Hearing Aid Telecoil Users
Published 03 August 2022
Google Maps is now including hearing loops in the accessibility information on its website, which should prove useful for users of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other listening devices that employ a telecoil. Although this has received little notice from the national media or hearing loss related entities, it represents good news for people who are hard of hearing and use hearing aids and other devices that employ a telecoil, according to the consumer advocacy group Loop New Mexico (LNM). http://www.loopnm.com/
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Hearing Loss Support Group.
Connect
To find hearing loops around the country - this site is likely the most up-to-date: https://time2loopamerica.com/loop-locator/
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsIt depends on the theater so I have used both glasses and a screen type thing that you hold. I prefer the glasses even though they can pinch my ears after awhile.
Good to know about the neckloops. I didn’t know about that. I am assuming this is an added expense to the hearing aids. I remember having a neck loop several years ago. That was the latest tech to connect to TV. I had tried it but never ended up getting it because I thought it was too inconsistent at the time. It kept connecting and disconnecting. I’m guessing the tech has gotten better with that.
As far as added cost, a quality neckloop cost around $50. Williams Sound makes a good one. I recently bought a couple of them on Amazon for $35 each. Well worth it.
Technology has improved, but now, like back then, there are quality issues in most products. Williams Sound makes good quality neckloops. There are others I don't have experience with. Perhaps someone else out there has experience they will share more about other brands.
I've not had an opportunity to try the caption glasses in a movie theater. I did try them in an exhibit at an HLAA convention. Pretty cool. In my area, we have the devices that fit in the cup holder with the adjustable goose neck attached to the small caption screen. It's a bit cumbersome, but it works.
I envy locations where they've been able to get captioning on the screen for some performances. That's an advocacy issue again. The people who go to movies often should keep asking for it.