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T-coil issues

Posted by jdalylew @jdalylew, Jun 21 4:03pm

I hope some of you might be able to help me. For seven months, I have been happily wearing new Oticon hearing aids. However, one of my main goals is to be able to enjoy live theatre, and the t/coil on the New Oticon’s don’t appear to be working at the theatre. They work great for streaming podcasts and telephone calls. They also work great for transmitting Sound from my iPad. I have an appointment with my audiologist, but when I made the appointment, she gave me the sense that she didn’t know what she could do about it. I would be grateful for anyone sharing any thoughts.
Thank you

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juliettesterkensaud | @juliettesterkensaud | 23 hours ago

It is good to ask your audiologist if the telecoil is working. If she owns a Verifit I or II (she will know what I am talking about), the telecoil can be quickly tested. Bring the verifit handout from the CenterforHearingAccessOrg website.

My BIG question, however, is: are you certain that the live theater where you would like to hear better has a hearing loop installed? Find a national list of theaters on the CHA website, or state-level lists.

IF they do not have a hearing loop, you will have to obtain a receiver (FM or Infrared) and ask for a neckloop rather than headphones. Look for the handout on using assistive listening systems on the same CHA website. I am unable to include links in this response. 🙁

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daveshaw | @daveshaw | 23 hours ago

Unfortunately my Phonak I 90 Sphere Ultra hearing aids are the largest hearings aids on the market. As good as they are they just did not have room for the telecoil feature. I am not vain and have no stigma with wearing hearing aids and even without the telecoil feature they are far and away the best hearing aids I have ever had for crowded restaurants. Even my friends have noticed a difference.
The biggest problem I have encountered is finding a good audiologist. Hearing specialists have become the norm in the Denver market. I just made an appointment with an audiologist at UC Health Anschutz in Aurora. I am hoping that will be a huge key in maximizing my current hearing aids.
I appreciate your insight as always.

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jdalylew | @jdalylew | 20 hours ago
In reply to @julieo4 "@daveshaw Repeating myself also: You will find information at: https://centerforhearingaccess.org/ The best hearing aids purchased today..." + (show)
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@daveshaw Repeating myself also:

You will find information at: https://centerforhearingaccess.org/

The best hearing aids purchased today will have both Auracast and telecoil options. Yes, it requires space in the product to contain these options. Advertising continues to push and promote 'invisibility and stigma'. Go figure. The shame of having hearing loss continues...

Hearing loops are installed in thousands of public and private places. Many have FM or Infrared systems that connect with telecoils when a neckloop is used. All of those places are in compliance with the American's with Disabilities Act.

Auracast is a new technology. It is coming, but it likely will not be readily available for several years. Yes, it is available in a few places now, but not many.

Reality: Those places that are in compliance are not going to jump into providing a new technology that costs them when they've paid the cost to be in sync with the ADA.

Therefore: Having both options makes the most sense. Reality: Not many hearing instruments have both. YOU AS A CONSUMER have to insist on having both options.

No, it's not fair. People who become hard of hearing don't know how to ask for something they know nothing about. Sad that these 'medical devices' are advertised and sold as 'consumer products'. Truth be danged!

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@julieo4 Appreciate your comments! TY. Joan

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