Frequently Asked Questions
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1) How does an induction loop like the Field Teleloop system work? |
| 2) Why are hearing loops good for in-home Television use? |
| 3) Where else can hearing loops be utilized? |
| 4) How easy is it to install a loop system? |
| 5) How can I get started using this in my practice? |
| 6) Why might I use a loop system instead of an Infrared or FM system? |
| 7) In what applications might an FM system like the Conversor be a better alternative? |
| 8) Do I have to use a certain manufacturer of hearing aids? |
| 9) Do loops work with auto-T's? |
| 10) What about the hum some hear when they are in the telecoil mode |
| 11) What about Bluetooth technology, should I wait? |
| 12) Do users prefer the M/T option or just T? |
1) How does an induction loop like the Field Teleloop system work? |
An audio induction loop system consists of a loop of wire that is connected to an induction loop amplifier (Field Teleloop system or other). An input signal is provided to the induction loop amplifier via microphone or direct cable input. The induction loop amplifier drives this signal through the loop of wire in the form of a strong alternating current. This current creates a magnetic field around the wire which is picked up by any telecoil equipped hearing aid positioned inside the loop of wire. The hearing aid must be switched into a "telecoil only" or "microphone plus telecoil" mode to pick up the signal. The loop of wire consists of a single insulated wire which is placed around the perimeter of the room or around any other area in which the creation of the magnetic signal is desired. |
2) Why are hearing loops good for in-home Television use? |
| Television can be difficult for hearing impaired viewers, even when they have been fitted with new state-of-the-art digital hearing aids. Distance from the sound source, room acoustics and background noise can all interfere with intelligibility. Moreover, the viewer does not have the opportunity to have dialogue repeated and much of the conversation on television goes by very quickly. Any person with diminished speech recognition will have trouble in this type of hearing environment. As everyone has witnessed, this usually means that the hearing impaired viewer turns the volume up to uncomfortable levels in the home to better hear the television. A loop system can provide a solution to all of these issues as it isolates the sound from the television and transmits it equally into both ears through telecoil equipped hearing aids. The volume control can be set to a level that is comfortable for all listeners. Not only is the hearing aid wearer happier, other family members can sit in the same room and enjoy television again at a reasonable volume. |
3) Where else can hearing loops be utilized? |
| Hearing loops can be used in private homes or in larger public environments. In most public places, hard of hearing people hear the broadcast sound, but only after it has traveled some distance from a loudspeaker, reverberated off walls, and gotten mixed with other room noise. Induction loop systems take sound straight from the source and deliver it right into the listener's ear, drastically improving hearing in these large venues. In addition, the Americans for Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities require that buildings with fixed seating for 50 or more persons "have a permanently installed assistive listening system" plus signs "installed to notify patrons." Loops have been installed in many churches, theatres, courts and auditoriums. In addition, banks, pharmacies, or other venues where detailed information must be transmitted and understood can be terrific applications for inductive loop systems. |
4) How easy is it to install a loop system? |
| The Field Teleloop System comes with simple step-by-step illustrated instructions which show how it can be installed in a home environment. A wire is routed around the perimeter of a room and connected to the Field base unit, which must then be connected to the sound source (television or phone). If the room is carpeted, this can be as simple as tucking the wire under the baseboard around the room. In other cases, the wire can be inconspicuously attached to the top of the baseboard. Optionally, a chair cushion loop can be utilized if a more concentrated field loop is desired. Most installations require between 30 minutes and 1 hour. We can assist you over the telephone if you have installation questions.
The Field Teleloop System can also be utilized for looping at banks, pharmacies, or other public venues where a counter system is needed. We have detailed instructions available with diagrams on how to correctly place the loop system under a counter top. These instructions are available upon request.
Loop system installation for churches, auditoriums or larger venues requires different equipment and can be more complicated. Call us for more information if this type of loop installation is of interest to you. |
5) How can I get started using this in my practice? |
| Our company was created to help hearing professionals add this unique offering to their practice. Usually one gets started by installing a loop system in their patient reception area and in their fitting room. These systems must be connected to a sound source which is usually a television or radio. These loop installations allow the hearing professional to demonstrate the system to each patient as they arrive to the office and during their hearing aid fitting. Most patients usually want this listening experience in their home after a very short demonstration.
There are a couple of ways to incorporate this into the dispensing process. The most successful practices have been including an installed loop with each new fitting (think of it simply as another option on a hearing aid…..one that will be used 4 hours a day on average). Many other approaches are possible such as including them with high end instruments only or even charging extra but we have found that eliminating another economic decision increases acceptance. Patients all over America are telling their hearing professionals that they love how the loop helps them to more fully and effortlessly enjoy TV and the fact that it works with their hearing aids helps them to perceive more value from their instruments.
It is also necessary to find someone to install the loop systems in patient's homes. Since the installation is relatively simple, this is easier to do than most hearing professionals imagine. All that is needed is a set of simple tools (list available by request) and someone that is fairly handy. We can provide assistance over the telephone, installation tips, or on-site training if desired. |
6) Why might I use a loop system instead of an Infrared or FM system? |
| While Infrared and FM products work well, there is an inherent problem for the hearing aid user in that they are required to remove their instruments (unless wearing an inductive neck loop like the Conversor) to put on the receiver. In the case of a loop system, the user simply has to push a button on their personal hearing device to put the device in the right program to receive clear and direct sound from the loop. Moreover, the user's telecoil mode is programmed specifically for that individual's hearing loss as opposed to the broadband signal produced from "stock" receivers which are not programmed specifically for the user. Advantages loop systems have in the public venue include; no pick up or return of the receiver, they are inconspicuous, they entail no hygienic concerns and have no "bleed over" sound coming from around the headphones that might be heard by others nearby. For these reasons and more, the loop is much more likely to be used. |
7) In what applications might an FM system like the Conversor be a better alternative? |
| FM systems such as the Conversor are useful for those with active lifestyles who want hearing aid compatibility wherever they go. Additionally, the Conversor can be a solution when confronted with installation obstacles such as floor tile on slab foundation and extremely high ceilings. |
8) Do I have to use a certain manufacturer of hearing aids? |
| No. Any hearing aid that is equipped with a telecoil will work well in a looped environment. |
9) Do loops work with auto-T's? |
| Fortunately no, otherwise the user with an auto-T would be forced to listen to the television when in the looped environment. Most hearing aids give the option of having both an auto-T and a telecoil in separate programs. |
10) What about the hum some hear when they are in the telecoil mode |
| A 60 cycle hum can be picked up in some environments and can be heard by the hearing device/loop user. This is not a problem in Europe where the standard voltage is 220 but it is a minor concern here in America with our 110 volts and can be generated by a variety of sources. Most patients are unable to perceive the hum but when hearing is very good in the low frequencies, the hum can be an issue. We have found 60 cycle hum to be a problem in approximately 5% of environments. This can be easily detected by listening through a telecoil equipped device before starting an installation. |
11) What about Bluetooth technology, should I wait? |
| Bluetooth technology has found its way into the hearing aid world as an add-on to a behind the ear hearing aid (unless coupled with an induction neckloop for users with T coils). At the present time, Bluetooth has limited range (when compared to an induction loop), size concerns, and excessive battery drain on the hearing aid. At this point in time, Bluetooth remains an external device to the hearing aid as opposed to an internally placed telecoil. We, as hearing professionals, need to be open-minded and ready to adopt any new technology that is hearing aid compatible, for the end user's quality of life will surely be improved. At this time however, induction looping remains the most cost effective and elegant solution. |
12) Do users prefer the M/T option or just T? |
| Most hearing aid users prefer to be in the M/T setting when using an induction loop. This allows them to hear the sound source (TV, bank teller, public speaker) while still being in touch with their environment. In the case of TV listening, the user is able to hear clearly while still being able to hear the doorbell, telephone, or other person in the room….a distinct advantage over Infrared headphones. It is convenient, however, at times to be able to shut those sounds out and go directly to the "T" setting. |
