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What is a Hearing Loop and how does it work?
Hearing Loops are the preferred assistive listening technology for people with hearing loss. At the push of a button, the majority of hearing aids and all cochlear implants can wirelessly receive the sound from a looped venue that has a hearing loop installed via it's internal t-coil or telecoil.
Documents:
Why Install A Loop System That Meets the IEC Standard?
The Debate: Hearing Loop Systems vs. IR or FM Systems
Assistive Listening Devices Comparison Chart
Hearing Loops vs. Bluetooth (BT)
Why Hearing Loops Matter
Hearing loops are inconspicuous and provide superior sound quality; the hearing aid user employs his/her own hearing aids. There is no need to pick up or wear a receiver or headset, thus eliminating hygienic concerns. Hearing loop systems use a universal frequency that any telecoil equipped instrument can pickup. Therefore, a hearing loop system is a most cost effective solution not only for the hearing aid user, but for the venue as well. Fewer headsets required means less maintenance issues for the venue.
1. Optimized Hearing
Listeners use hearing instruments they own where the sound is optimized for their personal hearing loss and needs.
2. Reduced costs and maintenance
Loop systems don't require churches or other venues to purchase, maintain, and replace portable receiving units (though such can be purchased for those without suitably equipped hearing aids).
3. More Likely Used
Loop systems are far more likely to be used - and increasingly used - once installed. Loops also work in transient situations, such as the welcome desk of a museum, the checkout counter of a library, a grocery store checkout lane, or a pharmacy counter.
4. Good for Business
Study has shown that hearing aid users will search out venues with hearing loops.
5. ADA, ANSI, IEC Standards
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that Assistive Listening Devices must be provided in public assembly areas where audio is integral to the space. However, it does not mandate which technology must be provided. Hearing loop systems are preferred by users with T-coil enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has adopted the IEC Standard for Hearing Loop Installation and will make important improvements for Americans with smart hearing aids and cochlear implants when visiting public venues and spaces with the technology.
ANSI A117.1 is scheduled to to into effect in December 2014 at which time all Hearing Loop system installations will be required to meet the requirements of IEC 60118-4. Today, IEC 60118-4 serves as the reference for performance for Hearing Loop systems and sets out requirements and test methods for any Hearing Loop system. It has changed the way that Hearing Loop systems are specified, designed, commissioned, and maintained. ANSI A117.1 will serve as the mandate for performance when Hearing Loop systems are installed as the assistive listening solution.
1. Optimized Hearing
Listeners use hearing instruments they own where the sound is optimized for their personal hearing loss and needs.
2. Reduced costs and maintenance
Loop systems don't require churches or other venues to purchase, maintain, and replace portable receiving units (though such can be purchased for those without suitably equipped hearing aids).
3. More Likely Used
Loop systems are far more likely to be used - and increasingly used - once installed. Loops also work in transient situations, such as the welcome desk of a museum, the checkout counter of a library, a grocery store checkout lane, or a pharmacy counter.
4. Good for Business
Study has shown that hearing aid users will search out venues with hearing loops.
5. ADA, ANSI, IEC Standards
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that Assistive Listening Devices must be provided in public assembly areas where audio is integral to the space. However, it does not mandate which technology must be provided. Hearing loop systems are preferred by users with T-coil enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has adopted the IEC Standard for Hearing Loop Installation and will make important improvements for Americans with smart hearing aids and cochlear implants when visiting public venues and spaces with the technology.
ANSI A117.1 is scheduled to to into effect in December 2014 at which time all Hearing Loop system installations will be required to meet the requirements of IEC 60118-4. Today, IEC 60118-4 serves as the reference for performance for Hearing Loop systems and sets out requirements and test methods for any Hearing Loop system. It has changed the way that Hearing Loop systems are specified, designed, commissioned, and maintained. ANSI A117.1 will serve as the mandate for performance when Hearing Loop systems are installed as the assistive listening solution.
Quote:
"We want people who have hearing loss to understand, to be included in a worship service (or any other kind of gathering). They need to learn how to ask for accommodation, to understand they have the right to do so, and how much they are missing if they stay in the shadows. And the requested accommodation should be provided; wherever people gather, whether in a house of worship, in a city council chamber, in a school auditorium, or in places of leisure – no one should be excluded because of their (dis)ability, gender, sexuality, race or beliefs. Those barriers are person-made; they are not naturally-occurring or in any way divine; they don’t belong in an inclusive, caring environment.” - Hearing Health Matters blog - by Gael Hannan
"We want people who have hearing loss to understand, to be included in a worship service (or any other kind of gathering). They need to learn how to ask for accommodation, to understand they have the right to do so, and how much they are missing if they stay in the shadows. And the requested accommodation should be provided; wherever people gather, whether in a house of worship, in a city council chamber, in a school auditorium, or in places of leisure – no one should be excluded because of their (dis)ability, gender, sexuality, race or beliefs. Those barriers are person-made; they are not naturally-occurring or in any way divine; they don’t belong in an inclusive, caring environment.” - Hearing Health Matters blog - by Gael Hannan
Videos on hearing loops
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_Hearing Loops help hearing aid users hear speech clearly and without background noise
Read New York Times Front Page article on hearing loops
by John Tierney
Read this letter from Steven O. Frazier on hearing loops and neck loops
and his article "In the (neck) Loop"
________________________________________________________________
Our Mission:
To promote awareness and installation of hearing loops in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach Counties, the Treasure Coast, and the Florida Keys.
Our Vision:
To see all of Florida equipped with hearing loop systems that are common place.
Loop Florida:
For a list of places that offer loops in Florida: Click here
Read what users say about hearing loops: Click here
Hearing Aid Tax Credit:
Support legislation that provides up to $1000 tax credit for two hearing aids Click here
"Information courtesy of Dr. Juliette Sterkens – Audiologist
Wisconsin Hearing Loop Advocate"
Read New York Times Front Page article on hearing loops
by John Tierney
Read this letter from Steven O. Frazier on hearing loops and neck loops
and his article "In the (neck) Loop"
________________________________________________________________
Our Mission:
To promote awareness and installation of hearing loops in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach Counties, the Treasure Coast, and the Florida Keys.
Our Vision:
To see all of Florida equipped with hearing loop systems that are common place.
Loop Florida:
For a list of places that offer loops in Florida: Click here
Read what users say about hearing loops: Click here
Hearing Aid Tax Credit:
Support legislation that provides up to $1000 tax credit for two hearing aids Click here
"Information courtesy of Dr. Juliette Sterkens – Audiologist
Wisconsin Hearing Loop Advocate"