How Telecoils and Hearing Loops Work Together

If you have spent time reading about hearing aids or visited certain public venues, you may have come across the terms telecoil and hearing loop. They often appear together. While they can sound technical, the idea behind them is quite approachable once explained. This is a plain look at how telecoils and hearing loops work together.

This article gives a general explanation of telecoils and hearing loops and how they work together. It is general information only. Your audiologist can advise whether a telecoil is relevant to your particular devices and needs. Our team looks after people across Brisbane and Logan, here in Australia.

What a telecoil is

A telecoil is a small component that can be built into some hearing aids. It is designed to pick up a particular kind of signal from a compatible sound system, rather than picking up sound through the usual microphones.

Because it works differently from the microphones, a telecoil offers an alternative way of receiving sound in certain settings. Not every hearing aid includes one, so it is something to check with your audiologist. It is a long-established feature that has been part of hearing aids in one form or another for many years.

The telecoil itself is small and sits inside the device, so it sits inside the device. You would generally only need to think about it when you choose to use it. That happens in a place that has the matching system.

What a hearing loop is

A hearing loop is a system installed in a venue or space that works together with telecoils. It is designed to send sound from a venue's audio system directly to hearing aids that have a telecoil switched on. In effect, the venue does part of the work of getting the sound to you.

You may have seen signs indicating that a hearing loop is available. Such places include theatres, places of worship, banks or service counters. The signage lets people know that the loop is there for those whose devices can use it.

How telecoils and loops work together

The telecoil and the hearing loop are two halves of the same idea. The loop, installed in the venue, transmits the sound. The telecoil, inside the hearing aid, is designed to receive it directly.

When both are present and the telecoil is activated, the venue's sound can be delivered to the hearing aids. This partnership between the device and the venue is what makes the system useful in the places where it is available.

Where you might come across a hearing loop

Hearing loops are found in a variety of public spaces, particularly those where clear sound over a distance can be helpful. Common examples include auditoriums, community halls and ticket counters. Other places include those where people listen to a speaker or staff member.

Looking out for the loop signage can help you know when the system is available. If you are unsure whether a venue has a loop, staff can often tell you. It can be worth asking when you visit somewhere new.

Switching a telecoil on

For a telecoil to receive sound from a loop, it usually needs to be activated. Depending on the hearing aids, this might be done through a setting, a program or an app. The exact method varies between devices.

Your audiologist can show you how to switch the telecoil on if your devices have one. Knowing how to do this means you can make use of a hearing loop whenever you find yourself somewhere it is available.

Checking whether your devices have a telecoil

Because not all hearing aids include a telecoil, it is worth finding out whether yours do. This is something your audiologist can confirm. It is also a useful question to raise when considering new devices.

If you often visit venues that have hearing loops, knowing whether your devices can use them can be helpful. An audiologist can talk through whether a telecoil is relevant for the places you spend time in.

Why some people find loops helpful

Telecoils and loops are designed for places where distance and background noise can make listening effortful. Loops are designed to send sound more directly to the hearing aids in certain public spaces.

Whether this is useful for you depends on your devices, your hearing and the places you visit. There is no single answer that applies to everyone. This is why individual guidance is so valuable.

Talking to an audiologist

If you would like to understand whether telecoils and hearing loops are relevant to you, a friendly audiologist can explain how they work with your particular devices. They can also show you how to use the feature if you have it.

Because everyone's situation is different, individual advice is far more helpful than general information alone. A hearing care professional can take the time to understand where you spend your time. That way, any advice is grounded in the places you actually visit.

Whether or not telecoils and loops turn out to be relevant for you, it is helpful simply to know what the signage means. Being aware of the option is the first step. You can always explore it further with an audiologist if it seems useful.

If you would like to learn more, or to arrange a hearing appointment, you are welcome to get in touch with our friendly team. No referral is necessary, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

DISCLAIMER:

The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. We do not support, nor recommend any products or treatments without proper hearing diagnostic and proper hearing evaluation. All users must seek professional advice before beginning treatment as well as inform themselves of known side effects/risks associated with said procedure(s).

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not take into account your individual circumstances and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified hearing health professional about your specific needs.

Looking for a hearing test or ear care? See hearing tests, hearing aids or book an appointment. Browse all articles.