Keeping Everyone in the Loop!

By Christine Diles, AuD

Editor: You know that we're big fans of induction loops. So is a Christine Diles, AuD, an audiologist in Northern CA. She and a partner have created a company that educates colleagues about the benefits of induction loops and also provides loop systems. Hearing professionals are encouraged to contact Wireless Hearing Solutions at (707) 539-3897 to learn more about incorporating inductive looping into their practice! Or point your browser to www.wirelesshearingsolutions.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Introduction

People with hearing loss often struggle to catch television's fast-paced dialogue, even with well-fitted, advanced digital hearing aids. Could it be that in our quest to help people overcome their hearing difficulties, we have overlooked one of the most important activities in their daily lives, TV viewing? The A.C. Nielsen Company reports that the average American watches television more than 4 hours a day. That translates to more than 25% of a person's waking hours.

We have found a very effective solution to this problem: a new twist with an old technology, the inductive teleloop and a Tcoil equipped hearing instrument. The inductive loop is a thin wire that inconspicuously encircles the television viewing room. The person's Tcoil equipped hearing aid becomes a personal speaker system, adjusted for their needs, right in their ear. We have now successfully looped over 1100 homes in our county. In the beginning, the loop was sold as an added feature, but after we conducted a survey and found that over 90% of our clients reported higher satisfaction with their hearing aids when combined with an installed teleloop, we decided to include the loop with every fitting.
Installation:

The physical installation of the loop system is arguably one reason hearing care professionals may be hesitant to recommend these products. However, room loops for residential applications do not require special considerations and installation can be done without a professional. There's no need for an expensive electrician or carpenter. Instructions come with each unit. Anyone with a few "handyman" skills can easily accomplish installation. Hearing care professionals can arrange for the installation or many clients are doing it themselves.

In Office Loop

Our office is equipped with four separate loops for demonstration purposes. All of our rooms as well as the reception area are looped. We want to make sure that all of our clients know that there are devices available to assist them in areas where their hearing aids alone are just not quite enough.

Summary

According to Mark Ross (2002), "The ordinary telecoil is perhaps the most common and most underestimated assistive listening device available for hearing impaired individuals today." Dr. Ross stated, "It would be useful if we could re-label this little coil in order to stress its potentially wider application. Perhaps it is time to change its name. Maybe if we termed the "telecoil" a "listening coil" or "audio coil" we could be more effective in communicating its full scope as an ALD".

Home by home, looping is making a difference in the lives of hearing aid users. By doubling the functionality of their hearing aids ie. giving them a personal speaker system directly in their ear, clients experience greater benefit and value. Ask your hearing professional about it.

References