Arizona Requires Dispensers to Inform Consumers About Telecoils

Editor: I believe that virtually all hearing aids should include telecoils, so I'm very happy to see a new law in Arizona that requires hearing aid dispensers to inform consumers about them. Here's the press release.

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Phoenix - Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Amanda Aguirre (D-Yuma) to assist consumers in the deaf and hearing aid community made its way through the entire legislature and was signed this week by Gov. Janet Napolitano. According to Aguirre, this legislation was needed to ensure that members of deaf and hard of hearing community are informed of technology that will help them participate in and enjoy everyday events.

"It was a privilege to have an opportunity to work with the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on this important bill. This legislation is important as it will ensure that hearing aid consumers are notified of technology that can increase their quality of life, by allowing them to enjoy and participate in many activities that the rest of us often take for granted. I am grateful for all the hard work that the Commission and the deaf and hard of hearing community have put into this bill and thankful to members of the Legislature for their support," said Aguirre.

SB1348 ensures that hearing aid consumers will be informed about the benefits of audio switch technology when they purchase any hearing aid device. Audio switch technology, often referred to as "telecoil" or t-coil, has been available for hearing aids and cochlear implants processors for a number of years, however, many consumers are unaware of the potential benefit of this technology. This technology enables users easy access to sounds from telephone equipment, as well as other electronic audio equipment including such things as radio, CD players, movie theaters and public address systems.

Sherry M. Appleby, Chair of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, shares in Aguirre's enthusiasm for this issue.

"I am so glad that this bill passed. As a Hearing Aid Dispenser and being hard of hearing myself, I understand how beneficial the information will be when it is given at the time of purchase for hearing aids. Hearing aids are not the most wanted item for the public, unless you're profoundly deaf," said Sherry M. Appleby, Chair of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. "With all the misinformation out there and all the new technology available, I hope more people will accept the help available to them. I'm excited that the Arizona is setting the precedence in technology advancement for the hard of hearing and deaf people."