Boucle d’induction

A Hearing Loop, also known as an Induction or Audio Loop, provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to T-Coil (Telecoil) setting. Since the signal is being delivered directly to the Hearing Aid or Cochlear Implant, the sound is customized to each individual’s hearing loss.

The loop system consists of a microphone to pick up the spoken word; an amplifier which process the signal which is then sent through the final piece; the induction loop, a wire placed around the perimeter of a room or sanctuary to act as an antenna that radiates the magnetic signal to the hearing aid or cochlear implant.

Telecoils provides people with hearing loss what wheelchair ramps provide with mobility challenges – access. They are an essential gateway to hearing aid compatible assistive listening for people with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Telecoils receive the magnetic sounds signals inside loops venues and also enable listening via infrared and FM systems signals with the use of a neck loop.

Most hearing aid models-80% – come either a telecoil or offer it as an option (all cochlear implants processors made today have them). When buying a hearing aid, consumers should always ask that a telecoil be included and that audiologists or dispensers activates the telecoil program at the time of fitting and also explain its use.

NOTE: Although one can access a telecoil via an assistive listening device (ALD), such as a neck loop, it is much easier if the T-Coil is installed in the hearing aid.

Induction loop systems (also known as hearing loops, or loop systems) use an electromagnetic (EM) field to transmit sound. Induction loop systems technically work with flux coils but are more commonly known as telecoils (or t-coils). This type of technology picks up modulated electromagnetic frequencies and converts them into sounds that are picked up by personal amplification devices, such as hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids, or cochlear implant processors.

For most induction loop systems, a wire is taped to the floor or baseboards around the perimeter of the room, and acts as an antenna to transmit the audio signal through the EM field. One benefit of using an induction loop system with personal amplification devices (such as hearing aids or cochlear implants) that have a telecoil, is that no additional headphones or receivers are needed.

While induction loop systems require very little maintenance once set up, they can be susceptible to electrical interference. Therefore, it is important that this system is installed correctly to produce an adequate signal for a telecoil to pick up. Unlike proprietary systems such as Bluetooth systems, telecoils do not drain the batteries on a hearing aid or cochlear implant any faster than the microphone program, and telecoils work with all induction loop systems – regardless of the brand of the hearing aid/cochlear implant.

A hearing healthcare practitioner can provide information and support on telecoils and systems that will help with listening to the TV.

Induction Loop system

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