Cordia at Grand Traverse Commons recently completed the installation of a hearing loop system in our 65-person theater. This innovative technology is designed to improve the listening experience for our Members and guests with hearing impairment, especially those using hearing aids, allowing them to hear more clearly during Cordia’s programs, lectures, exercise classes, films, and events.
What is a hearing loop?
A hearing loop is a special sound system for people with hearing loss. It is composed of a loop amplifier and wire that is looped around a room. Anyone within the loop wearing a telecoil-equipped hearing device or using a loop receiver will hear what is transmitted by the loop amplifier.
Hearing loops deliver intelligible, distortion-free speech and sound in places where distance, ambient or background noise and challenging acoustics otherwise make listening and understanding with hearing aids and cochlear implants difficult.
The telecoil, also called a t-coil, is a small copper wire that can be found in most hearing aids and in all cochlear implants. This wire works as a receiver that picks up signals from the hearing loop system. When the telecoil in the hearing aid is activated, it turns incoming signals into sound. The remarkable thing about a telecoil is that it turns only the signals coming in from the loop system into sound, leaving out the background noise or other unnecessary conversations.
The benefits.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, hearing loops are also:
- Easy to Use: To hear clearly, individuals simply switch their devices to the telecoil program and automatically receive clear customized sound.
- Quality Sound: A hearing loop sends sound directly to the telecoil receiver in a user’s hearing device. The system eliminates most background noise and greatly improves understanding of speech and music. Additionally, the sound received is customized by each user’s unique hearing instrument.
- Discreet: Being able to hear well with a loop is inconspicuous; users do not stand out as being hard of hearing which encourages participation and inclusion.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
Most hearing aid models either come with telecoils or offer telecoils as an option. To see if your hearing aid is compatible with hearing loops such as Cordia’s, look for the “T” or “TM” logo (telecoil) on your hearing aid. This feature is necessary for compatibility. All you need to do to take advantage of a loop system is turn on the telecoil in your hearing device — usually this is done by your audiologist. Otherwise, there is no special equipment needed.
For those without a compatible hearing aid, Cordia has a limited number of hearing loop-compatible headsets available as well.
The hearing loop system is the latest in Cordia’s ongoing efforts to utilize innovation and technology to enhance our Members’ experiences.
