How you can benefit from a telecoil in your hearing aid
The telecoil is a really useful hearing aid feature that is often overlooked by many wearers. In this article we’ll look at what it is and how you can benefit from its use.
What is telecoil?
A telecoil is a small metal wire coiled around a metal rod located inside a hearing aid. It acts as an antenna picking up magnetic signals and turning them into sounds streamed through your hearing aids.
Internal mechanisms of a Widex behind the ear hearing aid with telecoil
How does it work?
The telecoil works as a receiver picking up signals from a loop system that acts as an electromagnetic field. If the telecoil feature has been activated on your hearing aids they will convert the electromagnetic field into a sound signal. Only the sound from the loop system’s microphone is amplified and background noise is minimised.
Do I have telecoil in my hearing aids?
Many behind-the-ear style hearing aids are fitted with telecoil. If your hearing aid has a T-switch or telecoil program then you will be able to activate the feature. Some in the canal hearing aids do not have telecoil due to their small size. Ask your hearing aid dispenser or audiologist if you are not sure.
How can it help me?
If you are at a place where a loop system is installed then the telecoil feature of your hearing aids will stream spoken word directly into your ears whilst minimising background noise. For example at a place of worship you should be able to hear their voice of the speaker directly into your ears meaning you’re seating distance from the speaker will have little or no impact on how clearly you hear them.
Where can I use it?
You can use the telecoil feature wherever a loop system has been installed and activated. They can be found at: -
- Places of Worship
- Concert Halls and Theatres
- Taxi Cabs (London)
- Guided Tours – Museums, Buses
- Counters – Banks, Libraries, Stations, Airports and Shops
If you see the below symbol this should signify a loop system has been installed.
Telecoil Loop System Symbol
Telecoil Loop System Symbol
Who can I seek for assistance?
If you are interested in hearing devices then contact your hearing aid professional to find out more. If you are local to Bournemouth then contact us to find out how you can benefit from a telecoil.
References
Sheehan, Jay: Understanding Hearing Loops: [http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/understanding-hearing-loops-794]: [Dec 5, 2001]
[Unattributed]: What is a telecoil?: [http://blog.widex.com/post/83699151141/telecoil]: [Apr 24 2014]