A hearing loop, also known as an audio induction loop or audio-frequency induction loop (AFIL), is an assistive listening technology for individuals with reduced ranges of hearing. It consists of one or more physical loops of cable placed around a designated area, such as a room or a building, which generate an electromagnetic field throughout the looped space. This field can be picked up by a telecoil-equipped hearing aid, a cochlear implant (CI) processor, or a specialized hand-held hearing loop receiver for individuals without telecoil-compatible hearing aids. The loops carry baseband audio-frequency currents, and no carrier signal is used, which allows the sound source of interest to be transmitted to the hearing-impaired listener clearly and free of other distracting noise in the environment.
A hearing loop system typically consists of an audio source connected to an amplifier, which processes the signal and sends it through the loop cable. In its simplest form, the loop is a wire placed around the perimeter of a specific area, such as a church or a small meeting room, but it can be a specially designed layout to cover more complex areas. Hearing loops are commonly found in a wide variety of locations, from service counters in shops, banks, or reception desks to meeting rooms, teaching spaces, theatres, cinemas, concourses and waiting areas, on board public transport, and integrated into help points, intercoms, or museum exhibits.
The benefits of hearing loops include:
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Quality Sound: A hearing loop sends sound directly to the telecoil receiver in a users hearing device, eliminating most background noise and greatly improving understanding of speech and music. Additionally, the sound received is customized by each user's unique hearing instrument.
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Discreet: Being able to hear well with a loop is inconspicuous, and users do not stand out as being hard of hearing, which encourages participation and inclusion.
Hearing loops are becoming increasingly prevalent in America, and due to their benefits and ease of use, hearing loss groups mandate their installation in locations as diverse as taxis, kiosks, schools, houses of worship, concert halls, and stadiums.
