A well designed and installed hearing loop system sends the audio signal directly to any hearing aid, cochlear implant, or receiver with a telecoil. No background noise, no reverberation, just clear sound.
How hearing loops work
Hearing loop technology, sometimes known as an audio induction loop systems, audio-frequency induction loops or hearing loops, are an assistive listening technology for individuals with reduced ranges of hearing.
Audio inputs, either from an existing audio system or from dedicated microphone inputs, feed an audio signal into an induction loop amplifier.
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The amplifier drives a current into a hidden loop wire or series of loop wires depending on the design of the system.
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Amplifier
Amplifier
Inside the hearing aid, a small coil, known as a T-coil (tele-coil or telephone coil), picks up the magnetic field signal, which is then amplified into a high quality audio signal delivered directly to the ear of the hearing aid user.
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As the current flows through the wire it creates a magnetic field in the listening area.
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“Churches put Hearing-Impaired in Loop”, Chicago Tribune, July 3, 2010
Reprinted with permission Alex Bordens and Phil Geib/Tribune
Watch this short video to see how hearing loops works:
Video courtesy of OTOjOY