A hearing loop sends the sound from the microphones and sound system straight to hearing aids and cochlear implants that have a telecoil (also called a T-coil). You hear the person speaking clearly, without the echo and background noise of a large room.
Churches, theaters and other venues are welcome to link to this page or print it for their members and guests.
1. Check that your hearing aid has a telecoil
- Most behind-the-ear hearing aids, many in-the-ear models and most cochlear implant processors have a telecoil. Some of the smallest hearing aids do not.
- Sometimes the telecoil is built in but not switched on. Your audiologist or hearing aid provider can turn it on and set up a program for it.
- Ask for a “T” or “MT” program. Some hearing aid phone apps call it “telecoil” or “loop”.
2. Switch to the telecoil program
- Use the program button on your hearing aid, your remote or your hearing aid app to choose the telecoil program.
- T: you hear only the sound from the loop. This is best for following the speaker with no background noise.
- MT (or M+T): you hear the loop and the room around you, so you can still talk with the person next to you.
- Switch back to your normal program when you leave.
3. Sit inside the looped area
- Look for the blue sign with an ear and a “T”. It means a hearing loop is installed.
- In many rooms the loop covers all the seating. In others it covers certain sections or rows. If you’re not sure, ask an usher or a staff member where the loop works best.
- Inside the looped area you don’t need to sit up front. The sound comes straight to your hearing aid.
4. No telecoil? Ask about a loop receiver
- Some venues keep loop receivers with headphones for guests who don’t have a telecoil. Ask an usher or a staff member whether one is available.
5. If it doesn’t sound right
- No sound: check that you’re on the telecoil program and sitting in the looped area. If it’s still quiet, let a staff member know. The loop or the sound system may be switched off.
- Buzzing or humming: try moving a few seats, or switch from T to MT. Older lights and some electrical equipment can cause a hum.
- Too loud or too soft: adjust the volume on your hearing aid while you’re in the telecoil program.
For churches and venues
If your building has a hearing loop that isn’t working as well as it should, or you’d like one installed, please contact us.
