Loop systems A loop system transmits the sound from a transmitter to a receiver via electromagnetic waves. The transmitter can be mounted on different kinds of equipment, such as a TV. The receiver is usually a hearing aid provided with a telecoil. Most hearing aids can be provided with a telecoil if required.

Situations where loop systems are used

People with hearing loss can benefit from a loop system in difficult listening environments – that is, in situations where background noise makes it difficult to distinguish speech.

The following situations and places often cause problems:

Lectures

Cinemas

Theatres

Churches

Other places with a lot of background noise

A loop system can also be installed at home to make it easier to listen to the TV and radio. Many banks, post offices and railway stations now have loop systems installed.

How does a loop system work?

If one’s hearing aid is provided with a telecoil, one can choose to listen via the telecoil instead of the microphone, which is for ordinary use, in places equipped with a loop system.

This way, one will be coupled directly to the speech source (the film, the actors, the priest) without interference from surrounding noise. The system is somewhat similar to an FM system (for example SCOLA FM by Widex) but is less mobile as it is not wireless.

SEE ALSO:

FM systems

Telecoil