BETTER HEARING
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
BETTER HEARING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Better Hearing in Public Spaces: Discover Looping
Another Empowering Way to Leverage Hearing Aids
BY SUZANNE YODER, AU. D., OWNER / AUDIOLOGIST HEARWELL CENTER
Hearing aids can open your world— focusing conversations, enhancing sound, and helping you stay connected. But in certain settings, even the most advanced hearing technology can struggle. Background noise, echoey acoustics, and distance from the sound source can interfere with what you’ re trying to hear.
That’ s where hearing loops come in. These assistive systems wirelessly deliver sound directly to hearing aids, offering a clearer and morefocused listening experience. Whether you’ re attending a concert, visiting the pharmacy, or gathering at a house of worship, hearing loops can make a difference.
So how do they work? A hearing loop( also called an audio induction loop) is a wire installed around a space— an event hall, a classroom, a countertop, or even a piece of furniture. The loop connects to a microphone, television, or public address system.
When you select your hearing aid’ s telecoil( or T-coil) setting, it picks up the loop’ s signal. This allows sound to stream directly into your hearing aids or cochlear implant, cutting through background noise and poor acoustics for improved clarity and understanding.
Most hearing aids today include the T-coil, though it may not be available in all models. If you’ re not sure whether your devices support looping, a hearing professional( like the caring team at HearWell Center) can help you find out and maximize the features your technology offers.
Where can you use hearing loops? They’ re potentially available in many public venues where amplified sound is used or clear communication is vital. These include:
• Houses of worship
• Theaters
• Auditoriums
• Meeting rooms
• Museums
• Medical offices
• Public transportation
At home, loops can also be used with TVs or sound systems for a more immersive and comfortable experience. Even those without hearing aids can use loops— a portable receiver with headphones or earbuds makes the signal accessible to anyone.
Not all public spaces are equipped with hearing loops, but many venues that have them display a universal symbol: a blue square with a white-outlined ear and a diagonal slash through it, often accompanied by a letter“ T.” For looped spots near you, check for resources like this helpful list from the Center for Hearing Access: centerforhearingaccess. org / state-lists /# states.
And while newer technologies like Auracast™ broadcast audio are emerging— allowing sound from public venues to stream directly to compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other devices that support Bluetooth ® LE Audio— hearing loops still play a vital role. They are reliable and have served many people.
The growing availability of both loops and Auracast systems may even complement each other, expanding your options and giving you more control over how you hear. For more on the benefits of looping and advocating for installations in your community, visit hearwellcenter. com / resources / hearing-loop-systems.
The Bluetooth ® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast™ word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Any use of such marks by HearWell Center is under license.
About HearWell Center— HearWell Center is a full-service independent hearing care business, proudly helping the Pittsburgh community since 2007. The audiologists and professional staff have helped thousands of patients improve their quality of life through hearing and tinnitus care. HearWell Center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and expert fitting of hearing technology while featuring a patient-centered approach to help ensure that everyone’ s hearing health needs are met for life. Learn more at hearwellcenter. com or call 412.208.4473 for an appointment at the Penn Center East location.
HEARING
Happens in the Brain
CONNECTIONS
Happen in the Heart
Our technology works with your technology— your brain— to focus your hearing. Call today to learn how you can stay connected with life!
HearWellCenter. com
412.208.4473
400 Penn Center Blvd, Bldg 4, Ste 777 • Pittsburgh
18 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags. com