T-coil users can receive sound invisibly, simply and directly to their own hearing aid or cochlear implant without the need for a separate receiver. A sound signal is transmitted directly into the amplifier of the device, thereby bypassing any external or background noise and other acoustic distortions, making the quality and intelligibility of that sound much greater.
In addition, there are no hygiene issues or potentially embarrassing questions to ask a stranger when wanting to access a hearing loop system. Simply switching the hearing aid over to its ‘T setting’ will give the user access to broadcast audio signals in the looped area.
Using a T-coil enabled device enables an audio signal to be picked up anywhere within a properly looped area, making it easy for people to move around and still hear clearly.
There is no delay (latency) in sound being produced, amplified, broadcast and received with a hearing loop and T-coil. So, live performances are seen and heard in real-time and do not seem like a badly dubbed movie.
Hearing loops have their own sound quality and performance standard (IEC 60118-4) for installations, ensuring that, regardless of the brand or make of hearing loop, the sound heard is clear and consistent throughout the looped area.
Hearing loops come in all shapes and sizes and can be integrated into large areas such as a concert hall, theatre or cinema, or fitted to something as small as an intercom in a doorway or lift / elevator.
Typically, hearing loops are a fit once device, and hearing loop drivers can last many years, making them attractive to venue owners and facilities managers. This may be one of the reasons why there are so many more loops available than any other technology.