subject: Improve your hearing with T-coils [print this page] Improve your hearing with T-coils Improve your hearing with T-coils
While searching for hearing aids there is one innovation in particular to be aware of that could dramatically improve your experience: the telecoil. The telecoil, or t-coil as it is commonly referred, is a simple, very small metal wire that responds to changes in electromagnetic fields. It can work independently from the rest of the hearing aid and can be automatically switched on or off when the ear is near a magnetic field that is transmitting sound.
But when would a person ever be around a sound transmitted magnetically, some might ask? More often than most think. For decades telephones had speakers driven by powerful magnets that would transmit sound waves electromagnetically. Though recent innovations have moved away from this style of receiver, many newer models of phones still have numerous electrical components that allow the phones to transmit sounds magnetically. There are also newer innovations in mobile technology that are specifically for the use of t-coils, such as the T3 or T4 rated phones. Be sure to ask a hearing expert for a list of phones that are compatible with the t-coil already built into your hearing aid.
But the helpfulness of t-coils does not just stop with the use of telephones. If you want to reduce outside noise and feedback and hear a clearer sound with your hearing aid, look for places that are designed specifically for those with t-coils. Areas like hotel receptions and large meeting rooms are often set up with devices to broadcast sounds electromagnetically for the hearing impaired. Many quiet rooms, such as those set up in churches, have systems in place to help the hearing impaired listen to the talker.
And you can set up these systems in your own home. Look for devices to loop your TV set into which will broadcast the sounds electromagnetically throughout the room or house. There are also plenty of assisted living devices available that you can synch your iPod, computer, cd player, or radio with in order to hear better.
While many hearing aids come with a t-coil already installed, ask your hearing specialist if yours will have one. If not, ask if one can be included; almost all styles of hearing aids including digital hearing aids are compatible with t-coils that are relatively inexpensive to install. It is quite a blessing to be able to turn your hearing aid off to annoying background noise and only focus on what you are interested in. This is entirely possible with the telecoil, so be sure to check one out.
