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What is a Telecoil?
The telecoil (also known as the t-coil) is one of the key components of the plethora of hardware features that hearing aids have to keep you aware of your surroundings. The t-coil enables wireless audio broadcasts from assistive listening systems to be received by a hearing aid or cochlear implant (ALS). Many public areas denote ALS sections with an iconographic sign, allowing those wearing hearing aids with telecoils to access pertinent information streams. You will discover how telecoils function in this post, along with how they differ from Bluetooth LE Audio.
A little copper wire wound around a metal rod is called a telecoil. It acts as an antenna, catching electromagnetic waves that your hearing aid then transforms into auditory signals. Assistive listening systems that use telecoils largely reduce background noise and send a clear audio stream because they don’t use the hearing aid’s microphone. Your hearing aid starts acting like a wireless speaker all of a sudden. When using the phone, acoustic feedback used to be a big problem for people wearing hearing aids. The telephone handset’s near proximity amplifies sound that leaks from the ear canal and reflects it back into the hearing aid, making it unstable and producing ringing. The telecoil allows hearing aid users to access the electromagnetic signal directly rather than the acoustic one, eliminating feedback. DSP, a potent feedback control, is now a feature in hearing aids. But the telecoil is still very much in use.
How does a Telecoil work?
In reality, it has gained popularity in North America and is often used as the standard assistive listening technology. Even internationally recognized norms govern so-called hearing loops. Assistive listening systems became required in new or renovated institutions under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Since telecoil-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other suitable receivers may send electromagnetic audio signals, many public and private buildings have hearing or induction loops. A cable that runs around the outside of a building or through a room and is connected to a sound system is called an induction loop. Additionally, you could come across personal hearing loops in modern taxis, medical offices, pharmacies, and information desks.
Nothing is more convenient than using your own hearing aid, despite the fact that museums and concert venues may provide headsets to use their assisted listening system. The telecoil mode switch is simple, discrete, and hygienic. You will also benefit from customized settings for your hearing aids and greater sound quality. The drawback of choosing a telecoil-equipped hearing aid is that you might have to forgo other extra functions. In rechargeable hearing aids, the telecoil has been phased out by several manufacturers. Unfortunately, telecoils cannot fit inside of invisible or in-canal hearing aids because of their small size. Additionally, it’s possible that you won’t be able to find a hearing aid that supports Bluetooth LE Audio and telecoil at the same time.