A hearing loop is an assistive listening system that sends sound directly to a compatible hearing aid or cochlear implant. It can make speech and audio clearer by reducing the effect of distance, echoes and background noise.
Hearing loops are also known as induction loops or audio-frequency induction loop systems. They are commonly used in homes, shops, reception areas, theatres, places of worship and other public venues.
How Does a Hearing Loop Work?
A hearing loop takes sound from a television, microphone or other audio source and passes it through a loop of wire. The wire creates a magnetic signal that can be picked up by the telecoil inside a compatible hearing aid or cochlear implant.
The process is straightforward:
- A microphone or audio connection captures the sound.
- A loop amplifier processes the signal.
- Current passes through the loop wire and creates a magnetic field.
- A compatible hearing device receives the signal through its telecoil.
- The listener hears the sound through their own hearing device.
Because the signal is delivered directly to the hearing device, the listener does not have to rely solely on sound travelling across the room. This can improve speech clarity and reduce distracting background noise.
What Is the Difference Between a Hearing Loop and an Induction Loop?
There is no practical difference. “Hearing loop” and “induction loop” are two names for the same type of technology. You may also see the terms room loop, audio induction loop or AFILS.
All of these systems use a magnetic signal to transmit sound to a compatible telecoil-equipped hearing device.
What Is a Telecoil or T Setting?
A telecoil—often called a T-coil—is a small receiver built into many hearing aids and some cochlear implant processors. When the telecoil programme is selected, the device can receive the signal from a hearing loop.
Depending on the hearing device, the setting may be labelled T, MT, telecoil or hearing loop. Not every hearing aid has a telecoil, and some devices need the setting to be enabled by an audiologist. If you are unsure, check the instructions for your hearing device or ask your hearing-care professional.
What Types of Hearing Loop Are Available?
Room hearing loops
A room loop is installed around part or all of a room. It can be connected to a television, music system, microphone or another audio source. Room loops are often used at home and in meeting rooms, lounges, classrooms and places of worship.
Portable hearing loops
Portable loops are designed for situations where a permanent installation is not practical. They can be moved between locations and are often used for one-to-one conversations at desks, receptions and appointments.
Counter and service-point loops
These compact systems are designed for shorter-range communication at tills, ticket counters, reception desks and customer-service points.
Neck loops
A neck loop is worn around the neck and creates a small personal induction field. It can connect a compatible hearing device to equipment such as a personal listener, television listener or other audio source.
Where Can Hearing Loops Be Used?
Hearing loops can support listening in many different environments, including:
- homes and television-viewing areas
- shops, banks and post offices
- reception desks and service counters
- theatres, cinemas and conference venues
- places of worship and community halls
- meeting rooms and training spaces
- transport hubs and ticket offices
Public venues that provide a working loop will often display the recognised ear-and-T symbol.
Can a Hearing Loop Be Used With a Television?
Yes. A home hearing loop can take audio from a compatible television output and send it to a telecoil-equipped hearing aid or cochlear implant. The listener can then adjust their own hearing device while other people continue listening through the television speakers.
Before ordering, check the television’s available audio connections and the compatibility of the loop system. Some televisions may require an optical converter or another adapter.
What Are the Benefits of a Hearing Loop?
- Sound is delivered directly to the listener’s hearing device.
- Speech can be clearer in noisy or echoing environments.
- The listener uses the hearing device already adjusted for their hearing needs.
- No separate headset is normally required.
- Multiple compatible users can listen within a correctly installed room loop.
- Loops can be used in both domestic and public environments.
How Do You Choose a Hearing Loop System?
The right system depends on where it will be used, the size and construction of the room, the audio source and whether a permanent or portable solution is required.
Before choosing a system, consider:
- the area that needs coverage
- whether it is for television, conversation, announcements or several sources
- the television or audio connections available
- whether the user’s hearing device has an active telecoil
- possible interference from nearby electrical equipment
- whether professional installation or commissioning is required
For suitable home solutions, browse our induction loop systems for hearing aid users. Product pages include individual connection and compatibility information.
Do Hearing Loops Need Professional Installation?
Some domestic loop systems are designed for straightforward installation, while larger rooms and public venues may need professional design, installation and testing. Correct cable positioning and signal strength are important for reliable coverage.
Costs therefore vary according to the equipment, room size, building construction and installation requirements. It is better to obtain a recommendation for the intended space than to rely on a general price estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a hearing loop work with every hearing aid?
No. The hearing aid or cochlear implant processor needs a compatible telecoil, and the telecoil programme must be active. Check with the manufacturer or hearing-care professional if you are unsure.
Can more than one person use a room loop?
Yes. More than one person can receive the signal within the looped area, provided each listener has a compatible telecoil-equipped hearing device.
Does a hearing loop make everything louder?
A loop sends the selected audio source directly to the hearing device. Its main benefit is clearer access to that source with less surrounding noise, rather than simply increasing every sound in the room.
Can a hearing loop interfere with another room?
Magnetic signals can sometimes extend beyond the intended area. Where privacy or several nearby loop systems are important, specialist design may be needed to control signal spill.
What should I do if I cannot hear the loop?
Check that the hearing device is on its telecoil programme, that the loop system is switched on and connected to the correct audio source, and that its volume is set appropriately. If the issue continues, test the system with another compatible receiver or ask the installer or supplier for advice.
Find the Right Hearing Loop
Choosing a suitable loop begins with the hearing device, the listening environment and the audio equipment you want to use. Explore our hearing loop systems, or contact our team if you need help checking connections or compatibility.
