Hearing Loop Assistance

Hearing Loop Assistance

What is the hearing loop?

The Hearing Loop is literally a copper wire that is looped around the periphery of a room which allows those who have a telecoil in their hearing aid/s or cochlear implant to link directly into the facility's sound system. The Hearing Loop is the method of choice to facilitate hearing in large gathering places and anywhere where high ceilings, lack of sound deadening, and extensive window space sacrifices audibility–not just for those with hearing loss but also for those who have normal hearing.

Induction loops are superior to other assistive listening devices for several reasons. There is no need to place unsightly earphones into your ears. In addition, because your hearing aid's telecoil serves as the "antenna", the reception of sound is molded and modified by your personal hearing aid.  Hearing loss is as unique to an individual as is his/her fingerprint and generic listening devices amplify all incoming sound exactly the same way for all listeners. This is not the case for loops and  audibility is maximized with the Hearing Loop.

Most individuals are under the mistaken belief that hearing aids return hearing to normal. Actually, a hearing aid's microphone amplifies best at distances 3-6 feet away. Thus, you would need to sit in the first pew or in the first row in order for your hearing aid to pick up the best. In addition, a hearing aid's microphone couldn't possibly know who, or what, is important to hear. Since the hearing aid's microphone amplifies best what is closest, a baby crying or a person opening a package of cough drops in the seat next to you will be louder and clearer than a speaker at the pulpit or podium located in the front. The Hearing Loop resolves these issues.

Approximately 60% of all hearing aids incorporate telecoils. Occasionally, your hearing aid may have a telecoil but your hearing aid dispenser hasn't enabled it.  You may need to consult with your hearing aid dispenser.

Barter Theatre Is In The Loop

A hearing loop has been installed to assist those with hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with Telecoils (T-coil).  Sound is transmitted directly and wirelessly without background noise or interference to better serve Barter patrons.  Please switch your hearing aids to the Telecoil position and enjoy the show! For help locating your Telecoil setting we encourage you to call your audiologist. If you do not have a Telecoil they can be easily and
inexpensively retro-fitted to most hearing aids.