Hearing Loop systems get used while FM/Infrared headsets gather dust. A rolling stone gathers no dust- but FM headsets do! Just ask any venue that has an FM or Infrared system in place for the hard of hearing. Hearing Loops get used while headset systems don’t. Why?
Let me count the reasons:
- Headsets advertise hearing loss
- Headsets are generally uncomfortable
- Batteries may not be charged
- Headsets often disappear into a lost closet or forget to be returned by a user
- Sanitary issues for many people and require cleaning maintenance by the facility
- Most hearing aids must be removed to use! This is an obvious problem
- Vanity is real. Most people do not want to wear the headsets which mess their hair or because they “feel silly wearing headsets!”
- Interference can be an issue for FM and Infrared systems require a direct line of sight
Once a hearing loop is installed, there is virtually no maintenance, except cleaning and battery repair for the few loop receiver headsets for those brave souls that will use them. And those that have spent $2,500-$7,500 for a pair of hearing aids can put them to use by switching to the telecoil (“T”) setting to enjoy clear sound through the aids that are already programmed for their own hearing loss. No fuss, no muss! It basically doubles the functionality of hearing aids. Many people get hearing aids when they realize they can’t understand sermons in church. Disappointment is a common feeling when they realize that even after spending thousands on a hearing aid, they STILL can’t hear in church. Hearing Loops can help!
Hearing loops open up a whole new audience that has not been adequately served in our country. The number of people that can listen in the loop is unlimited where FM and Infrared systems are limited by the number of headsets available in the venue. Hearing loops are universal so a hearing aid wearer can hear in looped venues around the world.
Both FM/Infrared and Hearing Loop Systems meet ADA standards for accessibility in public venues. However, the new ADA standards effective 3/15/12 require that 25% of the required assistive listening headsets be hearing aid compatible. If a venue has a hearing loop installed, this requirement does not apply.
With induction hearing loops, people bring, maintain and use their own wireless receiver (the hearing aid) – invisibly! For more information about hearing loops, visit www.assist2hear.com.
Tags: FM System, hearing loops, Infared
