Loop systems

This section includes equipment that can help a user to hear conversation and sound within a room.  Loop systems are designed to be hearing aid compatible, hearing aid receivers can be used by hearing aid users and/or non-hearing aid users.

Home and public use loop systems include a cable which is placed around the area (often around the whole room) in which the user or guests/customers will be when listening to the transmitted sound. The loop transmits the sound to the user as a magnetic field which is received by hearing aids with a loop (T) setting. If the user wears a hearing aid an induction loop may help them to hear sounds with more clarity and reduce the effect of background noise. As the user is not wired to any device they can walk around and listen from anywhere within the loop.

Home loop systems can be used to hear conversations or sound from the user’s television or music players, public use loop systems are designed for use in public buildings, meeting rooms, conference centres and at counters e.g. in banks and post offices. 

Portable desktop loop systems are designed for use at a desk with the speaker/s sat on one side and the hearing aid user, who wishes to hear the speaker, sat on the other side.  The systems either have a built in microphone or a socket to plug a microphone into. The desktop unit transmits the sound to the user as a magnetic field which is received by hearing aids with a loop (T) setting. If the user wears a hearing aid an induction loop may help them to hear the speaker with more clarity and reduce the effect of background noise.

Induction loop receivers are designed for individuals with some hearing loss who do not use a 'T' position hearing aid but would like to use induction loop systems. The receiver picks up the magnetic field from a loop system and converts it into sound which, depending on the model, you hear through headphones, earphones or stetoclips.

Car system loops enable the user to hear conversations or listen to music or the radio while in a car.