Millions of Americans and people around the world have been diagnosed with hearing loss, and millions more live with hearing loss without an official diagnosis. Many of those with hearing loss, worry that it will completely change how they live and what they do, including their dreams of traveling in the United States and around the world. The truth is, with the right tools, hearing loss doesn’t have to slow you or your travel plans down.
Customized hearing aids and assistive listening devices like hearing loops can help you continue to do the things you love without skipping a beat.
What is a hearing loop
The number of people worldwide diagnosed with hearing loss continues to grow, but along with it so does the research, technology, public policy and accessibility.
If you’ve received a diagnosis of hearing loss, the chances are that hearing aids are the recommended treatment. You’ve worked with your hearing healthcare provider to determine the best hearing aids for your needs and lifestyle and had them fitted and adjusted for comfort and more personalized hearing.
Hearing aids can be life-changing, but pairing them with a hearing loop is sometimes the smartest way to hear things clearly especially when you’re away from home.
Hearing loops, also known as audio induction loops, can be found in many places including:
- Public transportation
- Museums and other public spaces
- Conference rooms
- Airports
- Sports stadiums
- Churches
- Schools
This is true both here in the U.S. and countries around the world.
Hearing loops are designed to work with hearing aids through their telecoil setting to cut out the background noise and deliver clearer and easier-to-understand sound for those with hearing loss. They can also be used with neck loops, often available to borrow at locations using a hearing loop.
When sound is transmitted into the loop system’s microphone, it is then sent to an amplifier. From there it is transmitted through a cable around a specific area, creating a wireless signal that can be picked up by an individual’s hearing aids or neck loop. The sound from the microphone is delivered straight into the listener’s ear.
Whether you’re trying to hear the announcements at the train station, tuning in for a docent’s talk at a museum or soaking in the songs at a musical performance, you’ll be straining to hear less and enjoying your adventures more.
Traveling with hearing loss
Wherever you find yourself, in the U.S. or abroad, be on the lookout for symbols and signs to alert you to the availability of assistive listening devices like hearing loops. In the U.S., resources such as time2loopamerica.com and aldlocator.com can help you locate assistive listening devices near you.
Wherever you find yourself, down the street or around the world, protect your hearing health. Follow recommendations for hearing aid use, keep extra cleaning tools and hearing aid batteries on hand and carry hearing protection should you need it.
If you have questions about your hearing aids, hearing loss or using assistive listening devices such as hearing loops, please contact our office to learn more.2019-10-22 16:51:09
