Telecoils are a practical hearing-aid option because they improve the sound quality you hear in many public places.
Telecoils (or t-coils) are copper wires installed in hearing aids that act like antennas. They receive signals from induction-loop systems installed in schools, theaters, concert facilities, airports, and many other settings. Telecoils improve listening on telephones too.
Why it matters
Telecoils are especially helpful for people with severe or profound hearing loss who need more help hearing on telephones and in public places.
- Telecoils also extend the listening range of hearing aids.
Closer look at induction-loop systems
- Induction-loop systems use electromagnetic signals to transmit sound, not acoustic signals.
- Four parts are involved: a sound source, an amplifier, a loop of wire around the listening area, and a receiver with a telecoil (e.g., your hearing aids).
- Induction-loop systems are also known as hearing loops, telecoil loops, or audio frequency induction loops (AFIL).
If you wear telecoil-equipped hearing aids, the sound you hear from an induction-loop system is much higher quality because these systems produce electromagnetic signals, not acoustic ones. This means that what you hear will be free from background noise and feedback.
- For example, you’d hear public-address announcements at an airport without background noise.
Are telecoils right for me?
Your audiologist is the best person to consult. Generally speaking, telecoils are most helpful for people:
- With severe or profound hearing loss
- Who work in looped facilities, such as schools, colleges, entertainment venues, churches, and courtrooms
- Often use the phone
Your first step: Find out if you have hearing loss
Call to schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening with an audiologist.
If you have hearing loss, your audiologist will explain —
- How much hearing you've lost
- Whether your hearing needs treatment
- Hearing-aid options available for your hearing loss
