Hi,
Lynn is right. Digital aids process sound more effectively than analogue
for many people (although not all), but are still dependent on the
quality of the incoming sound. BTE (Behind the ear) aids will usually
have a T switch and be compatible with a loop regardless of whether they
are digital or analogue. An increasing proportion of particularly
privately dispensed aids are smaller "in the ear" or "in the canal", and
often do not have a T switch and so cannot be used in conjunction with a
loop at all.
The whole purpose of an induction loop is to help reduce other
background noise and ensure that the sound you want to hear comes via
appropriately placed microphones directly to the hearing aid. All
hearing aids rely on very small microphones within them, which will
often pick up background noise from around you, (usually on the wrong
side of a glass screen from the ticket officer!).
I've worn digital aids for several years now, but still use loops where
I can find well installed one that is switched on! My favourite is the
ticket office on the rail platform at Stansted Airport. With my aids
set to T I can hear the ticket officer perfectly, whilst those without
any hearing loss at all struggle to pick out what is being said via the
speakers over the noise of trains.
Katherine
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lynn Jeffries [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 24 February 2006 18:31
> Subject: Re: Induction loops
>
> Hi Helen
>
> My understanding is that digital hearing aids work in exactly
> the same way as ordinary analogue aids in terms of induction
> loop use so long as the digital hearing aid has a 'T' switch
> position. As far as I'm aware, all digital hearing aids
> supplied by the NHS have a 'T' coil facility however
> privately dispensed digital aids may or may not have a 'T' coil.
>
> Thanks
>
> Lynn
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: Accessibuilt list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of helen
> Sent: 24 February 2006 12:47
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [ACCESSIBUILT] Induction loops
>
>
>
> Does anyone have a view on the effectiveness of induction
> loops vis a vis the new digital hearing aids please? I have
> a client who has queried the use of them as the new digital
> hearing aids are so effective.
>
> Many thanks
>
> Helen
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----------End of Message----------
>
> Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy
> and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive
> Design programme visit:
>
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>
> Archives for the Accessibuilt discussion list are located at
> http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/accessibuilt.html
>
> ----------End of Message----------
>
> Run by SURFACE for more information on research, consultancy
> and the distance taught MSc. in Accessibility and Inclusive
> Design programme visit:
>
> http://www.inclusive-design.it
>
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>
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