Technology is increasingly being utilised to help people with hearing impairment to communicate more clearly. As the value of such solutions has become more widely recognised, new methods have emerged and more established tools have rapidly evolved. At Gordon Morris Ltd the specialised technology can be confusing to those who are new to the field. With this in mind, we have prepared this introduction to some of the different types of equipment available, outlining what it does, how it works and the benefits it can provide. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Induction loop systems
An induction loop system is a cable that runs around the perimeter of a room and emits an electromagnetic signal. A specialised amplifier creates this signal, converting sound from a microphone or other suitable source. Any hearing aid that is switched to the “T” position and is within the loop area can pick up this signal. It is then converted back into sound within the hearing aid, allowing the user to hear much more clearly and with minimal background noise.

Infrared systems
An infrared system transmits an invisible ‘light’ signal from a device known as a radiator. This signal comes from an input source such as a microphone and is picked up by a specialist headset or neck-loop. The headset converts the signal back into sound, which is heard via a set of cordless headphones, with a volume control and rechargeable battery. The neck loop transmits the signal to a hearing aid, allowing the user to simply switch to the 'T' position as they would with an induction loop system.

Radio Systems
Radio systems are in many ways similar to infrared, except that they utilise radio waves as a means of transmitting between the receiver and the microphone. The user can wear headphones or use a neck-loop that works in conjunction with their own hearing aid.

Hearing Aids
A typical NHS hearing aid works using a small amplifier and loudspeaker to boost the volume of sound that the user hears. A volume control allows precise adjustments to be made for optimum comfort.

The switch allows the hearing aid to be used with two settings. In the ‘M’ position, a small microphone in the aid detects sound and passes it to the amplifier, where the volume is boosted. By switching to the ‘T’ position, the telecoil is activated. This allows the user to hear sound transmitted via the induction loop. The electromagnetic signal created by the loop induces a current within the telecoil that can then be converted back into sound and amplified within the hearing aid.

Most hearing aids also have the facility to use both the microphone and the telecoil simultaneously, allowing the user to hear background noise, but also enjoy the benefits of clearer sound from the induction loop system.