Auris Loop Hearing Assist Now Installed
Posted on November 5, 2016 in General News, Member News
The Auris Loop, an induction hearing technology common in Europe but fairly new in North America, assists those with hearing loss. It has recently been installed in the Shuswap Theatre. The system works in conjunction with telecoil-equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants and can also be used with streamers and FM receiver devices.
With this system, many of the millions who struggle with hearing loss in theatres, churches, social arenas and conferences can now hear a broadcast straight from the source “without extraneous noise or blurring of the sound.” The induction loop system transmits magnetic energy to the telecoil in hearing aids by use of a wire which circles a room and is connected to the sound source. The sound is transmitted directly to the hearing aid or cochlear implant electromagnetically. Shuswap Theatre’s loop is installed under the floor and we have three high end microphones suspended above the front of the stage.
Also known as a T-coil, the telecoil is a small copper coil built into most hearing aids currently in use and in cochlear implant processors. Originally designed to boost telephone handset signals, it functions as a wireless antenna linking into a sound system, and is activated by a t-switch on the hearing aid. When paired with the loop system it can connect the listener directly to the sound source, eliminating background noise. Although most hearing aids in Canada have T-coils, few users have a working knowledge of them.
Many users report a drastically improved experience when using the Auris Loop. The system is already installed in several local churches and the Salmar Theatre.
How to Use the Auris Loop System
- Check with your hearing aid provider to see if your hearing aids are T-coil equipped. If so ask to have them activated.
- When you get to the theatre, switch on your T-coil. Adjust your hearing aid volume as needed.
That’s all there is to it! The signal going to your ear will be modified by your own personal hearing aid settings.
Those without T-coil equipped hearing aids can still benefit by using a small, portable receiver. You can plug your own earbuds (recommended) or a pair of headphones into the receiver. If you would benefit from one of these let us know. We will purchase one or two if there is sufficient demand.
We are grateful to the Noon Hour Rotary Club and to those who have worked on our own fundraisers, for providing the funds for this invaluable system.