Carrie Writes ...
Hearing Loop Initiative
During one of my Monday night moderated chat sessions at Hearing Exchange, one of my chat friends shared news of new technology helping people with hearing impairments. The project is called "Loop of America". Being a very curious person looking to learn new ideas I decided to research this new concept.
The Loop refers to an amplifier attached to a wire, encircling a room where sounds are broadcasted through hearing aides with Tcoils. People with Tcoil hearing aides have settings that can be switched to help hear in different situations. For example, when I use the phone I switch my hearing aid to a setting that allows me to hear on the phone more clearly.
The loop system is used through out the United Kingdom. In fact the United Kingdom Disabilities Discrimination says by the year 2004 any business or organization providing a service to the general public must put the Loop system in place in their establishments. While the American Disabilities Act requires businesses and government offices to offer FM headsets. Individuals can wear the headsets to block out background noise and focus on the intended speakers. People may not choose to use the head set because it brings attention to their disabilities. Also many places have limited number of headsets and are older models.
David Meyers is a social psychologist at Hope College in Holland, Michigan and is also hard of hearing. While in Scotland visiting the 800 year old Iona Abby he experienced the Hearing Loop system first handed. He was amazed that by switching the Tcoil setting on his hearing aide he could hear the musicians and speakers very clearly. After witnessing this new technology he decided to bring it to the United States, starting with his hometown of Holland in Michigan.
In 2002 a company called Premotivation Audio was trained by the same company who manufactured the loop system in England. It takes about two weeks to install the systems and train soundboard operators. The cost is US$1,100 for a system that covers 5,400 square feet plus insulation costs. Many businesses, churches and public services in Holland Michigan have had the Hearing Loop system installed, with signs posted saying loop system is available. Parts of Hope College in Holland Michigan have also installed this system in several locations.
After doing all my research I came to several conclusions my self. First of all I am very impressed with this new technology and see it helping many people. I have always struggled in public places with straining to hear and noise confusion. Crowded places like theaters, churches and restaurants can be so difficult to hear in, especially focusing on one person who is talking. As a society we need to investigate and find new ways to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Carrie Tynan.
Please email me if you have any comments, suggestions, or if you would like to meet online for a chat:
Email: carriewrites@yahoo.com
