It's One of the Best Hearing Aid Features. Many Still Aren't Using It.

Pam Parfitt, a Santa Fe, N.M., resident with complex hearing loss for 50 years, experienced a breakthrough when she activated her hearing aid’s telecoil at a Unitarian church equipped with a hearing loop during a political rally. The telecoil, a tiny wire receiver in some hearing aids, transmits audio directly from assistive listening systems, cutting background noise and delivering clear sound. Parfitt, a retired violinist and former teacher, had previously missed concerts and lectures due to her hearing loss but found renewed access to the arts after the rally, becoming an advocate for hearing loops in public spaces. The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates assistive listening systems in venues like theaters, courtrooms, and convention centers, with hearing loops being the preferred method for many users. Unlike headset-based systems, hearing loops integrate seamlessly with telecoil-equipped hearing aids, avoiding feedback or interference. Daniel Brooks, a hearing aid user and owner of Pro Hearing Loops, notes that traditional systems like FM/RF or infrared can cause audio issues, while loops provide direct, high-quality sound transmission. Despite their benefits, telecoils and hearing loops remain underutilized in the U.S., with limited awareness among the public and even some audiologists. Advocates argue that the perception of telecoils as outdated is misleading, as Bluetooth-based Auracast technology—expected to replace current systems in 5–10 years—won’t be widely available soon. For now, experts recommend hearing aids with both telecoil and Bluetooth capabilities to ensure compatibility with existing and future assistive technologies. Parfitt has since contributed financially to install a hearing loop at Santa Fe’s Lensic Performing Arts Center and advocates for broader adoption, calling it a source of purpose in her life. She emphasizes that telecoils provide immediate, life-improving solutions for those with hearing loss, reducing frustration and enhancing accessibility in public spaces. While newer technologies are on the horizon, she urges prioritizing the expansion of hearing loops to address current gaps in accessibility.