Apologies to the bard Shakespeare.   But, loop systems are very much in the news this year as this months Hearing Review follows Scientific American’s January advocacy .   For the Reviews article on  “The Looping of America” just click the link.

“Looping the world”,  is the stated goal of a growing number of organizations,  associations and individuals.    And some observers have commented that it has risen to the level of a crusade.

I fully recognize that t-coils and loop systems have a place and that in certain environments may offer the best all around solution to the ever present challenge of improving the signal to noise ratio for some of our patients.

I have an open mind about their application and I will be actively seeking more information from some of the vendors listed in the “Hearing Review”.   I’ll write here about what I learn and provide a growing list of product information links as I acquire them.

And, I’ll provide a place for anyone  who wishes to comment on what I’ve found, or join in any discussion about their own experiences, or dealings with this issue and equipment as we investigate,  their strengths and weaknesses.

As always I’ll  proceed with an eye toward expanding the options and honest answers for those we serve.

However, I serve my patients and the idea of freedom of choice.  I do not support any “one size fits all”  requirement that every instrument fit be equipped with a “t-coil”.  Nor, am I sold on the wholesale installation of loop systems everywhere.

T-coil technology is over fifty years old and relies on an openly transmitted electromagnetic field (EMF)to induce an electrical potential across the  t-coil of sufficient strength to take the place of the microphone input to the equipped instrument.    It is not secure, it is not discreet, it is not without the potential for significant interference, nor is it without other limitations.

However, I do realize that there are certain venues and circumstances where this technology may provide the ideal solution to the problem of reaching that ideal signal to noise ratio needed by some of the patients I serve.    And, I can see applications locally that might prove helpful for many more.

That’s why I’ll be getting more information and getting some actual hands on experience  with the latest gear.

I’m not ready to drink the cool-aid yet, but I am open minded and know I need to look further at what is available today as my personal experience with loop systems in general is quite dated.

So, thanks for stopping by, leave a comment if you like and stop back later to learn what I’ve learned.

Best Wishes,

Dan……

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