What is a telecoil or t-coil?
A telecoil is a specific feature included in some, but not all, hearing aids that can be used to help improve clarity and reduce background noise in certain situations. When the telecoil program is turned on whether by switch, button or automatically, it activates the induction device within the hearing aid and enables the aid to pick up electromagnetic signals from other technology such as amplified telephones or assistive listening devices and convert these signals into sound. For example a telecoil-equipped hearing aid can pick up the electromagnetic signal from the telephone receiver of a hearing aid compatible telephone. This direct “coupling” allows for clearer understanding over the telephone and eliminates both feedback and background noise. Other examples of electromagnetic conductors are neckloops, silhouettes and hearing aid compatible headsets, all of which can be used with assistive listening devices such as FM or infrared systems as well as electronic devices such as port
