SHHH "T" coil position

[David & Sissy Coffin]

This message was sent to me in reply to my question about the other uses of
t-coils.  I thought that this would be of interest to other dispensing
audiologists.  After reading the SHHH position on t-coils, I am trying to
counsel patients on their many uses, and am fitting them whenever possible.

David J. Coffin, M.A., CCC-A, FAAA
Birmingham, AL


>From: markross at uconnvm.uconn.edu
>To: coffin at worldnet.att.net
>Comments: Authenticated sender is <markross at uconnvm.uconn.edu>
>Subject: SHHH "T" coil position
>Date: Tue, 16 Apr 96 20:42:33 +0000
>Priority: urgent
>
>I picked up your note on "T" coils on bionet, but unfortunately I 
>haven't figured out how to reply, so this is going to you personally 
>(you can post if you wish).
>
>The main reason for the "T" coil position paper, besides the 
>usefullness of a "T" on the phone was its potential usefulness as an 
>assistive listening device. Of course, it can be used with a floor 
>loop, and there are a number of these around, but this is not the 
>only "loop" available. People like myself use a neckloop to 
>inductively couple the output from an FM or IR system to my hearing 
>aids. Works a lot better than for me than earphones, and a lot more 
>convenient. I can also couple the output from an in-line telephone 
>amplifier with a neckloop to my hearing aids (via "T" coils). I can 
>also couple the output of a telephone answering machine, my TV set, 
>etc. Any device with an audio output. All of this requires good "T" 
>coils and this is why SHHH made the recommendation.
>
>  What often happens is that "t" coils are not recommended because 
>they take up more room, add a little more money, or the dispensor is 
>not sufficiently familiar with ALD's, and people find out about these 
>other uses and get a little annoyed. They feel that they've not been 
>counseled well, and they haven't. In my opinion, the hearing aids of 
>anybody who has a moderate hearing loss or more should include "T" 
>coils. 
>
>Mark Ross
>