Churches are leading the way in installing “loop” systems which make it easier for the hearing-impaired to be part of the worship service.
This according to Dr. Juliette Sterkens, an audiologist and hearing loop advocate, Â who spoke Monday morning to members of The Villages Hearing Loss Association at Churchill Street Recreation Center.
A loop system is a wire (usually under a carpet) that circles around a room which broadcasts sound from a sound source such as a microphone. Loop systems provide clear sound which improves overall speech understanding.
To use the loop, those with hearing loss must have a hearing device with a manual Telecoil.
Today, 70 percent of new hearing aids have a T-coil. Ten years ago it was 25 to 30 percent, Sterkens said.
First Baptist Church at The Villages, which opened its doors last year on Highway 42, one-half mile west of Buena Vista Boulevard, offers a loop system. Recently renovated Hope Lutheran Church at County Road 466 and Morse Boulevard, also put in a loop system.
“Sometimes that is what is it takes: leadership and a little competition between churches,” Sterkens said.
Representatives of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church attended Monday’s presentation. Amazing Grace is constructing a new church building on Rainey Trail.
“We wanted to come here and evaluate the loop system and see if it is the right way for us to go,” said church member Lyle Mueller.
Sterkens added that in the long run, loop systems are more economical than buying assistive listening devices and resupplying batteries.
Looping at home
William and Carole Vail of the Village of Mira Misa have been married for 60 years. Carole has had a cochlear implant.
For about $200 they purchased a portable loop system which enables Carole to watch her favorite program, “Wheel of Fortune” on television. She watches with the television muted so as not to disturb her husband who prefers to read.
“But that way we are still together,” he said.
The wire runs to the television and Carole has a pad that can slip under a pillow on her chair. When unmuted, she and her husband can watch television together and Carole can hear just fine.
They have looped a few rooms in the house. The cost has been a few hundred dollars.
“But it is certainly worth it so I can be a part of the conversation,” Carole said.
For more information about the Hearing Loss Association of America-Central Florida, you can call 352-751-3464 or email murhlaacntrfl@aol.com
