Get the Most from Your Library's Hearing Loop

Juliette Sterkens
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Webinar with Juliette Sterkens

In recent years, libraries throughout Wisconsin have installed hearing loops at service desks and in meeting rooms. But, these hearing loops cannot serve their purpose if library staff are not comfortable using them and talking about them. Audiologist and hearing loop advocate Juliette Sterkens will help us get the most out of our library hearing loops by explaining:

  • the prevalence of hearing loss in our communities,
  • how to raise awareness of hearing loops among providers and users of hearing aids,
  • ways to tactfully discuss hearing loops with patrons, and
  • best practices for using hearing loops in libraries.

 

Key Take-Aways from the Webinar

How do you know if a patron has a telecoil on his/her hearing aid?

  • Ask if their instrument has a button
  • Ask if the user has been told to “push a button” when answering a phone call?
  • Know that some instruments have the telecoil but this feature was not activated by the audiologist
  • Even very small instruments now come with telecoils!

Conference Room Loops

  • User can turn off microphone on their hearing aids to eliminate background noise (T only) or keep hearing aids on M+T
  • Users need good input signal  - “GIGO” applies (Garbage In, Garbage Out)
  • Insist on Microphone use when holding public meetings – “In order to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act we require all speakers to use the Mic.”
  • Signage is important – make sure it is visible in the room
  • Set up a procedure to periodically test the hearing loop with a loop listening device (Monthly? Bi-monthly?)
  • Train new employees
  • Provide loop information as part of room reservation procedure for outside groups.

Desk or Information Loops

  • User can turn off microphone on hearing aids to eliminate background noise
  • User may need to find the “hotspot”
  • User needs good input signal – think  “GIGO”
  • How to ensure a good signal? Use the Microphone within 1 foot
  • Train all staff with a loop listener
  • Invite patrons to experience the loop – it is OK to say “ I notice you use hearing aids. Have you ever tried our hearing loop?”
  • Offer brochures/handouts/Flyers on loops

Get the word out in your community!

  • Create an information table with books about hearing loss; library loop brochures
  • Offer the “how to buy a hearing aid” & “Hearing Loss Fact Sheet” pamphlets from the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
  • Announce the loop at meetings – use the mic. Always.
  • Web/Social Media or library newsletter – talk about the loop
  • Send a news release to the newspaper
  • Organize a Hearing Loop event in the library and invite a local audiologist to speak – Email me if you cannot find one.

Total Contact Hours: 

1
Resources

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