Free Tools & Resources

Free downloadable tools, resources and materials. Some materials can be mailed to you. Need something? Please let us know so it can be added.

​

On this webpage

• General Information

• Standards

• Individuals with Hearing Loss

• Venues

• Logos/signage

General Information

• Colorado Telecoil Handout. 2 page (pdf) and 4 page (pdf). See telecoils webpage NEW

• Guide to Understanding Hearing Loops Link (4 page, pdf). Email for glossy paper brochure.

• Comparison of available assistive listening technologies. "Hearing loops: T-coil users receive sound invisibly, simply and directly to their own hearing aid." International Hearing Loop Manufacturers (IHLMA) Link (13 pages, pdf) NEW

• Hearing Loops-Brainstormed list of venues. Link (1 page, pdf)

Standards

There are 3 types of wireless technologies that meet the ADA standards: hearing loops, IR, and FM.  In contrast, Wi-Fi audio or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) does NOT meet ADA standards.

​

• ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010), Assistive Listening Systems

  • ADA Sections 216, 219, 703, 706, and signage. HLAA. Link (4 pages, pdf)

  • ADA Overview. Loop Colorado. Link (1 page, pdf)

​

• The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) has standards for hearing loop installation to reliably deliver the and optimal sound quality and guarantee positive experiences for users:

IEC 60118-4:2014+AMD1:2017 CSV, Consolidated version. Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Part 4: Induction-loop systems for hearing aid purposes - System performance requirements. Link (website with full standards). 

It's important that a venue to require a "certificate of conformity."

​

Individuals with Hearing Loss

Cards

• Ask your audiologist or hearing aid provider about telecoils Link (4 cards/page pdf)

• May I recommend you consider installing a hearing loop Link (10 cards/page pdf).

​

Tools

• Initial request letter template, with guidance/sample language. Request via email (Microsoft Word).

• Ways to encourage hearing loops-consumer. Request via email.

• For Colorado information please see

  • What is an Audiologist? https://www.coaudiology.org/consumers/what-is-an-audiologist/

  • Find an Audiologist https://www.coaudiology.org/consumers/find-an-audiologist/

​

Venues

Tools-Venues Interested in Hearing Loops

• Best Practices for Hearing Loop Installation (2019). Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). Link (2 pages).

• Good Practice Guide Hearing Loop Systems: A Guide to Best Practice for Service Providers (2016). International Hearing Loop Manufacturer Association. Link (11 pages, pdf)

• Sample Request for Proposal for Hearing Loop System. Link (4 page, pdf)

Tools-Venues with Existing Hearing Loops

• 9 Best Practices to Maximize the Benefits (Self Assessment). Request via email (pdf).

• Feedback. Hearing loops are discrete. No one knows when a person is using the hearing loop, and that’s one of the benefits; however, the venue may thus think that their hearing loop isn’t being used. One idea is for the venue to solicit feedback. Link (1/2 page)

• Hearing Loops-Signage: Going beyond the ADA Standard. Link (1 page pdf)

• Slides to inform patrons/visitors/guests about hearing loop at beginning of meeting/event. Link (Microsoft PowerPoint)

• We have a hearing loop. Place in lobby to educate people. Template to adapt for your organization. Link (1/3 page Word)

​

Logos/Signage

Hearing Loops-Signage: Going beyond the ADA Standard. Link (1 page pdf).