Overspill is the magnetic field outside the area of the Loop System. Induction Loop Systems are designed for hearing aid users to be present within the area of the loop. As the magnetic field will travel through walls, ceilings and floors there will always be some overspill.

This means that hearing aid users outside the looped area may be able to overhear conversations if their hearing aids are switched to ‘T’ position. The magnetic field of a simple one Loop System will overspill into adjoining rooms, and even rooms directly above / below. 

• Cost effective & Inconspicuous
• No need to use a receiver/headset
• Cuts out unwanted background noise
• Sound goes directly into the hearing aid
• Any number of users can use the system
• Can be used by anyone with a compatible hearing aid

Sadly, not all hearing aids are fitted with the loop facility. In the UK, almost all NHS aids are equipped with a ‘T’ position, as are many privately sold aids. In the UK private sector, it is often the audiologist who decides whether to offer the loop reception facility, but generally they do offer aids with a ‘T’ setting. At present, about 95% of hearing aids in the UK are said to have the loop receiving function.

Digital hearing aids work in exactly the same way as ordinary analogue aids in terms of Induction Loop use but you must make sure that the digital hearing aid has a ‘T’ switch position. As far as we are aware, all digital hearing aids supplied by the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK have a ‘T’ coil facility. Privately dispensed digital aids may or may not have a ‘T’ coil. As policies over ‘T’ coil provision in hearing aids vary around the world – check with your audiologist about this before you buy, as it may affect what they offer to you. Many digital hearing aids allow the option of setting the relative levels between microphone and ‘T’ coil inputs to be adjusted by the audiologist. If the loop signal is quiet / loud relative to normal microphone use, ask your audiologist to adjust it for you.