Glossary

AFILS - Audio Frequency Induction Loop System - the most technically correct term. More frequently used terms include audio

loop, deaf loop, hearing loop, hearing assistance loop, induction loop, inductive hearing loop or magnetic induction

hearing assistance loop.

Hearing aid - an assistive hearing device prescribed by an audiologist (after an appropriate hearing test!) to improve hearing

Loop - the "antenna" that carries the sound signal produced by the Loop Amplifier

Couch/Sofa loop - a small loop that encircles a couch or sofa so that anyone sitting on it can hear via the loop

Counter loop - a small loop set up at a store, bank or ticket counter to enable dialogue between the hard of hearing

customer and the teller or cashier

Pillow loop - a pad that acts as a loop for the person seated on it

Loop Amplifier - an electronic device used to strengthen the sound source (e.g. computer, microphone, radio, tv) to the

level required for the loop system to be "heard" by the hearing aid "T" coil

Telecoil (T coil) - a tiny coil of wire inside the hearing aid that "hears" the electrically produced magnetic sound signal in a loop or

telephone earpiece. More about the telecoil …