Neckloops - for People with Hearing Instruments

Instead of using headphones, people with telecoils in their hearing aids and cochlear implants use neckloops to connect to audio for a clear sound with assistive listening systems and audio devices. 

Definition. A neckloop is a device, worn like a necklace, that wirelessly transmits an audio signal to a hearing instrument fitted with a telecoil. The neckloop has a 3.5 mm plug on one end to plug into an assistive listening receiver (FM/RF, IR, or Auracast) or other audio device, and generates a weak magnetic signal that can be “heard” by the telecoil and amplified by the hearing instrument.

Note that the received signal from a neckloop also depends on the receiver and how well-matched the devices are. In other words, not all neckloops will automatically work well with all receivers.

ADA. Neckloops provide “hearing aid compatibility” as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ADA standards and assistive listening systems (this website). Neckloops also make other equipment “hearing aid-compatible. Facilities are required to provide them. Individuals may choose to purchase one for personal use.

Use. Neckloops can be plugged into FM/RF, infrared (IR), or Auracast assistive listening systems receivers; radios; TVs; some computer speakers; some telephones; and handheld devices for museum tours; bank ATMs; two-way radios; etc. The neckloop must be compatible with the device.

handheld audio tour device focusing on the jack for earphones
Museum audio tour device

No neckloops are required for hearing loops-that’s one reason why consumers rave about quality hearing loops (ones that meet the international IEC standard, of course).

Convenience. A neckloop is convenient because it can deliver sound to both hearing instruments via a wireless connection. There are no wires running up the neck to the hearing instruments.

Below is an illustration of how to use neckloops with assistive listening systems, using various hearing aids, cochlear implants, and accessories.

Silhouettes of 3 people with different telecoil and instrument configurations. Below are proprietary examples and why in the instrument is best

FAQ

Why can't people use headphones?

If a person tried to use headphones with their hearing aids, there are four problems:

  1. They would need to wear the headphones over their device microphones instead of over their ears (awkward fit);
  2. Headphones don’t provide as clear a sound;
  3. Headphones frequently cause feedback with the hearing instruments (squealing heard by people around them); and
  4. In some cases, there is audible leakage of the amplified sound from headphones, which other patrons find disturbing.
How important are telecoils in hearing aids and cochlear implants?

Essential for the clearest audio possible. 

To learn more about telecoils and watch a short video, visit telecoils (this website)

Can I use any neckloop?

Neckloops must be compatible with receivers and preferably ordered from the same manufacturer that makes the receiver. If neckloops are ordered retroactively – or of a different make as the receiver, there may be a mismatch causing the neckloops to be underpowered and thus not provide a strong enough magnetic signal for the telecoil to pick up, and when the user increases the volume setting on the receiver, it can cause distortion.

Why?  Receivers drive the audio sound, and different sockets require different types of jacks.

photo of 3 different jacks, side-by-side

Can individuals with pacemakers use neckloops?

Seek advice by talking with your doctor and pacemaker manufacturer for your individual needs.

For neckloops used with FM and infrared (IR) systems, ILHMA statement below.

A related topic: hearing loops

  • For room hearing loops, there are usually no concerns, as people are not in very close proximity to the floor where the hearing loop is installed (e.g., lying on the floor).
  • For counter hearing loops, it’s probably good to follow the hearing loop manufacturer guidance-see Zotero online library. From one manufacturer “Stand at least 20cm (about 8 inches) away from the counter loop.”

Resources

Troubleshooting Neckloops

Are neckloops required under the ADA?

Yes.  

The facility should have enough neckloops on hand. The quantity is based on the capacity of the room. At a minimum, every facility should have 2 neckloops. A facility with capacity of 650 will need 7 neckloops.

The ADA table is available at the bottom of the page: ADA Standards  (this website)

Or you can use the Online Receiver Calculator Receiver calculator Northwest ADA Center (webpage)

If there are no neckloops, give feedback to the facility staff or file a complaint.

What if the sound from the neckloop is too quiet?
  • Read Steve Frazier’s article:  The Neckloops Don’t Work- A Possible Cause (2023)
  • Neckloops must be compatible with receivers and preferably ordered from the same manufacturer that makes the receiver.  If neckloops are ordered retroactively – or of a different make as the receiver, there may be a mismatch causing the neckloops to be underpowered and thus not provide a strong enough magnetic signal for the telecoil to pick up, and when the user increases the volume setting on the receiver, it can cause distortion.
  • It’s best to put the neckloop as widely around the neck as possible, in a wide circle to give a stronger field; and having a tie clip to keep in place or to keep from dangling.
  • If nothing else works, try raising the neckloop to your ears, so the neckloop is closer to your telecoils.
  • Give feedback to the owner/operator about the weak signal you received.

Person wearing a neckloop draped around shoulder, with a red line drawn where to make the neckloop wider Photo of a neckloop draped on ears to bring the neckloop closer to the telecoil for increasing loudness

How do I know if neckloops are working?

Two tests:

  1. Use (or ask a staff person) a receiver to test with headphones. If you can hear sound the receiver is working.  Use the same receiver, unplug the headphones and plug-in the neckloop.
  2. If the neckloop doesn’t work in #1, then unplug neckloop #1 and try a different neckloop.
What if I hear buzz or hum?

EMI interference. Using a neckloop requires the users to use telecoils – and it’s the telecoil that can pick up EMI interference in a building, not the neckloop, not the FM/RF system not the infrared system.

The interference is heard as buzzing by a user as soon as they turn the telecoil on. The buzz is heard whether or not an IR or FM system is installed. That is because the EMI interference is in the building and is usually caused by poorly installed electrical wiring. Remediating the EMI interference may require the services of an electrician. A rule of thumb, EMI should be less than -32 dB, and preferably -47 dB (from IEC Stanard 60118-4, hearing loops). See glossary

How to Find EMI. Contacta (3 pages, pdf)

Is there a technical neckloop document?

Yes. The care and feeding of neck loops for assistive hearing. 2016. by J M Woodgate BSc(Eng) C.Eng MIET SMIEEE FAES, HonFInstSCE. (6 pages, pdf)

Until recently, there was no standard method for measuring the sensitivity of a neck loop in terms of the input voltage required to produce a magnetic field strength of 400 mA/m at the ear of the user. This has been remedied by the publication of EN 62489-1:2010 + Amendment 1:2015. However, the committee decided it would be premature, since the method of measurement had only just been standardized, to follow up with even recommendations for sensitivity.

The situation in the field is reported (especially in the USA) to be unsatisfactory; many neck loops seem not to produce sufficient magnetic field strength. Of course, the reports rarely say what the source of signals was. Nevertheless, there is clearly a need to study the subject, both to improve the field situation and to follow up with a further amendment of the standard to specify, or recommend, sensitivity.