A telecoil is a component in newer hearing aid technology that can provide users with assistance akin to a personal wireless loudspeaker. It is an improvement upon the widely used FM systems installed in many public places for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Rather than having to get up, locate, check out, wear and return special equipment, the wearer can press a button on each hearing aid to activate the feature. When activated, the hearing, or induction, loop transmits a sound via a magnetic signal to the telecoil in a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

When describing the experience, psychology professor David Myers said, “And what happened was just amazing. Suddenly crystal clear sound was coming from the center of my head as if the person were three feet in front of my face.”

Though most widely used in Europe and some Eastern nations, the loops have begun to spread across the US thanks to Myers. In addition to those in Michigan, where Myers resides, hearing loops are being installed in New York venues, some Apple stores, and most of the information booths in the notoriously noisy subway system.