Question

How does one find out which public venues such as theaters, auditoriums, churches, etc., have hearing loops compatible with telecoils installed on their premises?

Answer

Thank you for your question. There are several ways to determine if a venue is equipped with hearing loops, and if they are compatible with your hearing devices. Do keep in mind that some venues use loops that are compatible with telecoils, while others utilize Bluetooth technology. Some venues offer both!

Before You Go - Online Look Up

• Check the venue’s accessibility page. They will list the various accessibility offerings available on location, including hearing loops in addition to other accessibility tools such as Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs).
• Check if the venue does have a loop setup through the Loop Locater, a website that allows users to look up venues that have loops utilized. Keep in mind that this may not be up to date nor list all venues that are already looped.
• For venues specific to Minnesota, there is also the List of Loops – Loop Minnesota. A note from the website: “These lists are partial lists only. Venues and loop installers often do not report the locations of installed loops. You might call ahead and inquire if the venue that you plan to visit has a loop.”
• If you are a Google Map user, Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) shared an article on how to utilize this tool on the app: HLAA article regarding Google Maps’ inclusion of hearing loop information
• Contact the venue and ask! Sometimes they do not have the information updated nor available on the website.

On location at the venue

• Look for the accessibility icon, which looks like an ear with a line going through it, and sometimes has a “T” next to it.
• Ask the front desk or information desk if available, and how to connect.

Additionally, you can learn more about different kinds of assistant listening devices (ALDs) on the website of our sister agency, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) under the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

If the venue does not have a hearing loop installed, you can advocate for one! Educate the venue on how beneficial hearing loops can be to you and other guests and encourage them to set one up. HLAA has an online tool kit to help you convince the venue to set one up: These tools are downloadable and free to use.