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Decibel
Telecoil
Decibel
The unit of measurement used to describe sound levels is the decibel (dB). The higher the dB gain, the louder the sound. For perspective, the dB levels of some common sounds are listed below.
- Normal breathing 10dB
- Standard Telephone 12dB
- Average Amplified Telephone 35dB
- Normal In-Person Conversation 60dB
- Vacuum Cleaner/Hair Dryer 70dB
- Motorcycle/Lawn Mower 90dB
- Garbage Truck 100dB
- Rock Concert 110dB
- Shotgun Firing 130dB
Note: Exposure to decibel levels higher than 90 for more than 15 minutes can produce permanent hearing damage.
Telecoil
Some, but not all hearing aids are equipped with something called a telecoil, which is also known as a T-coil, telephone switch or T-switch. Activation of this telecoil is usually done by using an external switch on the hearing aid. Often, the switch will be marked with three settings: “M” (microphone), “T” (telecoil), and “O” (off). To use their telecoil, a hard of hearing individual would switch their hearing aid setting from “M” to “T”. This then activates the induction device within the hearing aid and enables the aid to pick up electromagnetic signals from other technology such as amplified telephones or assistive listening devices and convert these signals into sound. For example a telecoil-equipped hearing aid can pick up the electromagnetic signal from the telephone receiver of a hearing aid compatible telephone. This direct “coupling” allows for clearer understanding over the telephone and eliminates both feedback and background noise. Other examples of electromagnetic conductors are neckloops or silhouettes that can be used with assistive listening devices.as an office, additional remote receivers may not be necessary.
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