Hearing loops are an assistive listening device that can significantly reduce background noise for hearing aid users. The device is relatively simple: a loop of copper wire encircles a desk, room or entire building, creating a magnetic field. People within that field can activate a particular setting on their hearing aids that allows sound from a microphone to be transmitted directly into their ear.

Hearing loops are still gaining traction in the U.S., but the city of Eugene has looped nearly 60 locations, from hotel front desks to entire performance halls. As reported in KLCC, Travel Lane County was recently recognized by the Hearing Loss Association of America for its work to install hearing loops across the county.

Andy Vobora is the vice president of stakeholder relations at Travel Lane County. Ginevra Ralph and Sue Prichard are the co-chairs of the advocacy group Loop Oregon. They join us to talk about looping, its implementation in the county and the difference it makes for people who are hard of hearing.