House supports Miller’s bill improving telecoil access for hearing impaired

House supports Miller’s bill improving telecoil access for hearing impaired

Posted by: Adam Kern  | Wednesday, February 6, 2019

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently approved legislation authored by State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) that would increase awareness and improve access to beneficial telecoil technology for the hearing impaired.

A telecoil is an important feature in hearing aids and cochlear implants that allows users to wirelessly connect to an Assistive Listening System in public venues to eliminate background noise and vastly improve hearing quality.

Miller said his bill would require audiologists to explain the benefits and use of telecoils when fitting and dispensing hearing aids to better inform patients.

“Telecoils are available in 70 percent of hearing aid models and 100 percent of cochlear implants, and yet, many users report never being told about the importance or use of telecoils,” Miller said. “The simple act of making users aware of the benefits of this technology could greatly improve the quality of life for Hoosiers with hearing loss.”

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from hearing loss. Improving awareness and access to telecoil technology could make a large difference for hearing aid users in public spaces such as offices, theaters, places of worship, airports and bank teller windows.

Miller said his bill would also require a person performing new construction or a major alteration of an existing public address system to consider installing an Assistive Listening System to provide service to hearing aid users.

House Bill 1113 now moves to the Senate for consideration. To learn move, visit iga.in.gov

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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48, 
which includes portions of Elkhart County.