(3 pages, pdf) by McKinley. Explains why IR and FM systems are often not used, and dispels hearing loop myths.
For many years, Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) consisted of Infrared (IR) or FM systems. IR and FM were the more common choice of ALS because it was a simpler way to meet legal requirements for providing hearing access and unfortunately these systems were infrequently used because they were not convenient and failed to consider the dignity of the end user. These would require the user, and individual with hearing loss, to wear a special device known as a loop receiver with either headphones or a neckloop. Neckloops are worn around one’s neck and used if a person wanted to use their hearing aids. That has all changed now due to technological advancements in hearing loop technology.
