It's interesting that HAs for mild/moderate loss do not have t-coils. I can't imagine having a HA that doesn't have it, I use it all the time for hearing TV, in church etc. Even my first HA in 1971 had a t-coil.
I hope that as a knock on effect of this it doesn't mean that loop systems will no longer be provided in churches etc., especially as such places always seem to cater for the majority market, i.e. old people with mild/moderate loss!
I used to use Tcoil regularly until I discovered Direct Audio Input and since then my Tcoil has been retired. I still have one available on some of my hearing aids (I keep all my old ones!!) but tbh I rarely find them useful.
There is an extra dimension for me, as I am a wheelchair user I am lower down than other people and when people buy these cheap little counter loop systems the range is only 1m (3 feet) so where I am down there I am usually outside the field anyway. Many of them don't work, aren't switched on, nobody knows how to switch it on, the RNID has a special campaign where you hand people cards to tell them their loop doesn't work and I've gone through packets and packets of them! People don't actually understand the technology and how it works, some don't realise you have to charge the battery or anything, they have been sent a portable loop from head office and they think that if they stick it on the counter in their premises it will "help people with hearing aids" somehow... by osmosis? I don't know, but they don't know what it does.
Other places have working loops but nobody listens to them so they don't know they also have electrical interference which renders them unusable. All taxis in my city have a loop system and all taxis have to be the same type of car. That type of vehicle also emits electrical interference on the loop so you can only use it if the engine is turned off - slightly pointless loop! But again, nobody knows this is the case cos they aren't actually trying to help, they are trying to do their duty under applicable legislation and go phew, that's that one ticked off the list.
I imagine it's better in churches because they have an active interest in you continuing to participate, hear the service, etc. but in most public buildings here I just find the loops don't do what they are supposed to do.
I do hope they don't stop installing loops, though, I know some people do like them and as soon as they become "the dark ages" nobody will install them, but streamers so far are brand-specific. If they could all put their heads together and agree on a bandwidth and technology for connecting to an open streaming signal in addition to each person's private streaming signal that would be better for everyone.
