As I mention in my workshops, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is quite strong in airplanes and automobiles. EMI can restrict the use of telecoil in these environments, and is usually characterized by a loud hum or static that can interfere with listening. I have often said that listening with telecoil can be extremely difficult in these environments and recommended using an audio cable instead.

However, I recently experimented using telecoil on an airplane and in a car. I found an acceptable solution, but only with an amplified telecoil neck loop (like CLA7v2). An amplified neck loop has a volume control that can give you extra volume to override EMI that may be present while using telecoil mode. (The CLA provided 30dB more volume.)

If you have a telecoil accessory (ie., neckloop) with extra volume control, try this:

1. Using your FineTuner remote, turn down the volume of your Cochlear Implant AUDIO PROCESSOR until you can barely hear the hum or static.
2. Then using the volume control on your audio DEVICE (phone, tablet, etc) and/or your NECKLOOP’s volume control, increase the volume until a desired listening setting. (It is possible that it may not be as loud as you normally prefer, due to having to decrease your audio processor’s volume setting.)
3. The music or audio from the device may override the static or hum while using telecoil in situations where EMI is prevalent