Under Counter Hearing Loops
Discreet under counter hearing loop systems hidden beneath the counter. Staff speak into a microphone, and customers with hearing aids or cochlear implants hear them clearly, with nothing extra to wear or hand out.
What Is an Under Counter Hearing Loop?
An under counter hearing loop system provides accessible, one-to-one communication for customers with hearing loss at service points. A loop aerial is installed discreetly beneath the counter, creating a localized magnetic field that carries the staff member’s voice directly to a compatible hearing aid or cochlear implant. The aerial connects to a loop amplifier along with the staff microphone.
When staff speak into the microphone, their voice travels through the loop to the telecoil in the customer’s hearing device. The customer hears improved speech clarity with less background noise.
Why Choose an Under Counter Hearing Loop?
- The aerial is hidden beneath the counter, so the counter keeps a clean look
- No receivers or headphones to hand out, clean, or replace
- Works with the hearing aids and cochlear implants customers already wear
- A choice of staff microphones to suit your counter setup
- A small loop label shows customers that the service is available
How It Works
A staff microphone feeds the loop amplifier, which drives the aerial fixed under the counter with a steady current. Audio processing keeps speech clear and consistent. The aerial creates a magnetic field that reaches about 31.5 inches, and the customer switches to the T-coil program to hear the conversation directly.
The result: clear, direct sound without background noise or reverberation.
Where Under Counter Hearing Loops Excel
Banks and Credit Unions
Teller counters where customers discuss private financial details across a desk.
Pharmacies and Clinics
Check-in and pickup counters where accurate communication about prescriptions and appointments matters.
Government Offices
Service counters and reception desks handling permits, payments, and records.
Hotels and Retail
Front desks, customer service counters, and checkouts in busy, noisy spaces.
What’s in an Under Counter Hearing Loop System
- Loop driver: a 1-to-1 hearing loop amplifier with microprocessor control, a low-power standby mode, audio processing (AGC, compression, and noise gate), constant-current loop drive, and continuous self-testing, with power and LED status indicators.
- Under counter aerial: the hearing loop aerial fixed beneath a desk or counter.
- Power supply: a Level VI power supply for the loop driver.
- Loop label: a small hearing loop label that tells customers a loop is available.
- Staff microphone: choose the one that fits your counter, such as a noise-cancelling halo microphone on a stem, a compact round-base microphone, a discreet microphone for mounting to a register or computer screen, or a flexible gooseneck microphone.
Why Venues Choose Under Counter Hearing Loops
Under counter loops create a better experience for customers who struggle to understand staff in a busy or noisy lobby. Conversations are faster and clearer, and customers leave with more confidence that they understood.
For businesses and public facilities, an under counter loop is a low-maintenance way to improve accessibility. The aerial stays out of sight, there are no devices to manage, and it works every time someone walks up.
Planning an Under Counter Loop Installation
Every counter is unique, and a successful installation begins with a detailed assessment of the space. We look at the counter construction, where customers typically stand or sit, and how staff and customers interact, so the aerial is placed where it performs best. We also help you choose the staff microphone that fits your workflow.
After installation, we provide testing and documentation so your team knows the system is working and how to use it. Ongoing support is available whenever you need adjustments, upgrades, or additional counters.
Telecoil Compatibility
Most modern hearing aids and cochlear implants include a telecoil (T‑coil). This tiny component allows the listener to receive audio directly from a loop system.
Telecoils are widely supported across manufacturers, making hearing loops one of the most universal assistive listening solutions available today.
Ready to explore an under counter hearing loop for your venue?
We provide free site assessments across Texas.
Learn more on our Assistive Listening Systems Comparison page.
For ADA accessibility guidelines, visit ADA.gov .