Seoul National University Hospital Installs Customized 'Smart Hearing Loop' System for People with Hearing Impairments

Wireless Assistive Devices Installed to Support Communication
Eight Units Deployed at Five Key Locations
Including ENT Clinics, Administration Desks, and Auditorium

Seoul National University Hospital is creating a customized communication environment for people with hearing impairments.

Kim Youngtae, Director of Seoul National University Hospital (fourth from the left), and Moon Jinsoo, Deputy Director of Public Affairs (fifth from the left), attending the Smart Hearing Loop Installation Commemoration Event. Seoul National University Hospital

On April 20, Seoul National University Hospital announced that it has installed the 'Smart Hearing Loop' system in key areas of the hospital to support smooth communication for patients with hearing loss who use cochlear implants or hearing aids.

Hospitals, as multi-use facilities, often make it difficult for patients to hear consultation conversations or public announcements due to the surrounding background noise.

The hearing loop introduced by Seoul National University Hospital is a wireless assistive device based on international standards, designed to filter out ambient noise and transmit only the speaker's voice clearly. When medical staff speak into a microphone, the system converts the sound into a magnetic signal. Patients wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants with a 'T-mode' function can activate this mode to hear clear speech without ambient noise. General visitors can also connect to the system using personal wireless earphones or headsets through the 'Bluetooth Auracast' function.

Taking into account patient pathways and noise levels, a total of eight devices have been installed in five locations: Pediatric ENT Clinic 1, Adult ENT Clinic 1, Adult ENT Counseling Nurse's Office, Outpatient Administration Service Center, and Seosunghwan Hall at the Cancer Hospital. This enables equal access to information, from one-on-one consultations to large auditorium events, helping patients communicate proactively and reducing the burden on caregivers. This project was funded by the Public Health Care Project Support Fund donated by sponsor Lee Young Sul.

Moon Jinsoo, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at Seoul National University Hospital, said, "Accurate communication with medical staff is a key factor in ensuring patient safety and improving treatment outcomes," adding, "We will continue to create a disability-friendly environment where everyone can receive care comfortably."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.