Google Maps Now Shows Hearing Loop Availability – Here’s How to Add Your Venue
Google Maps is a go-to tool for finding accessible places, and its latest update is a real win for people with hearing loss. The platform now allows venues to highlight whether they offer an assistive hearing loop. This simple but powerful addition helps millions make informed decisions about where they can fully participate in events and experiences.
So, what exactly is a hearing loop? It’s a sound system that sends audio to hearing aids or cochlear implants fitted with a telecoil (or T-coil). This removes background noise and improves clarity in busy spaces like theatres, churches, banks, or ticket counters.
If you use a hearing loop, you’ll know how frustrating it can be not to know whether a venue has one. Now, with Google Maps showing this feature, planning is much easier. At Hearing Loop, we supply induction loops to ensure venues can offer seamless communication access to everyone.
But it’s not just helpful for users—venues also benefit:
- You show your commitment to accessibility
- You stand out to a wider, often overlooked audience
- You help normalise inclusive design in everyday spaces
Ready to add your venue’s hearing loop info?
In the steps below, we’ll show you exactly how to update your listing on Google Maps so everyone can find and enjoy accessible spaces without hassle.
Understanding the Hearing Loop Feature on Google Maps
Recognising how essential this technology is for accessibility, Google Maps has added a new attribute called ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’. Venues can now clearly show whether they support this feature, making it easier for people with hearing loss to choose places that meet their needs.
Why does this matter?
- It removes the need for separate searches or outdated accessibility lists.
- It gives users more confidence to plan outings, knowing their communication needs will be supported.
- It encourages independence, social inclusion, and better access to everyday spaces.
For venues, this visibility is also a chance to show leadership in accessibility. Listing your hearing loop on Google Maps helps customers and highlights your commitment to inclusion, which may encourage other businesses to follow suit.
Could your venue be doing more to support hearing accessibility?
Adding this feature is a small step that can make a big difference.
Preparation: What to Have Ready Before You Start
It helps to get everything in order before you add your venue and its hearing loop to Google Maps. Being prepared not only saves time, but it also increases the chances that your update will be approved quickly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Google account – You’ll need one to create or edit a business profile.
- Venue details—Prepare the name, complete address, phone number, website, and opening hours.
- Confirmation of a working hearing loop—Ensure the system is installed, operational, and signposted within your venue.
- Photos – Take clear images of the hearing loop signage or equipment. These can reassure users that the feature is in place.
- Profile access – If your venue is listed on Google Maps, check that you have ownership or management access. This is essential for making edits.
Tip: If unsure whether you can access an existing listing, try claiming the business through Google Business Profile (business.google.com).
Getting these items sorted first means fewer delays and ensures your listing is accurate, professional, and helpful to visitors with hearing needs.
Is your hearing loop easy to spot for someone visiting for the first time?
If not, improving on-site signage before uploading your photos is a good opportunity.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add a Hearing Loop to Your Venue’s Google Maps Listing
Whether your venue is brand new to Google Maps or already listed, adding the ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’ attribute is simple if you follow these steps.
If Your Venue Is Not Yet on Google Maps
- Sign in to Google Maps using your Google account.
- Search your address to double-check the venue isn’t already listed.
- Click ‘Add a missing place’ (on desktop) or ‘Add place’ (on mobile).
- Fill in the key details:
- Venue name
- Physical address
- Category (e.g. theatre, café, museum)
- Phone number, website, and opening hours
- Under the Attributes or Accessibility section, tick ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’.
- Upload photos of any signage showing that the hearing loop is available.
- Click Submit to send the new listing for Google’s review.
Tip: Add clear, consistent descriptions (e.g. “Hearing loop available at reception and in main hall”) to help users understand what to expect.
If Your Venue Is Already Listed on Google Maps
- Search for your venue in Google Maps.
- Click the listing and open the ‘About’ tab.
- Scroll to the Accessibility section.
- Click ‘Suggest an edit’ or ‘Update this place’.
- In the edit menu, look for Accessibility features and tick ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’.
- Add supporting details or upload recent photos, if available.
- Submit your update for Google to review.
Once submitted, Google may take a few days to verify the information. When approved, the ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’ icon will appear in your listing’s accessibility section, visible to users looking for hearing-friendly spaces.
Why not check your venue’s listing today? A quick update could make a big difference to someone planning their next visit.
Verification and Ongoing Management
Once you’ve submitted your venue or updated its accessibility details, Google may ask you to verify your connection to the business. This is a standard part of the process to prevent inaccurate listings.
How Verification Works
You may be asked to confirm ownership through one of the following:
- Post – A postcard with a verification code sent to your venue’s address
- Phone or email – If available for your account
Follow the instructions provided to complete verification. Once confirmed, you’ll have full access to manage your listing via the Google Business Profile dashboard (business.google.com).
Maintaining Your Accessibility Info
After your profile is verified:
- Check regularly that the ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’ attribute is still visible
- Respond quickly to user-suggested edits or confirmation requests from Google
- Keep photos and contact details up to date. This builds trust with users
Pro tip: Ask a staff member to log in monthly and review your listing for accuracy.
Also, make sure your team is familiar with:
- Where the hearing loop is installed
- How users can access it
- Any signs or symbols that identify its location
Google may occasionally request photo evidence to confirm accessibility claims; being prepared helps keep your listing live and trusted.
A well-maintained listing does more than inform; it shows your commitment to inclusion.
Is your team ready to help visitors make the most of your accessible features?
Tips to Optimise Your Google Maps Listing
Want to make your venue stand out to people looking for accessible spaces? A well-maintained Google Maps profile does more than share basic details; it builds trust, increases visibility, and shows your commitment to inclusion.
Here’s how to get the most from your listing:
Add High-Quality Photos
Include clear images of:
- Your venue’s entrance and interior
- Hearing loop signage or equipment in use
Visual confirmation helps users feel confident about what to expect before visiting.
Highlight Accessibility Features in Your Description
Write a short, clear description that mentions:
- The presence of a hearing loop
- Any other accessibility features (e.g. step-free access, accessible toilets, quiet areas)
This reassures users and helps your venue appear in relevant searches.
Encourage Reviews That Mention Accessibility
Ask happy visitors to leave a review, especially if they used the hearing loop. Positive mentions:
- Improve your ranking in search results
- Help others decide if your venue suits their needs
Example prompt: “If you found the hearing loop helpful during your visit, feel free to mention it in your review”
Keep Your Listing Fresh
Review and update your profile regularly:
- Check opening hours, phone number, and website links
- Confirm the ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’ attribute is still listed
Respond to Reviews and Questions
Reply to user reviews, especially those mentioning accessibility. It shows your venue takes inclusion seriously and values feedback.
Mention Any Extra Support Services
Include additional assistive listening devices, staff support, or printed materials in your listing or photos if you offer additional assistive listening devices. It shows you’re going the extra mile.
Is your listing telling the whole story of your venue’s accessibility?
Minor updates could help more people feel welcome, informed, and ready to visit.
Advocating for Hearing Accessibility in Your Community
Adding your venue’s hearing loop to Google Maps is a significant first step, but real change happens when we go beyond our spaces.
You can become an advocate for accessibility and help build a more inclusive community.
Share What You’ve Learned
Tell other venue owners about the hearing loop attribute on Google Maps. Encourage them to add their accessibility features and explain the benefits, not just for visitors but also for their business.
Partner with Local Groups
Reach out to:
- Disability advocacy groups
- Hearing loss charities
- Community centres or libraries
You could co-host workshops, create info packs, or even support campaigns that push for better hearing accessibility in your area.
Host Awareness Events
Run a small event or demo day to:
- Show how a hearing loop works
- Let users test the system
- Train staff and volunteers
This can help break down stigma and show your venue is truly welcoming.
Use Your Platforms
Post about your accessibility efforts on:
- Social media
- Email newsletters
- Local forums or noticeboards
Share photos, user feedback, or milestones, like when your hearing loop was added or your listing went live.
Invite Feedback
Ask visitors with hearing loss to share their experiences. What worked well? What could be improved? Their input helps you grow and sends a message that every voice matters.
Your actions can spark real change.
By speaking up and supporting accessibility, you’re helping create a community where everyone, regardless of hearing ability, can participate fully, confidently, and equally.
Final Thoughts: Make Accessibility Visible—List Your Hearing Loop Today
Adding your venue’s hearing loop to Google Maps isn’t just a tech update; it’s a decisive step towards inclusion, visibility, and impact.
With the ‘Assistive Hearing Loop’ attribute now available, people with hearing loss can easily find venues that support their communication needs. That means fewer barriers, more confident visits, and a stronger sense of belonging in community life.
By taking a few simple steps, you:
- Show your commitment to accessibility
- Attract new visitors who may have previously stayed away
- Lead by example, encouraging other venues to follow suit
Every listing makes a difference. The more venues that highlight their hearing support, the more inclusive our towns and cities become.
So what’s next?
- Add or update your listing today.
- Keep your details accurate and up to date
- Spread the word to fellow venue owners and local groups
We can create public spaces that welcome everyone confidently and without compromise. Ready to make your venue more accessible? Contact us at 01142 357717 to learn more about installing a Hearing Loop and enhancing your venue’s accessibility today.
