Hearing Loops & Assistive Listening Systems

To comply with equality legislation, a public building should have a hearing loop or assistive listening system installed for use by those with hearing difficulties. Having these facilities installed can make a huge difference to the experience someone with hearing loss can have, but it’s important that the correct system is fitted, as a badly-installed system is far worse than no equipment at all in many ways.

With the advancement of hearing aid technology now allowing far greater individualisation of these devices, assistive listening systems have come on leaps and bounds and in many circumstances, are a better option than the more traditional induction loop.

Induction loop – For use where an entire listening space requires reinforcement, or where a full programme of audio (i.e. microphones, DVD Player and computer) needs to be reproduced for the listener. This is achieved by encircling the congregation with a thin cable usually at floor level, which effectively broadcasts the sound.

Users of a hearing aid with a “T” function are able to switch their aid to reproduce the sound signal clearly and without noise interference. A disadvantage of this system is that the magnetic field may be audible in adjacent rooms and so it is not suitable where privacy is important. It is also not the right option if a band perform in the space, as an electric guitar pickup works in a similar way to a hearing aid, which can cause issues.

Assistive listening equipment – There is a variety of equipment now available, offering a different approach which may suit applications where a fixed hearing loop system would not be appropriate. Such situations including buildings with a high metal content in the construction, buildings where multiple systems need to be used simultaneouslty in close proximity or spaces where confidentiality is crucial.

In these examples, assistive listening systems such as infrared transmitters and bodypack receivers would be better suited. The additional benefit of this is that the bodypacks can be handed to those who have reduced hearing but are not wearing hearing aids, as the volume level can be tailored to the individual’s requirements and used with headphones instead of a neck loop.

APi Sound and Visual has installed hundreds of hearing loop systems and countless assistive listening devices, so we have a wealth of experience within the team to advise you on the best system for your space.

Read more information about Hearing Loops & Assistive Listening Systems by clicking here.