There is no doubt that digital technology will provide a better listening experience for people with hearing loss. So why is the development of new Assistive Listening technologies so slow?
Did you know?
- People with hearing loss are the largest group within the disabled community;
- Hearing loss impacts 1.1 billion people worldwide1 (1 in 6) and a third of over-65-year-olds;
- 119 million people in Europe have hearing loss;
- 42% of over 50 year olds and 71% of over 70 year olds have congenital or acquired hearing loss;
- Hearing aid usage grew by 11% in Europe between 2009 and 2015;
- The World Health Organization estimates that adult onset hearing loss will be in the top ten disease burdens by 2030, above diabetes and cataracts.
Assistive listening technology is changing
For the past 80 years, induction loops have been the dominant form of Assistive Listening technology for people with hearing loss. The hearing aid and induction loop technology have developed considerably over the past 40 years. Digital signal processors mean that loop management systems now offer much better sound quality, while digital hearing aids offer users an improved listening experience. “With the growth of digital technologies, new systems are being developed that could challenge induction loops, but the new systems are yet to mature.” So said Richard Dungan, head of Electronic Design at Contacta and participant in the BSI standards committee for induction loops which sets standards for their development and use in the united kingdom. The great thing about the induction loop and Telecoil system is that it is universal. Users can take their hearing aid and travel anywhere in the world, knowing that their hearing aid is compatible if a loop is installed. This great opportunity is proof that manufacturers and academics work together with the British Standards Committee and the International Electrotechnical Commission to set standards for performance and universality in this industry. The development of other new technologies is a challenge for these bodies; how to bring these together to offer the user the best experience?
New technologies on the market
Bluetooth, streamers, smartphones and wearables currently offer benefits to people with hearing loss. Apps that act as an amplifier through earplugs are an example of a low cost and efficient way to transfer sound to the listener. “In-ear computers” can eliminate background noise, connect to devices via Bluetooth or amplify sound with just one tap. Some of these can even be programmed with the user’s hearing profile to give them a personal experience. One advantage of Bluetooth connectivity is also that multiple devices can be connected at any time, enabling the user to switch between phone, tv and tablet. ‘Personal’ is a key term here, as these solutions have less to offer in a communal listening environment such as the theatre. There is also often a delay between image and sound with this Bluetooth technology, due to the complex process when converting and transmitting the signals. Sound from an induction loop is sent to the hearing aid in real time for an instant listening experience. Another concern is that some of these solutions are off-the-shelf options that may exclude the audiologist and the advice they provide. Not only must hearing loss be treated by a professional, hearing loss can be an indication of additional health problems, such as cognitive decline.
Not yet matured
These technological developments currently have to mature sufficiently to offer large-scale benefits, although this will certainly come. But the pace of this changes will be relatively slow. In the united kingdom, the current hearing aid and loop system is ubiquitous and 85% of the two million devices worn by people with hearing loss are issued by the NHS. The purchasing cycle in health care in the united kingdom is currently five years, which influences the pace at which new products are introduced. It will take a few more years for the hearing impaired to see a large-scale change in the way the sound is enhanced for them. There is no doubt that digital technology will ultimately give them a better listening experience – just not yet.
There is also good news!
Speaking of new Assistive Listening technologies, Contacta recently released two series, each with a different technique than the traditional induction loop: the IR series and the RF series. These series work with infrared and radio frequency, respectively. The devices make effective communication possible, provide crystal clear sound and are flexibly employable. A great solution for the hearing impaired! Both series are available at Tau.
Perfectly working induction loop system
With more than 20 years of experience, Tau is the specialist in the field of induction loop systems. Need advice while purchasing or installing the right audio setup? Or do you, as an end user, want an installation carried out by our dealers? Tau has an enthusiastic team of audio specialists, they are happy to help with questions. In addition to giving advice and offering hardware, Tau can also get you in touch with one of our partners, to perform a pre-commissioning test, before the induction loop system is installed. This way, you can be sure the system works perfectly. Contact us via contact form or +31 50 549 9090.
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