Hearing loss affects all layers and ages of the population. It is therefore important to provide facilities for the deaf and hard of hearing in public places and other buildings where hearing aid users should be able to hear audio clearly. The use of an induction loop or Assistive Listening system improves the accessibility of the building and offers better assistance and service to hearing aid users. We tell you everything about the right induction loop solutions for the right environment.
The different types of induction loop solutions
Hearing aids and cochlear implants amplify all sounds, including background noise. In noisy environments, it can therefore be difficult for hearing aid users to focus on what’s important. Induction loop systems are designed to improve audibility in certain environments for hearing aid users, so they can communicate freely. It delivers sound, via a hearing aid with a Telecoil, directly to the listener without interference or loss of intelligibility, by reducing the noise-to-sound ratio.
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Induction loop: invisible, permanent induction loop system for multiple hearing aid users in one room. A microphone picks up speech or music. The audio signal is then distributed by a hearing loop driver over a horizontal room-sized loop, consisting of a concealed cable. If the loop cannot be concealed inside, for example, the ground, flat copper tape is used, for example under the carpet. This induction loop generates a magnetic field that can be picked up by a hearing aid with T-coil. The hearing aid users turn their hearing device to the ‘T’ position and they will hear the audio with clarity.
Consists of: microphone, hearing loop driver and round cable or flat copper tape. Ideal for: churches, classrooms, theatres and conference centres, among others. |
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Counter system: inconspicuous induction loop system for one-to-one communication between two people. A microphone picks up the speech. The audio signal is then distributed by a compact hearing loop driver over a small vertical loop, consisting of a round cable. This can be a cable that is concealed, for example, below, above or even integrated inside a counter. Tau does, however, also provide a ready-made loop that is provided completely with a clear sign about the presence of the induction loop system. This induction loop generates a magnetic field that can be picked up by a hearing aid with T-coil. The hearing aid user turns the hearing device in the ‘T’ position and can thus clearly hear the other person, even through security screens.
Consists of: microphone, compact hearing loop driver and the Contacta IL-AE99 or the Contacta IL-AE97 loop (cable). Ideal for: counters, ticket machines, desks, intercoms and cash registers, for example in pharmacies, banks, stadiums, supermarkets or transport. |
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Portable counter system: portable induction loop system for one-to-one communication between two people. A small microphone captures the speech. The audio signal is then distributed by the very compact, wireless, mobile system over its integrated loop. This induction loop generates a magnetic field that can be picked up by a hearing aid with T-coil. The hearing aid user turns the hearing device in the ‘T’ position and can thus clearly hear the other person. With this portable kit, the hearing impaired is assured of clear communication anywhere in the building.
Consists of: a small microphone, the Contacta IL-PL20-2 mobile ring line and the Contacta IL-PL26 standard, if required. Ideal for: one-on-one meeting rooms, counters and everywhere where one-on-one conversations take place and no permanent induction loop system is present. |
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Radio frequency system: compact induction loop system for multiple hearing aid users in a room or outdoors environment. A microphone picks up the speaker’s voice. Then, the audio signal is sent by a transmitter, portable or otherwise, to one or more portable receivers by means of radio waves. A loop that is worn around the neck by the hearing impaired, is connected to the receiver(s). This neck loop generates a small magnetic field that can be picked up by a hearing aid with T-coil. The hearing aid users put their hearing aid in the ‘T’ position and can thus clearly hear the audio and control their own listening volume. With the radio frequency systems, several people can simultaneously hear the same explanation or even multilingual translations, for example during a tour. Radio waves can reach through walls, ceilings, glass walls or other obstacles.
Consists of: microphone, RF transceiver or RF transmitter plus RF receiver(s), neck loop(s), charging stations and protective cases. Ideal for: places of worship, historical locations, museums, schools, tourist attractions, places of entertainment, conferencing spaces and such. |
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Infrared system: compact induction loop system for multiple hearing aid users in a room or outdoors environment. A microphone picks up the speaker’s voice. Then, the audio signal is sent by a transmitter to one or more portable receivers by means of invisible infrared light. A loop that is worn around the neck by the hearing impaired, is connected to the receiver(s). This neck loop generates a small magnetic field that can be picked up by a hearing aid with T-coil. The hearing aid users put their hearing aid in the ‘T’ position and can thus clearly hear the audio and control their listening volume, personally. With the infrared systems, several people can simultaneously hear the same explanation or even multilingual translations, for example during a tour. Infrared light cannot penetrate walls or ceilings, so there is no overspill, unlike the permanent induction loop This allows systems to be used in adjacent rooms and in rooms where confidential meetings take place.
Consists of: microphone, IR transmitter plus IR receiver(s), neck loop(s), charging stations and protective cases. Ideal for: boardrooms, interview rooms and courtrooms, for instance. |
Tau supplies a variety of eye-catching signs, which clearly communicate to hearing aid users that an induction loop system is present in the building. An internationally recognizable symbol is visible on the signs.
Induction loop systems – interference and privacy
Counter systems ensure improved privacy, because the person on the other side of the counter does not have to raise their voice to make themselves understood by the hearing impaired. Infrared light cannot penetrate walls or ceilings, so there is no overspill with the infrared system. This means that the signal will not reach outside the concerning space. This allows these systems to be used in adjacent rooms without causing mutual interference. This system is also ideal for rooms where confidential conversations are taking place, since listening in is not possible from outside the room. Permanent induction loop systems, however, can cause overspill, as a result of which hearing aid users in an adjacent room can also understand what is spoken, which is not always desirable. This is because the signal generated by the induction loop appears both inside and outside of the loop. Overspill can also occur towards an upper or lower floor. One of the following low spill systems can be used as a solution here, so the magnetic field remains limited and it cannot leave the space.
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Cancellation loop/figure 8: for applications where the overspill only needs to be reduced in one direction. This also prevents interference from the overspill towards electrical instruments, dynamic microphones and some other electrical equipment.
Consists of: microphone, one hearing loop driver and round cable or flat copper tape. Ideal for: stages. |
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Phased array loop: for applications where maximum privacy is required. The method works by applying two induction loops in a special overlapping pattern. These two ‘arrays’ are overlaid in an offset pattern, both powered by a separate amplifier. The amplifiers each produce a signal, 90° out of phase. The resulting magnetic field is evenly dispersed within the target area and the signal strength diminishes very quickly outside the loops.
Consists of: microphone, two ring line amplifier and round cable or flat copper tape for two loops. Ideal for: large area’s like cinemas, conference centres, educational institutions, courtrooms, council chambers and theatres. |
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Laying a reduced size loop: for applications where low budget plays a major role. To prevent the signal from reaching outside of the space, a smaller sized loop can be placed, so that the overspill falls within the space. The disadvantage is that the quality of the overspill is less controllable than the signal within the loop and therefore the coverage cannot be guaranteed everywhere.
Consists of: microphone, one hearing loop driver and round cable or flat copper tape. Ideal for: interview rooms or other rooms where not many hearing aid users are present at the same time or where the listening area does not stretch to the walls of the room. |
A suitable induction loop solution for your project
With an induction loop system, a number of factors are important for a properly functioning system. Things like the dimensions of the room where the system is to be placed and the materials present in the floor, can possibly influence the magnetic field. With more than 20 years of experience, Tau Audio Solutions BV is the specialist in the field of induction loop systems, we are happy to help you with this. Need advice while purchasing, installing or commissioning the right audio setup? Or do you, as an end user, want an installation carried out by one of our dealers? Tau has an enthusiastic team of audio specialists, they are happy to help with questions. Contact us via contact form or +31 50 549 9090.
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