Frequently Asked Questions
Both Soundfield packages come with Dynamic Soundfield Speaker, Mount, Touchscreen Microphone and Power Supplies. Apart from GPO’s (standard power points), the soundfield does not require any additional equipment or infrastructure.
- Halls and some classrooms may benefit from a Roger Wall Pilot to automate connections.
- Our Hand-held Pass-Around Microphone are very useful in group sessions to allow students to speak confidently.
- Where the PA is required to be included in the feed, a Roger Media-hub is recommended to have a constant audio input and allow the teacher to move freely around the room.
For a personalized recommendation please email us at info@hearingloop.com.au
Hearing aids and/or Cochlear implants provided to Australian children are equipped with Roger Receivers.
The use of a Roger™ Touchscreen Transmitter (teacher microphone) with a Roger Dynamic Soundfield Speaker in the classroom in combination with the Roger receiver is considered best practice. This combination ensures transmission of sound directly to the Roger Receiver on the child’s hearing aid, as well as dynamic adjustment of all sound within the classroom.
Phonak Soundfield Speakers are dynamic which means that they adjust the sound amplification to achieve the best acoustic environment for everyone in the room.
Soundfield usage offers:
- reduction of background noise,
- improved classroom behaviour,
- reduction in stigma associated with wearing a hearing aid, and
- greater control and quality of input from the teacher.
We recommend Roger Hearing Solutions and Assistive Technology, particularly in education.
Here is why……
Australian Hearing are the sole CSO funded provider of services that can be accessed by children and young adults under the age of 26 in Australia. Due to the size requirements, product ranges, support and many other reasons the majority of Australian children are provided with Hearing Aids, and/or Cochlear Implants with Roger Receivers (depending on suitability etc). Most children are also provided with a Roger Touchscreen Microphone (or Transmitter).
NCC / BCA D3.7
The NCC/BCA Requirements (D3.7) Hearing Augmentation, states that, any room or space with an in-built amplified sound system, or public interface requires a hearing augmentation system. Typical areas in educational facilities can include:
- Teaching/learning spaces,
- Resource spaces,
- Performing Arts & Theatres,
- Sports Halls & Multi‐Purpose Halls,
- Front counters, Receptions, conferences rooms, meeting rooms, Ticket Boxes etc.
We recommend Roger Hearing Augmentation in an education setting for the following reasons:
- Optimum performance and increased compatibility with a children’s hearing aids as they use the same technology,
- Minimal wiring required / low installation cost,
- No interference / feedback issues with metal structures, other technology, music equipment,
- Children have no need for a neck loop, reducing stigma and increasing uptake, and reducing number of neck loops required therefore decreasing cost,
- Simple maintenance / support (no need to remove carpet or redo wiring),
- Expandable to a Soundfield solution to benefit all children including covering the teachers voice (normal hearing, and hearing impaired),
- Not dependant on T‐coil in hearing devices. Majority of child hearing instruments will not have T‐coil activated by their audiologist,
- BCA D3.7 – The number of receivers should be adjusted to exclude children as they do not require receivers. For a BCA C3.7 compliant solution please contact us.
AS1428.5-2010 (R2016) requires a hearing augmentation system to be provided where an in-built amplification system such as telecommunications systems, EWIS system, public address system and telephone services are installed in a public building or space designed for 5 or more people. D3.7 further classifies a class 9b building with in-built amplification as requiring hearing augmentation. Typically churches, meeting rooms, classrooms, halls and auditoriums with in-built speakers, TV’s and PA Systems will require hearing augmentation.
Your building surveyor, architect or electrical engineer will be able to confirm if the space falls into this category.
In classrooms and other small spaces, we recommend the Roger Media Hub is used in combination with the Roger Neckloop Receivers and other items to achieve compliance.
We generally recommend Roger Hearing Augmentation for the following reasons:
- Optimum performance & increased compatibility with a children’s hearing aids as they use the same technology,
- Minimal wiring required / low installation cost,
- No interference / feedback issues with metal structures, other technology, music equipment,
- Children have no need for a neck loop, reducing stigma and increasing uptake, and simultaneously reducing number of neck loops required therefore decreasing cost,
- Simple maintenance / support (no need to remove carpet or redo wiring),
- Expandable to a Soundfield solution to benefit all children including covering the teachers voice (normal hearing, and hearing impaired),
- Not dependant on T‐coil in hearing devices. Majority of children hearing instruments will not have T‐coil activated by their audiologist.
Download GLA Installation Guide
Our Hall Solution is designed to suit larger areas with a commercial public address/ audio visual system. The Roger Touchscreen Transmitter takes a line out from the AV System and transmits it up to 20 metres. Access to a Hall system is via the Roger Wall Pilot which is mounted at the common access points. Roger Neckloop receivers are required for adult access and compliance. The range can be extended with the Roger Repeaters. The Hall Soundfield Package can include speakers and microphones.
The use of a Soundfield Speaker has a proven impact on the ability of a student to concentrate and understand the teacher in a classroom environment. Use of the soundfield allows the teacher to hear and actively manage the sound in the classroom to get the best outcome for their voice and the students learning. In a classroom, the Roger system can be expanded to include a Soundfield Speaker, Roger Touchscreen Teacher Microphone, Roger Media Hub and other items that greatly enhance the listeners experience, whilst forming a compliant hearing augmentation solution.
We especially recommend this solution in Elite Education and Special Schools where concentration and clarity are pivotal to their success.
Portable Hearing Augmentation Systems are ideal for an organisation that wants to be more inclusive. The portable systems can be used for events, outdoor areas, community facilities. They are easy to use and have 8 hours battery life.
AS1428.5 recommends that Hearing Augmentation is available at all reception desks, tellers amd counters. There are a range of user friendly, fixed or portable Cross-the-Counter solutions that include microphones and allow people of all shapes and sizes to communicate freely with those with a hearing impairment.
To check if your hearing system complies with the National Construction Code (NCC):
- System Purpose: Ensure it’s installed in required spaces like auditoriums, meeting rooms, or theatres.
- Australian Standards (AS 1428.5): Verify compliance with coverage, signal clarity, and required signage.
- Approved Systems: Use compliant technologies like hearing loops, FM, infrared systems, or compatible Bluetooth solutions.
- Professional Installation: Ensure proper installation and certification by qualified professionals.
Not sure? Contact Hearing Loop Australia for expert assessments and compliance support. Accessibility starts here!
When is hearing augmentation required?
Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 – D3.7 requires a hearing augmentation system to be provided where an in-built amplification system is installed in the following types of buildings / rooms:
(a) in a room in a Class 9b assembly building; or
(b) in an auditorium, conference room, meeting room, room for judicatory purposes, or a room in a Class 9b building; or
(c) at any ticket office, teller’s booth, reception area or the like, where the public is screened from the service provider.
Your building surveyor, architect or electrical engineer will be able to confirm if the building falls into this category. Typically churches, meeting rooms, classrooms, halls and auditoriums with in-built speakers, TV’s and PA Systems will require hearing augmentation.
Which solutions are compliant?
Our compliant Hearing Augmentation solutions include:
- Phonak Roger wireless system with personal induction receivers such as our Education and Hall Solutions,
- Induction Loop or,
- Cross-the-counter system for reception and ticket booths.
Phonak Roger wireless hearing augmentation systems
Phonak Roger wireless hearing augmentation systems use Roger 2.4 GHz transmission with frequency hopping technology to provide access for adults with telecoil-enabled hearing aids using a personal induction loop called a MyLink Receiver. The number of receivers required for adults is governed by the building code D3.7 (2). Australian Hearing issues children with personal Roger receivers which connect directly to the Roger wireless hearing augmentation system. Headphones are also recommended for those without telecoil enabled hearing aids to access the audio feed.
A Roger Repeater may be required to ensure coverage of the required floor area.
Induction Loop
An induction loop must be provided to not less than 80% of the floor area of the room or space served by the in-built amplification system. The ability of an induction loop to provide compliant coverage is impacted by a large number of factors including room size, shape and construction type, proximity to other electronic equipment including other induction loops and the audio input available. Please contact us and a consultant will assist you in achieving compliance of your induction loop.
Other Requirements
Braille Signs are required for compliance with Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 – D3.6.
Note compliance is subject to floor area coverage, receiver requirements and signage requirements
The soundfield speaker is a specialised hearing solution that dynamically adjusts sound to improve the learning environment for all listeners. Soundfield speakers improve the listeners understanding of speech by providing an even distribution of sound between the teacher, the students and any multimedia equipment.
Sensors within the Roger Digimaster Soundfield Speaker detect the sound in the room and adjust the acoustics to an optimal level. The volume automatically adjusts to:
- Minimise reverberation,
- Maintain sound to noise ratio at 15db above ambient noise,
- Reduce feedback.
The Digimaster 5000 V2 Soundfield is designed for a areas from 15 – 100 metres square – various classroom designs. A Basic Soundfield Package is an inclusive starting point to help all students, ranging from neuro-typical with an acute ear infection to severely disabled.
The DigiMaster 7000 V2 Soundfield is stronger speaker that can be combined with multiple speakers to cover large areas.
The datasheet with technical information can be downloaded for the Datasheet Roger Soundfield Digimaster 5000 V2 and Datasheet Roger Soundfield Digimaster 7000 V2.
We can provide you with a system that is compliant with the BCA D3.7. To ensure that your system complies with the Building Code of Australia, we must have assessed your room, its size and capacity, floor coverings and furnishings and any potential interference issues and privacy requirements for the space. You must have purchased and installed all of the items that we recommend in our quotation, including braille tactile signage. A compliance certificate is issued once all of the system is installed and evidence of this is provided.
Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Basic computer or building knowledge is sufficient to install or use most items. Use caution when drilling if wall mounting the Perspex Box or Soundfield Speaker. A licensed electrician is required to perform any electrical work such as installing or moving powerpoints.
Hearing Loop Australia have a team of installers in most capital cities. Please contact us to request a quote for installation or training if required.
Soundfield Speakers are an invaluable tool in a classroom, however we understand that it is not always possible to put a soundfield in every classroom from the outset. We recommend that you purchase systems that can be upgraded to a complete soundfield solution. Some Roger products are not compatible with a Soundfield Speaker. If you require assistance with your order, please contact us about this before placing you order.
Hearing Loop Australia offers a variety of solutions, ranging from hearing augmentation solutions designed to comply with the BCA D3.7 through to speaker systems that improve understanding for all listeners.
Look for these symbols to check its inclusiveness.
Our inclusive solutions benefit all participants including people living with hearing impairment
Hearing Augmentation solutions are tailored to those with Roger Receivers and Telecoil enabled Hearing Aids.
There are a number of soundfield style speaker systems in the market. We recommend Roger™ for various reasons.
- Using a non-dynamic system can cause a 54% degradation in speech recognition in a high background noise situation. This substantially affects the clarity of sound for children with a hearing impairment.
- By using One Roger transmitter to simultaneously communicate with both the Soundfield Speaker and Roger Receiver / Hearing Aid dynamically adjusts and avoids overwhelming the listener caused by having multiple systems,
- Users may experience feedback, squeaking or “buzzing bees” sounds from using 2 different systems.
- Multiple systems can cause latency,
- Some systems only accept one hearing aid receiver and will not communicate to multiple people with hearing impairment,
- Using one system allows the teacher greater control and awareness of the system, to refine and get a better audio output for all listeners,
- Speakers often wear multiple microphones as a quick fix due to complicated setups, causing OH&S issues.
Third party speaker systems can be connected to Roger ™ hearing augmentation solutions to achieve compliance, however connecting multiple branded speaker systems it is not recommended. Various options may be available depending on the type of system you are looking to connect. Contact us for assistance in finding a solution.
We deliver products Australia wide. We can only ship to physical addresses and not post office box addresses. Shipping costs are provided at check-out. Orders are dispatched within two business days and shipping times are estimated at between 3-10 business days depending on your location within Australia. Express shipping can be arranged for an additional fee (depending on the destination).
Shipping Destinations:
Hearing Loop Australia ships goods Australia wide, however at this time we do NOT accept international orders through our website.
Please choose carefully. We do not normally give refunds for change of mind or incorrect selection. You can choose between a refund, exchange or credit where goods are faulty, have been wrongly described, are different to the product purchased on the website or don’t perform as advertised.
All items have a minimum 12 month warranty.
Australian Consumer Law protects consumers by giving them certain guaranteed rights when they buy goods and services. For example, the Law requires that goods must be free of defects, and do what they are meant to do. Services must be carried out with care and skill. These rights, which the Law says automatically apply whenever goods or services are supplied to a consumer, are called ‘Consumer Guarantees’.
Under the Law, Consumer Guarantees cannot be excluded. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of “acceptable quality” and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Induction loops are recommended in limited situations. We recommend that the following be considered before committing to installation of an induction loop.
- Induction loops will only transmit to telecoil enabled hearing aids, which is a small and diminishing portion of the population. Personal receivers, such as a Listener, must be purchased to include the population without telecoil enabled hearing aids.
- Inductions loops are typically installed under the floor coverings which must be removed and replaced for installation and repairs.
- Induction loops have simple, automatic connection when in range but are not secure. (People outside the room may connect to the induction loop).
- Interference can be caused by other loops, metal and electronic equipment.
- Induction Loops are compliant to BCA D3.7 *Subject to coverage and signage requirements.
To maintain compliance with the relevant standards, a hearing augmentation system must continue to perform in accordance with the standards under which it was installed. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of Australian hearing induction loops are not adequately maintained and many are non-operational.
We recommend and provide a Listener with our induction loop installations, so that you can confirm that your loop is working. We will train you to use your Listener when we commission your induction loop.
Hearing Loop Australia recommends that all hearing induction loops are checked regularly.
We can come to your premises and:
- Test the amplification and decibels, and prepare a report (if required).
- Perform any necessary repairs.
- Design and plan a loop.
- Assess and certify to BCA D3.7.
We recommend that school purchase the Touchscreen and Soundfield for the following reasons:
- A Soundfield cannot be used without the touchscreen, therefore the speaker can’t be used when the student isn’t at school, or forgets their touchscreen.
- The touchscreen needs to be available for after school personal use, and therefore will need to charge during the day.
- The soundfield benefits all students, including those who are not hearing impaired. Having a complete kit enables them all to benefit.
- The touchscreen benefits the teacher and saves their voice.