Induction Loops
A hearing loop typically consists of a physical loop of specialised cable placed under the floor coverings around a designated area, usually a room or a building, and an amplifier attached to the PA system. The cable generates a magnetic wireless signal that can be picked up by a telecoil enabled hearing aid, cochlear implant (CI) processors, and specialised hand‐held hearing loop receivers for individuals without telecoil compatible hearing aids.
A hearing loop should be designed and installed by a specialist in this field. Loop design, amplifier strength and cable placement are vital to maintaining signal strength and consistent coverage. Electromagnetic interference, including from items such as metal objects, fluorescent lighting and other hearing augmentation in the area can all affect the performance of an induction loop. Too many induction loops are installed without proper consideration for the room’s environment, resulting in a hearing loop that does not work as required. We provide testing equipment with our induction loops and teach you to test your hearing loop regularly.
If your existing hearing loop is not working as intended, has been damaged or you would like to know if it is working, we can provide an onsite assessment of this.
Contact us using the form at the end of this page for further details and a quote.
Recommended Applications:
- Aged care
- Churches
- Council / community centres
- Small / large commercial venues
Basic / Perimeter Loop
Small rooms without interference issues may suit a perimeter loop.
This is the cheapest option but has limited applications.
The cable is placed up to a metre from the wall around the outside of the room.
Phased Array / Low Spill Loops
Loops that may have interference, or security issues may require a more complex low spill loop.
A low spill loop uses a narrower signal which therefore needs to be in closer intervals to have adequate coverage.
FAQs
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.
Let us help you
Knowing the best design for a space is a job for an expert, so let us help you.
Just fill in the form below and give us as much detail as you can about your project. We will then get in touch with some options for you.