WHAT IS THE INDUCTION LOOP SYSTEM?

The induction loop system is an amplification system that enables a person with hearing difficulties to hear amplified sound directly into their hearing aid or hearing device. The sound is not heard by anyone with normal hearing, so the loop system is discrete and using it will not draw attention to a hearing disability.

The induction loop system is also called a deaf loop or hearing aid loop. It works on the principle of electro-magnetic induction which is totally harmless to anyone using it.

To use the system the hearing aid is switched on to the "T" position and the sound from the loop system is heard directly through the hearing aid. For those that do not have a hearing aid with a "T" position (some models do not have this) or for those that just want to use the system but do not have hearing aids, listening devices are available which connect to headphones or an earpiece.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Under the Disability Dicrimination Act it is often a legal requirement to have a loop system installed in public buildings. However it should be fitted not because it it a legal requirement but because this simple disability aid enhances the quality of life for those with a hearing problem.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INDUCTION LOOP SYSTEM

The loop system uses a loop of cable around all or part of the auditorium. This can be incorporated in the structure of the building or run around the wall in plastic conduit. The loop is driven by a special dedicated amplifier which is set up to deliver a standard magnetic electrical flux into the loop. This amplifier is connected to your normal public address system, or to a music system, film or video projector or any other sound source. For large buildings it is best if the loop is incorporated at the building stage, but it can be added to most existing rooms and buildings at a later stage. The user then turns his hearing aid to the "T" position to use the loop system.

HOW CAN THE LOOP SYSTEM BE USED?

The obvious application is for the loop system to be used in public halls, village halls and churches. It can also be used in schools, hospitals and public buildings. Any large public building can benefit from a loop system. It will be an asset for film shows, public speaking and church services.

However, that is not the only application. A loop system can be incorporated around a counter for use in a retail environment. It is particularly beneficial to those with hearing problems in an environment where there is a screen between the counter staff and the client, as in post offices, banks and so on.

The loop system can also be used in the home so that a user can use it to listen to a TV or music system, without the need for other family members having to put up with the volume turned up. Imagine, for example, a television, connected into the loop system. The user sits anywhere in the lounge, and receives the sound through his hearing aid. The volume on the TV is not turned up, so family members are not deafened, but the user hears the the sound clearly, and of course it is much better than teletext. It is even possible to fit a loop system to a car which could be linked to the car radio.

The possibilities of the induction loop system are endless, and the use in public and private places will be of great benefit to those with a hearing disability and is an easy way to improve their life.

WHY CHOOSE PARADOXtechnical?

We have been involved with induction loop systems since the 1980s. We install quality systems to British Standards, that will perform and deliver for many years. We can advise on any requirements you have, and we can provide additional equipment such as sound systems, microphones, music and so on. In addition, we are used to working in sensitive environments such as churches and historic buildings, where technical and aesthetic considerations have to be balanced. But the most important reason for choosing us is that we understand the needs of people with hearing difficulties. We have worked with Hard of Hearing groups for a long time, and understand the needs of those with less than 100% hearing, so we can advise on other issues such as microphone placement.

THE NEXT STEP

We are based in Minehead, but we will carry out installations in the South West, West Midlands and Southern England. We may be able to work further afield if required, because we appreciate that there are very few companies which specialise in the Induction Loop.

The best way forward is to call us to discuss your requirements. It would help if you had some idea of the size of the area you want to cover, but this need only be approximate. From the information you provide and the questions we ask, we can often give a ball park figure of the cost of installation, and if this is acceptable to you then we will make arrangements to visit and carry out a site survey if necessary.

We can also provide simple systems which you may be able to install yourself, and we have even designed portable systems.

If you have a hearing problem, or know someone who does, then we can almost certainly help with technical solutions.

You can contact us on 01643 822035 or email admin@welovesomerset.com

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

Can the loop system be used anywhere? Not everywhere, because if it is used in an area where there is a high magnetic flux then this would interfere with the workings of a loop. Also adjacent loop systems may suffer from crosstalk. There are other possible solutions to these problems.

I don't use a hearing aid. Will an induction loop help? You can still use the induction loop system with a receiver and headphones or an earpiece. For those with very acute hearing problems the induction loop might not help, just as a hearing aid won't help.

If I just speak louder everyone will hear me. This is one of the saddest comments we hear, and unfortunately we hear it often. Hearing loss does not just involve a loss of volume, but of sound frequency, so increasing the volume does not necessarily help. To illustrate this consider trying to have a conversation at a party. For those with normal hearing, it is possible to tune in to a conversation with a partner, even though there might be several other people talking in the background. That's because of selective hearing, as the brain locks onto a particular sound frequency or tone of voice. But the person who is hard of hearing can't do that, because he is unable to distinguish the frequencies of sound and just hears a mish mash of noise. The loop amplifier, working in conjunction with a microphone placed near to the person speaking ensures that the user of the system gets all the tonal range of the speakers voice without the mish mash of background noises.

Is an induction loop system secure? No it is not, and on every loop system there is a degree of overspill. It may therefore not be a solution in confidential areas such as doctors' consulting rooms, or board rooms. There are other possible solutions for these applications.