Audio Visual Solutions Deeside PLC

Hard of hearing people can dream of a future when hearing aids might also serve as wireless loudspeakers, delivering clear, sharp, customized, sound right from inside their ears. They can dream of communities where churches, auditoriums, drive-up business windows and home TV rooms all broadcast their sound directly through these in-the-ear loudspeakers. Thanks to the refinement of "induction loop" systems that transmit directly to hearing aids with telecoils (T-coils), that future can be now! What hi-fi is to laptops, loop systems are to hearing aids.The induction loop can usually be hidden away above false ceilings, under carpets or around skirting, to avoid spoiling the appearance of the building. and complying with British Standards BS EN 60118-4 and BS7594

It's wonderful that churches, schools, and business have made themselves accessible to the visible minority of people in wheelchairs
Why are loop systems the preferred assistive listening system?
Unlike alternative (FM or infrared) assistive listening systems which usually sit unused, loop systems:

Require (for those with T-coils) no pick up and remembering to return portable receiving units and headsets.
Require purchasing/maintaining/replacing fewer portable receiving units (for those without T-coils).
Operate on a universal frequency (FM systems operate on differing frequencies, requiring receivers for each venue).
Are inconspicuous: No need to display "I am hard of hearing!" Loop systems offer an easy and invisible solution to an invisible problem, thus are much more likely to be used.
Work in transient situations: They can serve the hard of hearing at ticket counters, teller windows, drive-through stations, airport gate areas, and train and subway stations--venues where other assistive listening systems are impractical.
Are hearing-aid compatible. There's no need to juggle between hearing aids and headsets (for example, when shifting from sermon to singing during worship).
Preclude bothering others nearby with sounds leaking from headset. Sound broadcast through hearing aids is contained within one's ear.
Afford flexible use: Can allow either direct listening or loop broadcast modes, or both.
Deliver personalized in-the-ear sound . . . customized by one's own hearing aids to address one's own hearing loss. Are, for all these reasons, more likely to be used--and to be increasingly used, once installed (as people purchase future aids with T-coils). Loop systems can, thanks to portable receivers, serve everyone including all who are served by existing systems. But, given telecoils, they are much more likely to be used---and therefore to cost less, per user. Moreover, it is those who most need hearing assistance who are most likely to have telecoils.

A typical rack installation.
The induction loop amplifier has a blue front panel.

The amplifier can be mounted in a rack and connected to an existing audio system or a new system can be supplied as part of the installation.
Two people can both enjoying assistive listening as they watch TV. The young woman is using a receiver and headset, such as comes with any infrared, FM, or loop system. The man, without needing to pick up and wear any extra equipment, is receiving personalized sound directly through his telecoil-equipped hearing aids (which he can set to receive room sound, loop sound, or both). In a public setting, or in a home TV room, which would you prefer?

Audio Visual Solutions for Perfect Partnerships

To chat to one of our consultants about an audio visual solution for your business, simply contact us. We can help find the right technology for your requirements.

ECS/CSCS ACCREDITED