A hearing loop, sometimes referred to as an induction loop, T-Loop or an audio frequency induction loop (AFIL), is an assistive listening system that provides access to facilities for those who experience hearing loss and use a hearing aid. It takes a sound source and transfers it directly to a hearing aid without background noise, interference or acoustic distortion.

Over the last 30 years hearing loops or induction loops have become the default assistive listening solution in Europe, Scandinavia and Australia, and are now becoming increasingly prevalent in America. Due to their benefits and ease of use, hearing loss groups mandate their installation in locations as diverse as taxis, kiosks, schools, houses of worship, concert halls and stadiums.

How do hearing loops work?

A hearing loop system transmits an audio signal directly into a hearing aid via a magnetic field, greatly reducing background noise. See a video below or browse our information centre for more information.

Life changing quality

This technology helps hearing loss to increase the clarity of amplified sound in any busy environment by working in conjunction with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Our products are designed and built to the highest standards to provide complete peace of mind and the lowest cost of ownership of any assistive listening technology. Our maintenance packages come with comprehensive free advice and post sales support from our experienced team of design engineers. When hearing aid users experience the quality and performance of a hearing loop system, the difference in sound quality can change their lives. All our solutions are developed to provide a genuine benefit to those who experience hearing loss.

Providing a genuine benefit

Ampetronic are world leaders in design and manufacture of hearing loop systems and we are happy to be working with them. Hearing loops help those with hearing loss, increasing the clarity of amplified sound, by working in conjunction with a person’s own hearing aid.

The video below explains how the hearing loops work in an easy and very visual way, did you know that as many as 1 in every 6 people experience some degree of hearing loss? A number that represents a significant proportion of the population

A functional hearing loop system that provides a genuine benefit to its users and fulfils all the requirements of the international performance standard consists of 5 main components.

1. An Audio Source such as a Boundary Microphone

An induction loop system will only produce a quality and intelligible audio signal if the source sound is captured correctly. The sound may be a voice, in which case a microphone is required, or an audio signal such as a TV or mixing desk which can be captured using a line connection.

2. An Induction Loop Driver or Amplifier

An induction loop / hearing loop amplifier is usually referred to as a ‘driver’ and is at the heart of an Induction Loop system, they should not be confused with a voltage drive speaker amplifier as they are specifically designed to drive current into the loop cable. We have a large selection of specialised induction loop driver solutions, each designed to suit a specific application.

3. The copper ‘loop’ cable

The most obvious component of an Induction Loop system is the cable that is used to form the actual ‘loop’ or ‘loops’. The induction loop can be in a cable form, or a flat copper tape for installation under carpets or other floor coverings.

4. Signage and notification

An essential part of any induction loop system is adequate signage. Unless a potential user already has their hearing aid set to the telecoil setting, which is highly unlikely, then a loop system is both invisible and inaudible. Nobody will use it if they don’t know it’s there. Signage should be placed at all entry points and on room walls. Induction loop amplifiers come with a sign in the box.

5. Receiver & testing equipment

All induction loop systems should be supplied with equipment to allow the operator to regularly listen to the loop to ensure that it is switched on and to check that it operating as intended. Loop receivers can also be handed out to hearing impaired users who do not have telecoil enabled hearing aids.

• Communicate directly with hearing aid users via Ampetronic hearing loops
• Ensure effective interaction and increase productivity
• Prevent signal overspill and reduce interference

Most hearing aid users would say that when they use their aids in one-to-one conversations they work very well. Difficulties arise when level of ambient noise is too great, or distance between performance and listener is increased, such as in a cinema, theatre, or concert hall.

Problems are exacerbated if assistive listening system in use has been poorly specified or installed, particularly:

• when there are large and complex room structures
• when multipurpose rooms are in use for example in partitioned conference halls
• where overspill can cause interference or broadcast of signal
• when metal is present in building structure or room contents

Ampetronic™ hearing loops:

• offer direct communication to users via their existing hearing aid, without the need for additional receivers
• enable businesses to provide genuine benefit to hearing aid users, ensuring compliance to standards and empowering users to become more interactive and productive
• reduce overspill and so reduce interference
• allow freedom of movement through well designed system installations
• minimise effects of structural metal loss
• reduce overspill and so reduce interference
• can be integrated into temporary structures, new builds, or retro-fit into existing structures

If you have any questions or would like any more information about hearing loop system in the Workplace please contact us on 0345 2705075 or contact us here.