Induction loops are assistive listening devices that enable people to hear more clearly, whilst also minimising background noise. They operate using the telecoil/T-switch on a person’s hearing aid which enables access to the audio frequency induction loop system.
An induction loop system consists of a microphone, an amplifier in place of a loud speaker and a coil of wire placed around the room. Sound waves from the speaker’s voice enter the microphone which is then changed into electrical current, amplified and then sent through the coil which emits a magnetic field. This field is then picked up by the T-switch and converted back into sound allowing the person to hear the spoken voice or other auditory sound whilst minimising background noise.
Induction loops can be used with various pieces of audiovisual equipment such as televisions, telephones, music systems, and in many public places such as conferences, theatres, cinemas, reception desks, information kiosks and churches.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Induction loops can assist people in the workplace to take a more active part in their working role. Induction loops can be installed in a variety of different areas within the workplace and can prove beneficial for work roles, skill development and training such as:
- conferences
- lectures
- meetings
- training and professional development sessions
- public announcements.
Portable hearing loops are also available which have a self contained hearing loop with an inbuilt microphone and loop, enabling businesses to easily improve their accessibility and communication with individuals who have hearing difficulties. These are particularly beneficial for workplaces with customer service or reception desks with glass dividers and/or excessive background noise.
For more information about hearing solutions in the workplace see the links below:
References
Australian Hearing 2010, Audio Frequency Induction Loops, Australian Hearing, Sydney, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.hearing.com.au/digitalAssets/5976_1208845840667_Loops2.pdf.
Australian Hearing 2010, Assistive Listening Devices, Australian Hearing, Sydney, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.hearing.com.au/assistive-listening-devices.
Deafness Forum of Australia (no date specified), Assistive listening systems: Hearing loops, Deafness Forum of Australia, Braddon, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.deafnessforum.org.au/pdf/1036%20DF%20Hearing%20Loop.pdf.
Word of Mouth Technology 2010, Counter Loops, Word of Mouth Technology, Boronia, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.wom.com.au/category.php?id=29.