by Neil Bauman, Ph.D.
June 11, 2015
There are a number of assistive technologies that help us (people with hearing loss) hear beautiful, clear sound. In addition to loop systems, there are FM (and other RF and bluetooth systems), infrared systems and direct wired systems. All of these work well for us, although some have specific advantages in specific situations.
Loop systems, however, have seven distinct advantages over these other hearing assistive systems. Here are some of the advantages that make loop systems so valuable, not only to hard-of-hearing people, but also to the owners of looped venues.
1. Since audio-frequency loop systems make use of the principles of magnetic induction, hard-of-hearing people wearing hearing aids that have telecoils do not need any other equipment in order to clearly hear the sound source. They can freely move around or sit anywhere within the area covered by the hearing loop.
2. Hard-of-hearing people can use their own telecoil-equipped hearing aids which are correctly matched to their specific hearing losses. They do not have to take their hearing aids off in order to use the facility’s assistive device.
3. Telecoils do not use any additional power so they do not drain a hearing aid’s battery faster than normal.
4. Hard-of-hearing people with telecoils in their hearing aids do not require special receivers that they otherwise would have to pick up before, and return after, each meeting. Nor do they have to worry about the batteries going dead and search out a staff person who can replace the batteries.
5. Facility operators do not have to supply the receivers, make them available for pickup and ensure their return. This saves them manpower and money. Thus, loop systems are a win-win situation for both hard-of-hearing people and the facility operators of looped facilities.
6. Loop systems give accessibility access. Did you know that there are 12 to 15 times as many hard-of-hearing people as there are people in wheelchairs. Wheelchair ramps abound. Why not loop systems too? That is why hearing accessibility is so important.
7. Loop systems are universal. There is nothing proprietary about them. This means they will work with any hearing aids that have telecoils. Furthermore, they can work anywhere in the world since they are not dependent on proprietary technology nor on a specific frequency band. (Note: frequency band allocations vary depending on which country you are in.)
Where can I get actual data on the set-up of a loop system in the auditorium of our public school theater ? I have called and asked, but people are reluctant to make any commitment as far as actual cost or what it MAY cost & I need some information before I can even present this to the school district.
I am the Technical Director for the main Performing Arts Center here in Norman, OK and I have been trying to get this data on several occasions. We have an RF system that will only work with the Neck loops provided, but it is unused because the system needs to be re-charged before use or it is a waste of time. I am deaf and I find it too much to bother with at any time.
Hi Don:
You want to contact a trained loop installer, not someone that just sells loop amplifiers. The reason you have found so much reluctance to give you a price via email or over the phone is because there are so many variables that need to be considered that will affect the price. For example, will a simple-array loop system do the job, or will it require a phased-array system? (A phased array system will double the cost.) Thus, the only way to assess all the variables is to have a qualified loop installer come out and do an onsite evaluation. Once he does that, he should be able to give you a definite quote on a loop system that will meet the IEC standard and thus provide listeners will a wonderful hearing experience via the loop system.
Make sure that any loop installer you contact will certify that the finished installation will meet IEC standard 60118-4. If he won’t, don’t even consider him.
If you email me (neil@hearinglosshelp.com), I can give you the contact information for a qualified loop installer in your area.
Cordially,
Neil