- Description
- Additional Information
- Documents
Hearing loop / switch with induction amplifier for hearing aid users
If you want to equip a BehiG-compliant switch, a hearing loop is essential (requirements according to standard SN EN 60118-4: 2015+A1:2018, Standard SIA 500 "Barrier-free buildings").
Excerpt from the Regulation of the UVEK on the technical requirements for the disability-friendly design of public transport: 151.342, Art. 5, Para. 7: In switch systems with intercom devices, at least one switch with an induction amplifier for hearing-impaired individuals must be provided and appropriately marked.
A hearing loop, also known as a HearingLoop, induction loop, or T-Loop, is an assistive hearing system that enables people with hearing impairments to access facilities.It captures a sound source and transmits it directly to a hearing aid without background noise. The presence of an induction loop should always be indicated by the symbol on the right side.
Hearing loops have established themselves as the standard solution for assisted hearing worldwide in recent years. Due to their advantages and ease of use, those affected by hearing difficulties desire the implementation of induction loops in public places such as shops, banks, post offices, reception desks, ticket counters, and intercom systems. Advocates call for the use of a hearing loop in all the aforementioned locations.
The operation of an induction loop is quite simple:
- A sound source, in this case, the voice of an employee, is recorded with a directional microphone close to their mouth.
- The audio signal is then transmitted to an audio induction loop amplifier, which generates a current to forward the signal to an induction loop, typically consisting of several turns of copper wire.
- The copper wire induction loop is usually located under the switch table on the front panel and generates a magnetic field.
- The magnetic field is captured by the telephone coil (or T-coil) in the hearing aid of the hearing-impaired listener.
The hearing aid adjusts the sound to the specific needs of the individual. The sound is transmitted directly into the ear canal, without background noise and with the entire frequency spectrum necessary for intelligibility.
To use the system, a hearing-impaired customer simply needs to set the hearing aid to the "T" position.Expensive receivers are not required, and users do not need to request a headset that identifies them as hearing impaired.
Hearing loops are a fundamentally simple technology, but careful consideration should be given to their design, specification, and installation (and consulting professionals is advisable) to ensure that the system complies with international standards and provides optimal benefit to the end user.
Contact us, we are happy to advise you.
Additional information about the product Hearing Loop
Distribution: INTECH-ICS AG
Question: Why are hearing loops needed?
Hearing aids are necessary in any environment where acoustic communication is an integral part of the space, both due to legislation for the access of disabled individuals, such as z.B. Norm SN EN 60118-4: 2015+A1:2018, as well as by building regulations (Standard SIA 500 "Barrier-Free Buildings"). They assist the hearing impaired, who represent almost one in six people.
Hearing loops are the preferred hearing assistance system for the hearing impaired, as they are discreet and create an individualized listening experience. The user's hearing aid is adjusted to receive the volume and frequency range it requires.
Question: Isn't that the purpose of hearing aids?
Hearing aids improve sound in close conversation situations or in situations where there is little background noise or the distance to the sound source is short. While modern digital hearing aids can filter out many background noises, the issue of distance between the sound source and the hearing aid is not resolved, especially not in a busy store.A hearing loop transmits sound from a microphone, a television, or an audio signal magnetically and without interference directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Question: How much does an induction loop cost?
The costs for an induction loop system depend on the complexity of the required installation and the quality of the components. Please contact us here for a quote.
Question: How are they installed?
Induction loop systems consist of three main components required for installation: the microphone, the amplifier, and the loop. The selection and positioning of the microphone is important to obtain a "clean" signal without background noise. The microphone is usually mounted on the countertop.The amplifier and the loop are typically installed under the counter at the front (facing the customer) and may require additional cabling to access a power source.
Question: Can I install it myself?
You can purchase a counter loop and install it yourself; however, it is always worthwhile to consult us beforehand for advice. The selection and positioning of the microphone and the loop are crucial for a successful installation and depend on the dimensions and construction of the counter (especially with metal counters). The system must comply with international performance standards; if it does not, it cannot be considered functional and does not comply with the Equality Act.
Question: Do disturbances from electrical devices prevent the function of the magnetic field?
In some cases, the environment may contain a large amount of cables or high-voltage current, making an induction loop either uneconomical or unsuitable. However, with the use of modern devices and proper design, these cases are very limited.
Question: Can multiple hearing loops be located in the same room?
The magnetic field generated by a hearing loop can "spill over" into adjacent areas and cause interference with other very nearby induction loops. It is possible to install induction loops directly next to each other. It depends on the dimensions of the switch and the overlap of the field.
Question: What is meant by "magnetic field"?
A hearing loop works by generating a magnetic field that "spreads" towards the user. The loop must be placed at a specific location, and the current must be adjusted to create a field strength that corresponds to the position where the user's hearing aid will be.
Question: Do all hearing aids have a telecoil?
The increasing popularity of induction loops has led to more and more hearing aids being equipped with telecoils. Currently, nearly 70% of hearing aid models available on the market are equipped with them. In countries where hearing loops are already established, this figure is even 95%, and all new cochlear implant models now come with telecoils.
Question: Do wireless technologies like Bluetooth not offer a simpler and less expensive solution?
Wireless technologies in their current form are not suitable for hearing aids, as they cause significant battery consumption and have a limited range. In the case of Bluetooth, for example, the range is between 5 and 100 square meters (depending on the type), the technology can only support the connection of up to 7 users simultaneously, and it also requires the "pairing" of devices to connect them.
Brochure Hearing Loop / Switch with Induction Amplifier for Hearing Aid Users - German