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Deaf loop / switch with induction amplifier for users of hearing aids
If you want to equip a BehiG-compliant switch, a loop for the deaf is essential (specifications according to standard SN EN 60118-4: 2015+A1:2018).
Excerpt from the DETEC ordinance on the technical requirements for the design of public transport for the disabled: 151.342, Art.5, para.7: In counter systems with intercom systems, at least one counter must be fitted with an induction amplifier for the hearing impaired and marked accordingly.
A deaf loop, also known as a hearing loop, induction loop, neck loop, or T-loop, is an assistive hearing system that allows people with a hearing impairment to access facilities.It picks up 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 sign on the right.
Hearing loops have established themselves as the standard solution for assisted hearing worldwide in recent years.Because of their advantages and ease of use, people who have hearing difficulties wish to use induction loops in public places such as shops, banks, post offices, reception desks, ticket offices and door phones.Proponents call for the use of a hearing loop in all of the above locations.
How an induction loop works is quite simple:
- A sound source, in this case an employee's voice, is recorded with a directional microphone near his mouth.
- The audio signal is then sent to an audio induction loop amplifier, which generates a current to pass the signal to an induction loop, typically made up of several turns of copper wire.
- The copper wire induction loop is (usually) located under the counter table on the front panel and creates a magnetic field.
- The magnetic field is intercepted by the telecoil (or T-coil) in the hearing aid of the hearing-impaired listener.
The hearing aid adjusts the sound to the specific needs of the person.The sound is transmitted directly into the ear canal, without background noise and with the full frequency spectrum required 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 have to ask for a headset that identifies them as hard of hearing.
Hearing loops are a simple technology in their own right, but care should be taken in their design, specification and installation (and professional advice) to ensure that the system conforms to international standards and provides the best possible benefit to the end user.
Ask us, we would be happy to advise you.
Additional information about the product loop for the deaf
Sales: INTECH-ICS AG
Question: Why are loops for the deaf needed?
Hearing aids are required in any setting where acoustic communication is an integral part of the space, both by disabled access legislation such asBStandard SN EN 60118-4: 2015+A1:2018, as well as building regulations.They help the hearing impaired, who represent almost one in six people.
Hearing loops are the hearing aid system of choice for the hearing impaired because they are discreet and create a personalized listening experience.The user's hearing aid is adjusted to receive the volume and frequency range that it needs.
Question: Isn't that the purpose of hearing aids?
Hearing aids improve sound in crowded conversations or in situations where there is little background noise or the distance to the sound source is small.While modern digital hearing aids can filter out a lot of background noise, it doesn't solve the problem of distance between the sound source and the hearing aid, especially in a busy store.A hearing loop transmits the 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 cost of an induction loop system depends on the complexity of the installation required and the quality of the components.Please ask us here for a cost estimate.
Question: How are they installed?
Induction loop systems consist of three main components required for installation: the microphone, the amplifier and the loop.Microphone selection and placement is important to get a "clean" signal with no background noise.The microphone is usually mounted on the countertop.The amp and loop are typically mounted under the counter at the front (facing the customer) and may require additional wiring to access a power source.
Question: Can I install it myself?
You can buy a counter loop and install it yourself; however, it is always worth asking us for advice beforehand.The choice and position of the microphone and loop are critical to a successful installation and depend on the dimensions and construction of the counter (particularly for metal counters).The system must meet international performance standards; if this is not the case, it cannot be considered to be working and does not comply with the Gender Equality Act.
Question: Does interference from electrical devices prevent the magnetic field from working?
In some cases, the environment may contain a large amount of wiring or high-voltage electricity, making an induction loop either uneconomical or unsuitable.However, with the use of modern equipment and proper construction, these cases are very limited.
Question: Can multiple deaf loops be in the same room?
The magnetic field generated by a hearing loop can "spill over" into adjacent areas and cause interference with other induction loops that are very close by.It is possible to install induction loops directly next to each other.It depends on the dimensions of the switch and the span of the field.
Question: What is meant by "magnetic field"?
A deaf loop works by creating a magnetic field that "spreads" towards the user.The loop must be placed in a specific location and the current adjusted to produce a field strength appropriate to the position where the user's hearing aid will be located.
Question: Do all hearing aids have a telecoil?
The increasing popularity of induction loops has led to more and more hearing aids being fitted with telecoils.Currently almost 70% of the hearing aid models on the market are equipped with them.In countries where hearing loops are already established, this figure is as high as 95%, and all new cochlear implant models now have telecoils.
Question: Don't wireless technologies like Bluetooth offer a simpler and less expensive solution?
Wireless technologies are not suitable for hearing aids in their current form because of their significant battery drain and 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 at a time and also requires "pairing" of devices to connect them.
Brochure loop for the deaf / switch with induction amplifier for users of hearing aids - German