Induction Loop Systems

PAS Sound Engineering have been designing, installing and maintaining Induction Loop Systems for three decades and can offer you the benefits of our experience and knowledge in this specialist field. There can be many pitfalls in providing a clear, effective induction loop and at PAS we know how to avoid these and provide you with an effective solution to this requirement.

Audio Induction Loop Systems

Also called audio-frequency induction loops (AFILS) or hearing loops, provide assistance for the hard of hearing.

Assisted hearing systems are a common requirement in all public buildings in order to comply with building regulations and the needs of The Disability Discrimination Act.

 

In their most common form, they consist of audio induction loops, or in certain applications, Infra Red audio systems. The need for correctly designed, installed and maintained systems is essential to remain compliant.

What is an induction loop?

An induction loop system allows an audio signal (such as speech or music) to be transmitted to the listeners by means of a magnetic field.

An induction loop system allows an audio signal (such as speech or music) to be transmitted to the listeners by means of a magnetic field.

This is done by varying the current flow through a wire loop in proportion to the audio signal, creating a magnetic field within the loop. A coil mounted in a hearing aid or other suitable receiver receives the magnetic field in the same way a transformer works, with the loop acting as the primary and the receiver's coil as the secondary. The elimination of a local sound path helps to reduce the interfering effects of distance and background noise, which causes particular problems for hearing aid users.

What is an Infra-red system?

Infra-red light technology provides an alternative in certain applications to AFILS systems in order to satisfy the requirement for assisted hearing facilities.

Infra-red light technology provides an alternative in certain applications to AFILS systems in order to satisfy the requirement for assisted hearing facilities.

In principle it provides the means for wireless audio to be communicated to a listener to assist them in participating in the proceedings somewhere.

There are two basic forms of component required for an Infra-red System to function, one is the transmitter (sometimes called a Modulator) and the other is the receiver (sometimes called the Stethoset or Neck Loop).

Where are they used?

Induction Loop systems since 1985, with countless solutions provided to a wide variety of locations and venues, both large and small. Induction loops are usually installed where they can provide very beneficial end results for hearing aid users.

 

Our practical experience and knowledge gained through this and industry based training allows us to offer loop systems which are designed, installed and setup correctly. Here are just a small selection of the typical locations we have installed induction loops in the past.

Health Centres

The aim is to enhance the communication between a member of staff and someone hard of hearing visiting the building. This can be done by either installing a fixed loop underneath the counter top with a small microphone on the staff side which will pick up the speech and relay it to the member of the public who needs to switch their hearing aid to the “T” position.

Churches

With in excess of seven hundred church clients, PAS have provided effective hearing assistance for many congregations over the last three decades. Providing induction loops for congregations has been an integral part of the audio solutions PAS Sound have offered places of worship...

Courts

Having supplied audio solutions to court buildings for several decades, PAS have a wealth of experience working in this sector. Including the new combined courts building in Chelmsford for which we PAS developed digitally controlled audio systems which linked to Infrared audio assistance in all six courts...

Civic Buildings

Most city and town councils have meeting rooms and function suites which have a requirement to provide hearing assistance. We were contracted to provide secure loops to this council for several rooms in its building which needed to reduce overspill and maintain confidentiality...

Induction Loop Testing & Maintenance

Induction Loop Testing & Maintenance

BS7594:2011 States that an induction loop system should be subjected to regular testing by a responsible person.

Whilst an induction loop requires little attention during its use, it is important to ensure that the system is operational at all times, and any failures or lack of operation are dealt with promptly to ensure potential users are not disadvantaged.
Regular testing is seen as the ideal method of ensuring operation, and on a weekly basis a responsible person should carry out a basic visual and audible test.

By using a low cost, simple loop receiver any individual will be able to establish if the system is operational and available for users. Any problems identified can then be brought to the attention of management for further action by a loop specialist.

One of the most common causes of failure in hearing loops and other assisted systems is poor maintenance and incorrect operation.

To ensure your system is providing a worthwhile benefit and you meet your obligations under the disability legislation, you must carry out regular maintenance checks.

It is recommended that a full test and setup is carried out by a competent loop specialist such as PAS, once a year with calibrated test equipment.

PAS Sound has competent and fully trained engineers to carry out annual testing and maintenance on all loop systems. Ensure your AFIL systems are maintained correctly by experts by calling PAS Sound now!

ISCE AFILS Scheme

ISCE Hearing Loop Approved Assessor

Many induction loop surveys carried out by support organisations such as Action on Hearing Loss, report that hearing loops are frequently badly installed or maintained. This means that there is a need for special measures to bring these systems into working order.

ISCE members who are registered on the Hearing Loop Assessment Scheme are competent and trained in the latest techniques and practices and have passed an ISCE AFILS training course.

Senior PAS staff are ISCE Approved Assessors having met all the criteria for the scheme and bring the reassurance that you are dealing with specialists.

Visit www.isce.org.uk/afils-scheme for more information.

For more information...

Take a look at our dedicated induction loop website, www.loop-systems.co.uk

Complete with in depth guides on AFILS and Infra-red systems, the site detailes the principles of induction loop systems, things to consider when planning an induction loop system, as well as a handy downloadable guide.

www.loop-systems.co.uk