- Utilizing the internal tonal correction of the hearing aid maximizes the benefit of the hearing aid
- No additional receiver/ headset is needed which eliminates dispensing, retrieving and maintaining receivers/headsets at venues
- Hygiene problems/ concerns are eliminated
- Operates in conditions of bright light (both interior or direct sunlight)
- Are the most cost efficient assistive listening technology
Where are Audio Induction Frequency Loops used?
There are two basic environments in which induction loops are used: transient and extended time. In both environments, the telecoil capability in the hearing aid is used to listen inductively, which eliminates background noise and greatly increases speech intelligibility for the hearing aid user.In transient use locations it is impractical to issue and retrieve a receiver/headset and these are often among the worst areas for problems related to speech intelligibility and background noise. The use of an individual's hearing aid is a major step to bringing people with hearing loss back into full contact with their environment. Utilizing a telecoil, the hearing aid user always has their "receiver" with them. Only audio frequency induction loop systems provide this capability.
Typical areas of Transient Use include:
- Drive-thru and pick-up windows such as those founds at restaurants, pharmacies and banks
- Point of sale locations such as ticket counters and check outs
- Reception desks and information kiosks
- Public areas in airports, railway stations, subways, shopping malls etc.
- Elevators, lifts
- Cars, buses, coaches, trams, trains, airplanes, cruise ships
- Museum exhibits
Typical examples of Extended Time Use include:
- Homes
- Theatres/concert halls
- Cinemas
- Lecture theatres/auditoriums
- Seminar rooms
- Churches, places of worship
- TV lounges (in retirement communities, nursing homes & hospitals)
Are there situations where an Audio Frequency Induction Loop is not suitable?
Yes, there are some. When the magnetic background noise (environmental noise) is loud, it may be impossible for anyone to receive a clear loop signal until the offending noise source has been removed. This is generally due to ground wiring issues and will equally affect the neck loops that are often used in conjunction with infrared (IR) or FM systems discussed below.What are the alternatives to an Audio Frequency Induction Loop System?
There are two other assistive listening technologies commonly used and both operate by transmitting the audio signal to a receiver that must be carried by the listener. These are commonly known as Infrared (IR) and FM carrier systems.An infrared system works by transmitting the audio signal on an infrared light beam and requires a line of sight or reflected light from the infrared transmitter panel to the required infrared receiver, which is carried by the user.
FM systems work by transmitting a normal radio signal carrying the audio that the user wants to hear. The FM system has to work with limited power and on a narrow unlicensed frequency band. It is often susceptible to interference from other radio users (e.g. taxis) and general interference.
With both these technologies, each user of the system requires a receiving unit. The infrared or FM receiving unit will also require a headset to provide audio for the hearing aid microphone or a neck loop (a small induction loop worn around the neck) to induce the hearing aid telecoil.
Because each brand and variety of infrared or FM system works differently, a different receiver is needed for each system. Thus, users cannot carry a universal receiver for infrared or FM systems.
Are Infrared or FM systems viable assistive listening alternatives?
Neither infrared nor FM systems are viable alternatives in transient environments as both systems require all users to have receivers/headsets and issuing and retrieving equipment is not a practical solution in transient environments.If assistive listening technology is used in an automobile, it is important to note that most states forbid wearing headsets while driving. As automobile manufacturers are increasingly incorporating audio input to drivers via features such as driving directions, audio alerts, etc. this has significant ramifications for the hard of hearing.
