ACCESS SOLUTIONS
for people with hearing loss
access training:
'Hearing loops and you'
Modern hearing aids are great for face-to-face communication and where users need to pick up the voices of people only a metre or so away from them but, the further away someone is from the microphone on the hearing aid, the more difficult it will be for the hearing aid to pick up what they're saying. Hearing loops overcome the barrier of 'distance'.
By the end of the session, delegates will have an understanding of the function of a hearing loop and understand the differences between loops (fixed, temporary, room loops and counter top loops). They will have heard personal stories from the trainer, giving real life examples of access issues and difficulties arising from a lack of access to a working loop. Delegates will understand their legal duties towards guests with hearing loss and have an awareness of the specialist equipment available.
Information about loops
What is a hearing loop and how does it help hearing aid users?
The majority of hearing aids incorporate a device called a 'Telecoil' - a small device with a copper coil which can be activiated by the flick of a switch on the aid or Cochlear Implant Processor.
Hearing loops - also known as 'induction loops' - help people who use Telecoil enabled hearing aids or Coclear Implants by overcoming physical barriers (such as ticket booth windows) and the barrier of 'distance' (such as that between a performer on stage and an audience member) by transmitting the voice of the person speaking into a microphone, directly into the hearing aid.
Do you need to provide a loop?
UK legislation requires that, where reasonable, equal access should be provided to people with disabilities. In terms of meeting the needs of people with hearing loss, hearing loops are often the most practical and cheapest solution for giving good quality access as they are accessible to the majority of hearing aid users.
If your establishment has a reception area or if you provide rooms for meetings, conferences and/or weddings, you may wish to consider getting a hearing loop installed as the most cost-effective way of making the 'reasonable change' necessary to provide equality of access to people with hearing loss.
UK Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act of 2010, replaced the Disability Discrimination Act and it also simplified and strengthened the law with regard to discrimination and inequality. You can click on the image to read the document, but below is the section which covers disability access and it makes specific mention to induction loops:
"Service providers are required to make changes, where needed, to improve service for disabled customers or potential customers. There is a legal requirement to make reasonable changes to the way things are done (such as changing a policy), to the built environment (such as making changes to the structure to improve access) and to provide auxiliary aids and services (such as providing information in an accessible format, an induction loop for customers with hearing aids, special computer software or additional staff support when using a service).”
The Building Regulations 2010(12)
The UK Building Regulations highlight the need for a system such as a hearing loop, infra-red or radio system for reception desks, performance spaces and meeting rooms.
“Any reception point is provided with a hearing enhancement system, e.g. an induction loop.”
“In order to obtain the full benefit of attending public performances or taking part in discussions, a person with impaired hearing needs to receive a signal that is amplified in both volume and signal to noise ratio. The three systems commonly used to provide this enhanced level of sound are induction loops, infrared and radio.”
British Standards 8300
This code of practice relates to building design and approaches to meeting the needs of people with access needs. Hearing loops are cited with regard to lifts, meeting rooms and performance areas/conference spaces.
Induction Loop Performance Standards
In 2007, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) produced a revised standard for the performance of induction loop systems: it is now the reference for loop system performance. If the hearing loop in your establishment pre-dates 2007, or it does not meet the revised standard, IEC 60118-4, it could be time for you to seek advice from a specialist loop installer.
What not to buy
Many of you may be familiar with devices often referred to as 'portable loops': we do not recommend the use of these devices as they offer little benefit over what a modern hearing aid can deliver on its own. Check out this article by James Flello on the Ampetronic website which explains 'What are the advantages of fixed retail counter loops over portable versions?'
Loop installation
We work in partnership with world-leading hearing loop manufacturers, Ampetronic to ensure that our clients benefit from the leading expertise in the industry.
We have our own Access Solutions Loop Installer based in Yorkshire and for those of you in other locations, we can put you in contact with a qualified Loop Installer in your local area - all are trained and accredited by Ampetronic.
