Hearing Loop and Induction Loop

Hearing augmentation and assistive communication are various forms of technology using audio and visual systems to help people with hearing impairments to communicate and receive information. Hearing augmentation is installed in a room or public area so that a person living with hearing impairment can hear the transmitted audio just as if they were standing or sitting up to one metre from the sound source or speaker. The hearing loop system connects with a person’s hearing aids or cochlear implants to receive the sound. It can also be portable in the form of individual listening devices.

Williams AV is renowned globally as a leading hearing loop supplier, and is also on the forefront of Bluetooth, digital and Wi-Fi technologies, while investing and developing world-leading FM, infrared and induction loop solutions.

WHAT IS A HEARING LOOP?

Hearing loop technology uses one or several loops of special loop cable that are installed around an area in a room or building. Hearing loops are also known by other names like induction loop system, audio frequency induction loops, or audio loops. The equipment is used to design a system that allows compatible hearing devices to connect to the audio installation, so that a person can hear the transmitted sound more clearly. The benefit of using a loop system is that surrounding noise is filtered so the personal hearing experience has a better quality.

Williams Digi-Loop is a room loop system to enable assistive listening and assistive communication applications. The Digi-Loop range includes amplifiers for counter loop and in-floor installations, network signal controls, as well as flat hearing loop wire, microphone, loop mats, receivers, and earphones.

HOW TO USE A HEARING LOOP SYSTEM

Most hearing aids are manufactured with a T-Coil that can tune in to the signals that are sent from the loop. Some smartphones also are equipped with T-Coil technology, so people can also listen to the audio loop with headphones and their phone.

If a person doesn’t have a personal device equipped with a T-Coil, receivers can be made available to connect to the loop audio with headphones.

Area coverage loops are used for room installations. Small counter loops are used in desk, window or counter-based applications such as banks, carparks, government departments, and other customer service settings. 

WHAT IS AN INDUCTION LOOP?

Induction loop systems are designed to readily transmit the spoken word directly to T-Coil hearing aids, cochlear implants, and also through headphones or earpieces. An induction loop installation is generally made up of an infrared transmitter, receivers, microphone, earphones, induction loop wiring, and a power supply. The makeup of the system depends on the size of the room and the requirements of the installation.

HOW DOES AN INDUCTION LOOP WORK?

Induction loops use magnetic fields to transmit an audio signal directly into a T-Coil through an induction loop cable. The loop sound is delivered directly into the T-Coil for an improved listening experience.

The Williams IR range of infrared systems are built to ensure that direct and clear delivery of the spoken message is achieved in a secure environment in any size room from small, medium to large. The range has a variety of individual products and kits available for induction loop installers to choose from.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Assistive listening and assistive communication technology systems are designed to help individuals in a variety of situations to overcome auditory issues such as hearing loss, as well as language interpretation and private listening applications (such as tour guides). Assistive listening technology filters background noise, overcomes reverberation, and distance issues from the sound source.

Williams AV manufactures many different solutions for assistive listening and communication, including personal audio devices, video solutions, and AI-powered captioning and translation.

• Personal assistive listening: Williams AV Pocketalker portable listening system is a personal amplifier that helps the user to hear better specific sound or voices, reducing distracting background noise. Ideal for professional appointments, small gatherings, or listening to the television, Pocketalker is a simple design and easy to use.

• WiFi assistive listening: Williams Wavecast WiFi assistive listening platform seamlessly streams live audio to personal devices over WiFi. Wavecast is designed for professional audio settings where high-quality sound delivery is required.

• Digital assistive listening: Williams Digi-Wave is a two-way digital communication technology used for intercom and tour guide systems.

• Captioning assistive listening: Williams Caption Assist offers real-time open captioning and text archiving, with the ability to transcribe up to 27 languages.
  
  Harnessing the Potential of Auracast™

  As a long-standing contributor to Bluetooth SIG, Williams AV is committed to advancing innovative technologies tailored to the dynamic Pro AV market. Williams are actively developing commercial Auracast™ solutions, prioritising customer feedback to deliver a robust and feature-rich offering. While only a limited number of consumer-grade Auracast™ devices have entered the market, interest is expected to grow steadily through 2024 and into 2025. By mid-to-late 2025, consumer products with Auracast™ capabilities should become widely available. Pro AV applications leveraging Auracast™ are anticipated to follow, with significant demand in the commercial market likely emerging by late 2025, as consumers fully adopt the Auracast™ standard.

  TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Amber offers various hearing loop Australia accessories that assist in getting the best out of your solution, such as an induction loop sensor, induction loop wire, or a hearing loop sign with the symbol to advise the loop is available.

We also supply a wide range of AV business products to help your company to create a great working environment, including a monitor for video conferencing, paging systems, conference cameras, and audio equipment.