All assistive listening technologies require 2 things, an audio source and a means of transmitting that audio wirelessly. The audio source can be a microphone, PA system, or even the audio from a television.
The three most widely used assistive listening systems are: Induction Loop, RF Systems and SoundField Systems.
The new assistive listening technology on the market is Auracast, Bluetooth broadcasting audio one transmitter to many
All four listening system technologies have their uses, but it is important to understand their pros and cons before selecting the system that is right for your needs.
Auracast
The hearing aid industry turned to Bluetooth® technology to overcome the challenges of traditional assistive listening systems (ALS) with Auracast™ broadcast audio
Auracast™ broadcast audio will become an advanced, new assistive listening system that will be significantly easier and lower cost to deploy while offering higher audio quality and greater privacy. Overcoming the challenges of traditional ALS technologies using a familiar, proven technology ubiquitous in most consumer audio devices will provide the added benefits of enabling broader deployment and increased availability of ALS for people with hearing loss, while also expanding applicability of these systems to consumers with all levels of hearing health.
Recommended Applications
Public locations – including conference centers | movie theaters | transportation centers | places of worship
Induction Loops
Magnetic Induction or Induction Hearing Loop technology requires the audio source to be converted to magnetic energy and to travel through an antenna wire around the area it is to cover. The signal is then picked up by a tiny receiver built into the hearing aid, the T-Coil. The hearing aid user does not require additional hardware as with the FM and Infrared systems, the T-Coil in the hearing aid is all that’s required.
Induction Loops can be used in both large and small venues where privacy is or is not a concern. It is the only system appropriate for one-to-one conversations at retail or service counters.
Recommended Applications
Churches | Theatres | Conference Centres | Council Chambers | Courtrooms | Bank Teller Wickets | Checkout Counters | Drive Through Communication.
RF & IR Systems
RF technology requires the audio source to be converted to radio waves and then broadcast through a transmitter which then gets picked up by individuals with FM radio receivers which are dialed into the same frequency as the transmission. Not unlike the radio in your home or car.
RF systems are appropriate for large room installations where privacy is not a concern.
Recommended Applications
Churches | Theatres |Conference Centres
Pros
- Radio waves travel over a large area and through walls, so reception is generally very good.
- The location of the transmitter and antenna are not very important so installation is generally easy, even after the construction of a room has been competed.
- Even those without hearing aids can wear a receiver/ headset and reap the benefits.
