About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of our equipment range. You will find it useful if you are deaf and want to find out about using an induction loop or infrared system at home and in public places.We use the term ‘deaf’ throughout to refer to all types of hearing loss.

Read this factsheet to find out:

What is an induction loop system?

An induction loop system helps deaf people who use a hearing aid or loop listener hear sounds more clearly because it reduces or cuts out background noise. At home, for example, you could use a loop to hear sound from your television. In your car you can use a loop system to help you hear the stereo or radio. You can also set up a loop with a microphone to help you hear conversations in noisy places. In the theatre, a loop can help you hear the show more clearly. Normally, a loop system cannot give stereo sound. If this is important, you could consider using an infrared system (see What is an infrared system?).

How do induction loop systems work?

An induction loop is a cable that goes around the listening area. An electric current is fed to the loop by an amplifier that gets its signal from a connection with a source of sound. This can be a sound system or TV set, or a microphone placed in front of the person speaking. The resulting current in the loop produces a magnetic field that matches the sound. You can then pick up this magnetic field if you are sitting within the area of the loop and your hearing aid – or loop listening aid – is set to ‘T’. You can adjust your hearing aid for volume in the usual way. Some telephones have a very small loop, called an inductive coupler, in the earpiece. See our Telephones and voice communications factsheet for more information (external link, opens new browser window).

How do I use an induction loop system?

If you have a hearing aid with a ‘T’ setting, simply switch it to ‘T’. If you do not have a suitable hearing aid you can still use a loop, but you will also need a ‘loop listener’. Some loop listeners are small boxes with headphones – others are worn as an earpiece. More than one person can benefit from a loop installed in a room as long as they each have their hearing aids set to ‘T’ or they are using loop listeners. You are not wired to any other equipment so you are free to move around and listen from anywhere within the loop.

Possible problems with an induction loop system

You may find you have to turn up the volume on your hearing aid a little when you switch to ‘T’. But this should not be a problem if the loop has been set up properly. However, even if the loop system works correctly, you might pick up buzzing noises when you set your hearing aid to ‘T’, or when using a loop listener. This is caused by interference on your hearing aid from electrical equipment such as fluorescent lights, dimmer switches or electric cables.

Be aware that the loop signal can spill out beyond the area within the loop to other rooms. Walls, ceilings and floors do not block the magnetic waves from a loop. So you may be able to overhear sounds or conversations in rooms next door or directly above and below the loop. This could be a problem if your neighbour also uses a loop system, or if you want to have a confidential conversation. To get round this problem, you could try to reduce the size of the loop – although you might need to rearrange the seating. Alternatively, you could use an infrared system.

What is an infrared system?

An infrared system consists of a transmitter and a listening receiver. Sound is fed to the transmitter in the same way as with a loop system – either by a direct electrical connection or via a microphone. It is then transmitted to you as invisible infrared light.

How do I use an infrared system?

To hear sound you need to use an infrared receiver:

Infrared systems are less likely than loops to have problems with interference, and sound will not spill over into other rooms. However, strong sunlight and dark wall coverings can reduce the quality of sound and the area over which they can work. Several infrared systems can be used at the same time in rooms next to each other and so they are suitable for confidential meetings. They provide highquality sound. Stereo versions are available.

How do I set up a loop system in my home?

You can install a loop system yourself or ask someone who is good at DIY to do it for you. Full instructions for installation should be included with the equipment. Installing the loop wire itself is the most tricky part as it is usually placed round the edge of the room at skirting board level. Take care to install the wire securely. You can route it over doors and window frames as this does not affect how well it works. Always follow the instructions.

Our diagram below shows how a loop system might be arranged if you are sitting in a living room watching television. By setting your hearing aid to ‘T’, or by using a loop listener, you can hear the television from anywhere within the looped area.

The loop amplifier is normally placed close to the source of sound and connected directly by a plug-in lead. If connected to your TV or video equipment, you use the SCART connection. If you can’t connect your loop system directly to your TV or video, you can use a microphone to pick up sound from the TV set's loudspeaker. To operate the system, just plug the amplifier into the mains socket, position the microphone (if there is one) and switch on.

Using a loop system with a television or hi-fi means that if you are with a hearing person you can set the volume to a level that is comfortable for them. You can make the sound louder for you by adjusting the volume on your hearing aid or loop listener. You can also adjust the volume and tone on most loop amplifiers.

On some systems, you can use an extra microphone to pick up the sound of your telephone or doorbell ringing, so you don’t miss these while watching television. Alternatively, if your hearing aid has a combined 'MT' setting, you can use this to hear sound through the microphone and through the loop at the same time.

How do I set up an infrared system in my home?

Infrared systems are fairly easy to set up. You need to connect a small infrared transmitter to the sound source, such as your television. For the best results, you should try to position the transmitter so that nothing gets in the way of the infrared light on its way to your infrared receiver.

How much do these systems for the home cost?

If you buy privately, you can expect to pay from about £70, although infrared systems do tend to be more expensive. You can buy a wide range of loop and infrared systems for use in the home. Check that the supplier offers a money-back guarantee so that you have a chance to try out the system at home. If it doesn't suit you, you should be able to return it within the money-back period and get a full refund.

You can buy low-cost infrared systems in some high street shops for as little as £20. You should note that they are not designed for hard of hearing people, but may be fine if your hearing loss is only mild. They are mainly intended for hearing people who do not want to disturb other people in the room when they are listening to music or the television. However, if you want to listen in this way, we recommend that you look for a set that works with radio rather then infrared, as the sound quality is likely to be better.

Loop and infrared systems designed for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are normally exempt from VAT. You will need to fill out a VAT exemption certificate, which you can get from the supplier.

Can I get a free induction loop or infrared system?

You may be able to get a loop or infrared system from your local social services department (SSD). SSDs vary both in terms of the equipment they supply and whether they charge for it. The government encourages them to provide direct payment schemes. These schemes give people who are eligible the money to buy their own services and equipment. For more information about your SSD’s policy, contact your social worker with deaf people or your local SSD. You will find details of your local SSD in your telephone directory under the name of your local council. If the equipment is supplied by your SSD, they will normally arrange to have it installed. See our factsheet, Social services for deaf adults (external link, opens new browser window).

How do I use loop and infrared systems in public places?

Using a loop system in a public building should be straightforward as long as your hearing aid has induction pick up – you just need to set it to 'T'. Check with your audiology clinic or hearing aid dispenser if you are not sure. If a building has been fitted with an infrared system, staff will need to lend you the correct type of receiver if you want to use it. You will then be able to sit anywhere in the area covered by the system. Loop and infrared systems can be useful in a variety of public places. You are most likely to find them in theatres, cinemas, places of worship, meeting rooms, conference halls, lecture rooms, airports, banks, shopping centres, and bus and train stations. Infrared systems are more limited in their scope because you need a special receiver to be able to use them (see What is an infrared system?). You will not generally find them in places you just pass through, such as airports and railway stations. In these cases, there is more likely to be an induction loop system.

How will I know what kind of system has been installed?

When a building has been fitted with a loop or infrared system, you will usually find this mentioned in their adverts, newsletters and at the entrance to the building. Informative signs and symbols should be displayed. You may also find that ‘dead’ spots – seating areas where reception is not good – have     been marked with a special sign. Unfortunately, not all service providers remember to advertise that they have installed a system, so it is always worth asking if it is not obvious. There should be at least one member of staff responsible for keeping the system up and running, and for looking after infrared receivers and giving them out. If you are due to go to a court or tribunal and need to use an induction loop or infrared system, you should let the court manager know well in advance of the date you will be attending.

What should I do if I'm not happy with the service I receive?

If you experience problems with the loop or infrared system in the building you are visiting, first contact the member of staff responsible for the system or the building manager. Sometimes the loop might not have been switched on or not set correctly. So it is always worth pointing this out to the appropriate member of staff. If you are not happy with their response and you feel that your needs are not being met, you can contact the RNID Information Line. It is possible that the organisation has breached the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) by not making sure their loop or infrared system is working properly.

Our Casework Service has an information and self-advocacy pack to help people make complaints about problems with loops or infrared systems. You can get a copy of the Know Your Rights Pack by contacting the RNID Information Line or from the RNID website (external link, opens new browser window).

What is the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)?

The DDA aims to stop discrimination against disabled people, including deaf people, in the workplace, in education and when accessing goods and services. Service providers include theatres, cinemas, places of worship, conference halls, banks, supermarkets, airports, shopping centres and bus and train stations.

The Act says that service providers may not discriminate against a deaf person by refusing to provide a service or offering a service of a lower standard or on less favourable terms, on the grounds of their deafness or hearing loss. Service providers must also make adjustments to the way in which they provide goods or services to enable deaf people to access them.

The DDA says that service providers have to make changes to their services to make sure that disabled people can make use of them. This is called the 'duty to make reasonable adjustments'. 'Reasonable adjustments' also include providing additional aids or services to enable you to access a service or make it easier for you to do so. Providing permanent or temporary loops or infrared systems would be a reasonable adjustment.

For more information, see our factsheet, The DDA – a guide for deaf customers (external link, opens new browser window).

What does this mean in terms of loop and infrared systems?

Installing a permanent loop or infrared system usually means that a service provider has to make a permanent physical change to their premises or fixtures and fittings. From 1 October 2004 onwards, the DDA has said that if providing a reasonable adjustment – such as a loop – means that a service provider has to make such a permanent change, then the provider cannot refuse to do this.

If it is not reasonable to provide a permanent loop or infrared system, then the service provider should provide a temporary system. These do not need any permanent physical changes.

If a service provider already has an induction loop or infrared system, they must make sure that the system is switched on, properly maintained and that staff know how to use it. If a service provider does not do this, and deaf people cannot use the loop or infrared system, then this can be a breach of the DDA. This applies to temporary and permanent systems.

You may need extra equipment to use an infrared system, such as a neckloop receiver (see How do I use an infrared system?). Whoever is providing the infrared system has to make sure it is working properly and that a reasonable number of receivers are available.

Service providers should also display signs to let people know that a loop or infrared system is fitted. The practices, policies and procedures of an organisation are also covered by ‘reasonable adjustments’. This means that if a service provider works in a way that makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for you to use their service, then it should change the way it operates.

If the service provider has not made the reasonable adjustment – for example providing a loop or infrared broadcast system with neckloop or headset – you may be able to take legal action. For more information see our factsheet, The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) – a guide for deaf customers (external link, opens new browser window).

The new Disability Equality Duty says that public authorities have to promote disability equality. This includes taking steps to take account of a disabled person’s disability – even if that means treating disabled people more favourably. This could mean that a public authority needs to install an induction loop or infrared system. For example, a local authority installs an infrared broadcast system in the lecture room in its library. This helps make lectures and other meetings accessible. To find out more read our factsheet, The Disability Equality Duty (DED) – a guide for deaf people (external link, opens new browser window).

Can I install a loop system in my car?

A loop system in your car will help you pick up conversations with your passengers or listen to your car stereo system. You will need to set your hearing aid to ‘T’ or, if you do not use a hearing aid, use a loop listener such as RNID’s Crystal (see Buying equipment). The amplifier on the car loop is powered from your cigarette lighter. Sound is transmitted to the loop through a pad placed on your seat or over the headrest. There are three microphones. Two can be attached to your car speakers to listen to the car stereo. The third microphone is a clip-on one, which your passenger can wear for conversation. When you install the loop amplifier, make sure it does not move around and that you can easily reach the volume and tone controls when driving. It is possible to wire in the loop amplifier yourself, but we suggest you get a qualified electrician to do this as you can get a serious electric shock from your car battery and associated wiring.

Will the loop system interfere with my hearing aid?

The noises of the engine or tyres may be a problem with some loop systems. On some models you may get interference on your hearing aid from the car ignition system and electrical wiring. Before you install a loop system in your car, check for any interference by switching your hearing aid to ‘T’ while the engine is running. Reducing interference may be difficult, but your local garage may be able to help you.

How much does a car loop system cost?

A car loop system cost will cost around £100-£150. You will also need to pay someone to install it for you.

Using an intercom system in the car

An intercom can help you and your passengers to chat while in the car. A simple system includes a personal listener and a microphone. You listen to sound using headphones or earphones, or you may wish to use a neck or ear loop. You should check the level of interference when you switch your hearing aid to ‘T’ before you buy any equipment. An intercom costs £50 or more. You will also have to pay for someone to install it for you.

Where can I get further information?

Further information from RNID

Our Information Line offers a wide range of information on many aspects of deafness and hearing loss. Contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of information factsheets and leaflets. You can also contact us if you would like information in Braille, on audiotape or large print.

RNID Information Line
19-23 Featherstone Street
London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 0123
Textphone: 0808 808 9000
Fax: 020 7296 8199
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk

Buying equipment from RNID

Visit RNID Online shop (external link, opens new browser window) for up-to-date information about products covered in this factsheet, or contact the RNID Information Line for a copy of our Solutions catalogue, featuring a wide range of equipment for deaf people.

RNID Information, May 2007