About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of our equipment range. You should read it if you manage a public venue to find out how to make it more accessible to deaf people. We use the term ‘deaf’ throughout to refer to all kinds of hearing loss.

Read this factsheet to find out:

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, read our factsheet Loops and infrared systems – for deaf people (external link, opens new browser window).

How can induction loop and infrared systems help deaf people?

Deaf people can find it difficult to hear in larger venues because of poor room acoustics. The problem is made worse by:

Induction loops and infrared systems reduce the effect of background noise so deaf people can hear sound more clearly.

How do induction loops and infrared systems work?

Induction loops and infrared systems replace the sound path between the sound source and the deaf person with a signal that is not affected by acoustics or other sounds. This signal can be either inductive (magnetic) or infrared.

The deaf person uses a receiver that converts the signal back to sound. With loop systems, this is usually their hearing aid. Both systems allow users to hear from anywhere covered by the system. The sound that people hear without a receiver is unaffected.

What is an induction loop?

An induction loop is a cable that encloses the audience area. It connects to a loop amplifier that gets its signal from a microphone placed in front of the person speaking. It can also get a signal from a direct connection such as a sound system. The resulting electric current in the loop produces a magnetic field corresponding to the speaker’s voice.

Who can use an induction loop?

Anyone within the area of the loop who is wearing a hearing aid switched to the ‘T’ setting, or a loop listening aid, can pick up sound from the loop. Users may need to adjust their own hearing aids for volume. You can supply receivers to anyone who does not have a suitable hearing aid. It is not usually feasible to use a magnetic induction to convey stereo sound – unless someone is wearing very small loops worn at each ear (known as ear hooks).

Where can I put my induction loop?

The loop wire usually runs around the edges of a room so that it serves the entire audience area. Sometimes, however, it only encloses a particular seating area. It can also be routed over doors and arches. This doesn’t affect how the loop works. Usually the wire is looped once around the room edges or area. Some systems may need to be looped twice or more to generate sufficient magnetic field or to match the amplifier’s characteristics.

What problems can affect loop systems?

External factors may affect how well a loop works. Think about these when you begin to plan – sometimes they may influence whether or not you install a loop at all. Some problems may not arise until after the loop has been installed, so if you are in any doubt, ask the installer to run a temporary loop around the venue and test it first.

Interference from other circuits

Even if the loop itself works properly, hearing aid users may hear magnetic interference from electrical equipment and wiring, such as fluorescent lights, light dimming systems or power cables. This interference is picked up directly by their hearing aids. You can usually identify sources of interference using a portable field strength meter, hearing aid or loop listener. If it can’t be prevented or reduced, assess the interference to see if it will be acceptable to people using the loop. Interference from other electrical equipment is a common reason for people not getting the intended benefit from a loop system – so pay close attention to this point.

Overspill

Loop systems are designed for users within the area of the loop, but there is always some overspill, as walls, ceilings and floors do not block magnetic fields. This means hearing aid users outside the looped room may be able to overhear conversations if their hearing aids are switched to ‘T’. The magnetic field may also overspill into adjoining rooms and rooms directly above and below. You should think carefully about this if you are fitting more than one loop or want to use an induction loop for confidential meetings. This is especially important if you provide advice on sensitive personal issues such as medical or legal consultations, or in court and tribunal rooms. If this is a potential problem, you could consider an infrared system instead (see "What is an infrared system?").

Interference to other circuits

In some circumstances, an induction loop may cause interference in other parts of a sound system. This can happen if the loop cable runs close to other audio cables and microphone cables are especially vulnerable to this kind of interference. Carefully routing the cables normally prevents this problem.

Metal in buildings

This can have an unpredictable effect on loop systems. The loop may produce a weaker inductive signal than expected if the metalwork in the area of the loop is substantial, and the signal strength may vary from seat to seat in the listening area. An induction loop specialist may be able to predict this and suggest solutions, but installation is likely to involve trial and error.

What do I need to remember when I install a loop system?

British Standard Code of Practice

Loop systems in public buildings should be installed to the British Standard Code of Practice for Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems BS 7594. If your installer confirms that the work is to this standard, it should mean that your induction loop system is designed and installed to professional standards, works properly, and meets regulations.

Calibration and monitoring

Once it has been installed, the induction loop system should be set up and calibrated in accordance with the code so that it generates the correct level of inductive signals for hearing aid users. You should ask the installer to demonstrate this to you. Once the system has been set up, its controls should be ‘locked’ to stop unauthorised people from changing them. It is a good idea to note the settings.

How do I maintain my loop system?

Regular checks

Test the loop regularly – how often will depend on your venue. If a company installs the loop for you, they will be able to advise you. Ideally, you should use a field strength meter with headphone output to check the system. This lets you check both magnetic field strength and quality of signal. In practice, many building managers rely on a listening test using a hearing aid or loop listener for routine checking of the system. However, if the control settings need adjusting, you should use a field strength meter.

Portable loops

Portable loops are (usually) designed to cover a small area and can be packed away after use. They are useful if you do not need a permanent system or if you need to use the loop in different rooms.

What is an infrared system?

Infrared systems use invisible infrared light to carry sound to wearable receivers. They are fairly easy to install, can provide high-quality sound and are available in stereo versions. The complete system consists of infrared ‘radiators’, a pre-amplifier or mixer unit and a microphone or other audio input source. Sound – such as the voice of someone talking into a microphone – is fed into the pre-amplifier or mixer, where it is processed and passed to the infrared radiator for transmission. Radiators cast infrared light over the listening area, rather like floodlights. You may need one or more infrared radiators, depending on the size of the venue.

Using receivers

You are responsible for buying and providing the receivers. Anyone using the receiver can sit anywhere in the area covered by the radiators. The infrared light produced by the radiators usually reflects off walls and surfaces in and around the coverage area. So sound should be received anywhere in the covered area, but some wall coverings absorb infrared light, meaning that the receivers will only work when they are pointed towards the radiators. This can be a problem, as users may lose sound if they turn away from the direction of the radiator. Your installer should be able to advise you how to make sure coverage is adequate in these circumstances.

The most widely used kind of infrared receiver is worn without a hearing aid but you can get a different kind of receiver that can be used by someone wearing a hearing aid, set to ‘T’. You will need to stock both types of receiver and keep the batteries in the receivers fully charged. The ear tips must be cleaned or replaced after use.

Interference

Infrared systems are not usually prone to interference unless the receivers are in direct sunlight. The radiators do not transmit outside the room they are used in, so several systems can be used at the same time in rooms next to each other. For this reason, they are also suitable for confidential meetings.

What sort of public places are suitable for a loop or infrared system?

These systems are most often used in places like theatres, cinemas, places of worship, meeting rooms, conference halls and lecture rooms. You will also find loop systems in places you pass through, such as airports, shopping centres and bus and train stations. The size and purpose of your venue may influence the type of system you install. Small counter loops, for example, are useful for bank or ticket office windows with a glass screen between staff and customers. But make sure that the glass is non-reflective so that your deaf customers can also lipread the person who is serving them.

How do I know what is suitable?

Contact an installer for advice about the sort of system that would be best for your building. Here are some general points that apply to most situations:

How much do induction loop and infrared systems cost?

A DIY loop in a small meeting room may cost a few hundred pounds. A professionally installed loop in a big venue can cost several thousand pounds. Infrared systems tend to be more expensive than loops because you need a stock of receivers. Some organisations install cheaper systems designed for domestic use in their smaller rooms, but check first that this sort of system is suitable and that it meets health and safety requirements.

How can I help people get the most from the system?

Let customers and staff know you have a system in place

Equipment suppliers and installers usually provide signs that you can place in your marketing material and at the entrance to your building. Suitable signs and symbols for induction loops are given in British Standard Code of Practice BS 7594.

Contact the Information Line for loop signs to show you have a system in place. You should mark ‘dead’ spots – seating areas where reception is not good – with a special sign.

Let your staff know you have installed the system and make sure they know how to use it. If customers cannot use the system because your staff have not been trained on how to use it, then you could be in breach of the DDA. See "What is the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)?". 

Find out what your customers think of your system

Ask your customers to tell you how useful they find your system. A questionnaire is a good way to get feedback from a large number of people. You could also set up a small panel of people to give more detailed feedback.

Microphone technique

The quality of the signal your system produces can only be as good as the signal it receives. Loop and infrared systems do not improve signal quality – they simply reproduce what is fed into them. It is easy to get a clear signal when someone speaks directly into a microphone. The further the sound has to travel to reach the microphone, however, the poorer the sound quality, particularly if you have poor room acoustics or background noise. Place the microphone as close as possible to the person speaking. This is fairly easy if speakers remain in the same spot. It becomes more difficult when speakers sit in different positions or move around. If this is the case, you will need to carefully choose the correct type and location of microphone(s).

Operating the system

You can leave some infrared or induction loop systems on all the time. Otherwise you will need to turn your system on before each performance. Even with lots of microphones, or other audio sources such as tape or CD recorders, the controls on the mixing console are usually set up and fixed.You will need someone to operate the mixing console during the performance if the system is part of a larger sound system.

Keeping the system running and customer care

Make sure that at least one named person is responsible for keeping the system up and running in your building. With an infrared system, designated staff should be responsible for looking after the receivers and giving them out to users. In major venues, it is good practice for users to be able to contact at least one member of staff if there is a problem during performances. All staff who have contact with customers should also know about the system. Both infrared and induction loop systems should be serviced regularly.

Does my organisation need a licence?

No. You do not need a licence to operate a loop or infrared system. However, induction loops do have to conform to the standard BS EN 60118-4.

What is the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA)?

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

Employers must not discriminate against their deaf and hard of hearing employees and potential employees. In particular, they must make sure that their staff are not placed at a substantial disadvantage as a result of their hearing loss, for example, by not being able to hear what is being said in a staff meeting. You could overcome this by providing an induction loop in the meeting room. This would be a reasonable adjustment.

Making adjustments and taking reasonable steps

The Act says that service providers may not discriminate against a deaf or hard of hearing 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 hearing loss. Service providers must also make adjustments to the way in which they provide goods or services to enable deaf and hard of hearing people access to them.

The DDA requires service providers to make changes to their services to ensure that disabled people can make use of them. Service providers must do this if, without these changes, it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to access the service.

The effect of a service provider’s practices, policies or procedures (the way it provides its services) may make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to use its services. If this happens, the service provider must alter these practices, policies or procedures to remove this effect. This is part of the duty to make reasonable adjustments.

‘Reasonable adjustments’ also includes providing additional aids like induction loops or infrared broadcast systems. Service providers have to do this, even if it means making a permanent or physical change to their premises or fixtures and fittings.

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.

Supplying auxiliary aids and services

Service providers must also supply auxiliary aids and services where this would enable, or make it easier, for a deaf or hard of hearing person to access a service. Induction loops and infrared systems are classed as auxiliary aids. Both temporary and permanent systems are covered. If you already provide an induction loop or infrared system, you are required by law to make sure that the system is properly maintained and that staff are aware of it and know how to use it. This applies to temporary and permanent systems.

RNID recommends that you test induction loop and infrared systems regularly. If your loop or infrared system fails because you have not maintained it, this could be a breach of the DDA. You must also make sure that additional equipment, like neckloop receivers or loop listeners, are maintained and tested, and that you have a reasonable number.

If you have a permanent or portable infrared system, then you need to have both neckloops and headsets available. This is because people who use hearing aids with a ‘T’ setting need to use a neckloop. People who do not wear hearing aids, or whose hearing aids do not have a ‘T’ setting need to use a headset. If someone needs a neckloop to use the infrared system, but you do not have any neckloops, then you are unlikely to be making a reasonable adjustment. This is because that person needs the neckloop in order for the adjustment to help them.

You should also make sure that you display signs telling customers that a loop or infrared system is available. If you do not do this, and your customers cannot use the loop or infrared system, then you could be in breach of the DDA. Not maintaining equipment or not turning it on can be the equivalent of not providing the adjustment at all.

For further information, see our factsheet The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) – a guide for service providers (external link, opens new browser window).

Public authorities

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. You can find more information on the Disability Equality Duty in our factsheet The Disability Equality Duty – a guide for public authorities (external link, opens new browser window).

Disclaimer

The information in this factsheet is not legal advice, and you should not rely on it as such. You should consider taking independent legal advice from a solicitor or other qualified legal adviser. RNID does not accept any liability for any actions, which you or anyone else may take on the basis of the information contained in this factsheet.

Where can I get further information?

British Standards Institution (BSI)

Produces the British Standard Code of Practice for Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems, the essential reference for anyone installing or operating an induction loop system in a public place.

BSI
Customer Services
389 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4AL
Telephone 020 8996 9000
Fax 020 8996 7001
Email: cservices@bsi-global.com  
BSI website (external link, opens new browser window)

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
informationline@rnid.org.uk

Equipment from RNID

Visit RNID's 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.

Advice from RNID

Contact RNID Products for surveys and installations of:

RNID Products
1 Haddonbrook Business Centre
Orton Southgate
Peterborough PE2 6YX
Telephone 01733 361199
Textphone 01733 238020
Fax 01733 361161
Email: solutions@rnid.org.uk
Visit RNID's online shop (external link, opens new browser window)

RNID Information, May 2007