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The Hearing Loop System is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. It is important to know how loop systems tie in with sound systems in general, since they are frequently used together. This article will also include guidance on how to specify your own loop system and other general aspects of loop systems.Sound
systems for use in public places are generally used to reinforce or
relay sound to a
hall, church or auditorium or to other parts of the
building from some central point. A sound system may also relay sound to areas of a building where the original performer, speaker or musician, cannot be heard without the use of the sound system. This may be used, for example, in a large sports arena or to relay speech or music to different parts of a building where the sound source is out of earshot. This type of a system is known as a public address system. Any sound system may also incorporate a hearing loop system. Ideally they will be used together, as a fully integrated system. A simple, complete sound system will comprise five main elements: at least one microphone, one sound amplifier, one loudspeaker, one induction loop driver and one induction loop cable. How the Hearing Loop System works
The very small electrical
output from these microphones is mixed with any audio required (e.g. CD
player) and fed to the Induction Loop amplifier, usually referred to as
an induction loop driver. The loop amplifier drives
a powerful current through the loop, which changes with the variations
in the speech or music patterns. This sets up similar patterns of speech
or music in the hearing aid by magnetic induction. The hearing aid must therefore be switched
to 'T' when using a hearing loop. In this way, any sound picked up by the microphones or from other sound sources, whether speech or music, is heard directly and clearly in the hearing aid. The diagram below illustrates a typical loop system, and how it is interconnected
For more information about Loop Systems in general
click here
for PDF. Ferrosound Portable Loop Systems Ferrosound have developed and custom-build a wide range of portable hearing loop systems for use in the community. Each system is built into a portable equipment case, fully pre-wired and ready for use. The systems cover loop areas from 30-450 square metres. A wide range of microphones and accessories is available for all applications. All systems are fully pre-wired and operationally ready to go.
with wireless microphone and 6-channel mixer
PLS30 (left) with desk microphone, loop cable reel and monitor phone.
All systems are custom made following a free telephone design consultation with our customer. This enables our engineer to design the optimum system for your requirements and within your budget Our custom-made systems are clearly labelled to identify all components, controls, cables and accessories, and to comply with safety regulations. The loop area is indicated by the suffix number (in square metres). The smaller systems are
built into flight cases (see right hand picture below). The larger, professional systems
are built into robust but lightweight, portable equipment cases (see
left picture below).
For PDF containing more information about Portable Loop Systems click here . For more pictorial information
click here. Specifying your own loop system To specify your own custom Loop System, first select one of the following Portable Loop Systems. Please note that each system is designated according to the loop area covered:
Entry Level Systems Professional
Level Systems Please note: The loop area specified for any given model will apply only in venues where there is no loss of loop signal strength or quality due to metal work in the building. Such metal work will include steel frame construction, reinforced concrete floors and suspended ceilings. Where necessary this will be dealt with fully in the free telephone consultation with our customers. Your portable loop system will be supplied with all the necessary equipment except for microphones and accessories. Microphones and accessories may be selected from the list of accessories (see below for PDF link). Loop System Design Once we have understood your general requirements, we will design a system which best suits your needs. Though simple in principle, hearing loop systems require careful and sometimes complex design. With over 25 years experience in the field, we offer a full design service for portable loop systems, custom made to your needs and requirements. All Ferrosound systems are well conceived, well-engineered and user-friendly products, supplied complete with a tutorial with full instructions and telephone technical support. Hearing Loop Systems Code of Practice: BS 7594 This Code of Practice covers all aspects of the design, operation and customer service provided for hearing loop systems in public places. Over 80 pages in length, this Code sets the standards which hearing impaired people need and are entitled to expect. We will not knowingly breach this code, nor lower our design and engineering standards, in order to cut costs or compete with other suppliers. You can read more about this in the general Loop Systems article - click here for the PDF. Tutorial and Helpline A Tutorial is provided with all systems. This takes the non-technical operator set-by-step through the setting up procedure, showing how to install, test and monitor the system. We strongly recommend that you complete this Tutorial and arrange a practice session before attempting to set up and operate the system in a public meeting. During this session, you may call our telephone helpline for any further guidance or advice you may need. Accessories A wide range of accessories is available, including microphones for various applications, audio cables and spare loop wire. Add-on portable sound systems are also available for use with Ferrosound loop systems. To ease your journey from car park to venue, a strong carry-bag is available for microphone stands and accessories. A lightweight, telescopic clipper trolley is also available. This folds to a very compact size for transit. Please click here for PDF showing accessories available. |
A
more complex system 