Portable loop information

What is a Loop System?

The Hearing Loop System is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids.
This system transmits sound directly to the hearing aid, which works as a simple wireless receiver when switched to the Telecoil ('T'). 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 identify your requirements for a loop system and other general information.
Click here for a series of articles by Ferrosound (PDF).

Ferrosound work to BS7594-2011, the British Standard Institute Code of Practice
for hearing loop systems in public places.

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.

Sound is said to be reinforced when the audience can hear the original sound (eg from stage or rostrum) both directly and via the sound amplification system. Hence the term sound reinforcement.

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. Sound systems may be either portable or installed.

How the Hearing Loop System works

Sound is collected by one or more microphones.
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. Click here for PDF.

A wide range of microphones and accessories is available for all applications. Click here for PDF.

All systems are fully pre-wired and operationally ready to go.

A more complex system
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).

Single or twin case options are also available. Twin case models allow ample space for expansion - for example, to include more microphones, additional mixing equipment, CD player or an integral sound reinforcement amplifier. This can be achieved by using a second, smaller case for accessories (see centre picture above) which also spreads the load. Please note that the pictures are not in scale in relation to each other.

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

PLS30 To cover a loop area up to 30 square metres
PLS100 To cover a loop area of 100 square metres

Professional Level Systems

PLS120-Pro   To cover loop area up to 120 square metres
PLS300-Pro    To cover loop area up to 300 square metres
Specials          For loops up to 450 square metres

Metal Losses

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 losses may be due to 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.

Microphones and Accessories

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. Click here for PDF showing accessories available.

Loop System Design

Once we have understood your general requirements, we will design a system which best suits or 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 7594-2011

This Code of Practice covers all aspects of the design, installation, commissioning, certification, operation and customer service for hearing loop systems in public places.

Over 90 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.

Accessories

A wide range of accessories is available, including microphones for various applications, audio cables and spare loop wire. These are available for use with hire systems.

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 transport.

Please click here for PDF showing accessories available.

Portable Systems for Hire

Ferrosound offer a complete portable loop systems' hire service, covering the design, supply, temporary installation and commissioning of complete loop systems, based on a thorough consultation with our clients.

Your hire may also include the provision of Sound Reinforcement for the benefit of people without hearing aids who may be hard of hearing.

For detailed information about Loop Systems' Hire, click here for PDF.

Click here to return to the main Portable Loop Systems shop page.