CONVENTIONAL INDUCTION LOOP
Transmitter: Amplifier drives an induction loop that surrounds listening area. Receivers: a)Personal hearing aid with telecoil. b)Pocket size induction receiver with earphone or headset. c)Self-contained wand. d)Telecoil inside plastic chassis which looks like a BTE, ITE, or canal hearing aid. | Requires little, or noadministration of receivers, if most people have telecoil-equipped hearing aids. Induction receivers must be used where hearing aids in use are not equipped with telecoils. Induction receivers are compatible with all loop systems. Unobtrusive with telecoil hearing aid. May be used separately or integrated with existing PA-systems. Portable systems are available for use with small groups of listeners. These portable systems can be stored in a carrying case and set up temporarily, as needed. |
Signal spill-over to adjacent rooms. Susceptible to electrical interference. Limited portability unless areas are pre- looped or small, portable system is used (see advantages). Requires installation of loop wire. Installation may be difficult in pre- existing buildings. Skilled installation essential in historical buildings (and may not be permitted at all). If listener does not have telecoil-equipped hearing aid then requires administration and maintenance of receivers. | Service counters Ports of transportation Public transportation vehicles Tour busses Meeting rooms Conference rooms Auditoriums Classrooms Courtrooms Churches and Temples Theaters Museums Theme parks Arenas Sport stadiums Retirement/nursing homes Hospitals |
3-D LOOP SYSTEM
Transmitter: Amplifier drives a 3-D mat that is placed under the carpet of the listening area. Receivers: a) Personal hearing aid with telecoil. b) Pocket size induction receiver with earphone or head-set. c) Self-contained wand. d) Telecoil inside plastic chassis which looks like a BTE, ITE, or canal hearing aid. | Requires little, or no administration of receivers, provided most people have telecoil-equipped hearing aids. Induction receivers are compatible with all loops systems. May be used separately or integrated with existing PA-systems. Three-dimensional reception of loop signal regardless of telecoil position. Reduced signal spillover allows adjacent rooms to be looped without signal interference. 3-D loop mats must be separated by 6 feet to avoid signal spillover. | Limited portability (areas may be pre-3-D Loop matted to facilitate portability). Requires installation of 3-D Loop mats. Instal- lation may be difficult in pre-existing build- ings. Skilled installa- tion essential in historical buildings (and may not be permitted at all). If listener does not have telecoil-equipped hearing aid then requires administra- tion and maintenance of receivers. Susceptible to electrical interference. | Service counters Ports of Transportation Meeting rooms Conference rooms Auditoriums Classrooms Courtrooms Museums Theme Parks Retirement/nursing homes Meetings requiring confidentiality Hospitals |
Modified from a chart published by Centrum Sound, Cupertino, California
Cynthia L. Compton, Assistive Devices Center Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Gallaudet University, Washington, DC |