What is a loop system?
Loop systems sometimes called “Induction Loops” or “AILS”(Audio Induction Loop Systems) are widely used to help people who use hearing aids to hear more clearly. Loops may be used at home with the television, or installed in public places such as Cinemas, Theatres, Churches and areas that have a public address system installed. A ‘Loop System’ comprises of some form of input (usually a microphone), a small box, which is the loop amplifier, and a length of cable, which is looped around the area where the hearing aid user will be. Who can use it? Most hearing aids can pick up the sound from a loop system. These hearing aids will have a switch position marked ‘T’ or ‘MT’. As an option a receiver can be purchased into which headphones can be plugged allowing normal hearing people to also utilize the loop system. How does it work? The microphone carries the sound to the amplifier. With some systems you can connect a lead directly from the audio source into the amplifier. This will usually g
A loop system is basically a length of wire which is extended around the perimeter of a room, office, foyer etc that creates a sound field in which the wearer of a hearing aid (which is fitted with a ‘T’ switch) can hear sounds that are transmitted through the loop. Using an amplifier unit which is attached to the loop system, virtually any sound can be transmitted including public address systems, stereo music, television sound and radio. The signal transmitted is not audible to people who do not wear hearing aids, but for any hearing aid wearer who has a hearing aid fitted with a ‘T’ switch as long as the person is located within the boundaries of where the loop system is located, the user will be able to hear the sounds that are transmitted by the loop amplifier.
