Audio source
Speech, presentation audio, video content, paging or another nominated program source enters the system.
A practical Australian guide for architects, builders, facility managers, schools, councils, government agencies, places of worship and commercial organisations planning hearing augmentation systems.
A hearing loop—also called an induction loop, audio-frequency induction loop or T-loop—transmits an audio signal through a magnetic field. A telecoil inside a compatible hearing aid or cochlear implant receives that signal and converts it back into sound for the user.
Rather than increasing the volume of every sound in a room, the loop can deliver the microphone, lectern, meeting, performance or presentation audio directly to the listener’s device. This can reduce the impact of distance, reverberation and background noise.
Speech, presentation audio, video content, paging or another nominated program source enters the system.
A mixer or DSP manages level, routing, equalisation and source selection before the loop feed.
The loop driver and installed cable create the magnetic field within the intended listening area.
A compatible telecoil receives the audio directly through the listener’s hearing aid or cochlear implant.
Hearing augmentation systems are commonly considered in publicly accessible rooms and spaces that use an inbuilt amplification system. The applicable requirements should be confirmed for each project, building classification, room use and construction approval pathway.
Assembly halls, lecture theatres, classrooms, libraries, auditoriums, training rooms and presentation spaces in schools, universities and vocational facilities.
Education AV systemsChurches, chapels, worship centres, prayer halls and community spaces where sermons, music, spoken word and presentation systems are used.
House-of-worship AVCouncil chambers, hearing rooms, public meeting spaces, service centres, libraries, community buildings and government offices.
Government AV integrationBoardrooms, conference rooms, training areas, town-hall spaces, divisible meeting rooms and presentation environments.
Corporate AV solutionsAuditoriums, theatres, cinemas, conference venues, entertainment spaces, community halls and function rooms with amplified audio.
Venue AV through ACCAVCustomer-service desks, reception counters, ticketing positions, healthcare reception areas, security points and screened interview locations.
Request a site assessmentHearing-loop performance can be affected by room geometry, reinforcement steel, structural metal, raised floors, electrical equipment, neighbouring loop systems, seating layout and the final installation height.
These conditions should be assessed during the design stage rather than discovered after flooring, joinery, ceilings or room finishes have been completed.
Early coordination between the AV integrator, electrical contractor, communications contractor, architect, builder, access consultant and certifier helps reduce rework and improves the likelihood of achieving consistent hearing-loop coverage.
Review the room, floor construction, amplification system, adjacent spaces, structural metal and existing electromagnetic interference.
Define the hearing augmentation technology, coverage area, loop arrangement, amplifier, DSP routing, cable pathway, signage and controls.
Coordinate loop cable, flooring, containment, rack equipment, audio interfaces, power, communications cabling and builder requirements.
Measure field strength, frequency response, magnetic background noise and coverage using appropriate calibrated testing equipment.
The assistive listening feed should be deliberately designed into the complete AV signal flow, with appropriate source selection, level control, processing and monitoring.
A DSP can create a dedicated hearing-assistance mix, manage levels, route selected microphones and exclude unsuitable sources.
Q-SYS integrationNetworked audio can distribute the hearing-assistance feed between rooms, DSPs, equipment racks and compatible assistive-listening transmitters.
Dante audio networkingRemote participant audio may need to be included with local microphones and presentation content without creating echo, feedback or double audio.
Meeting-room and corporate AVLectern microphones, wireless microphones, playback and presentation sources can be combined into a controlled accessible-audio mix.
Commercial audio systemsAccessibility planning should consider how emergency information is communicated through audible, visual and other required warning methods—not only the day-to-day hearing loop.
Education communication systemsSystem health, signal presence, receiver batteries, chargers, operating procedures and periodic performance tests require an ongoing support plan.
AV maintenance and supportPractical answers for facility managers, builders, consultants, architects, schools, government agencies and building owners.
Masters Voice Technology can assist with room assessment, AV integration, hearing augmentation design coordination, electrical and communications infrastructure, installation, commissioning and ongoing support.