Why would anyone invested in hearing aids or cochlear implants require anything more than their devices? Don't hearing aids mend a hearing issue like prescription eyeglasses can provide better vision?

It does not.

Today's hearing aids improve hearing in casual settings. For those with hearing loss, the sound becomes vague when loudspeakers are far away, when the context is noisy, or in rooms that resonate sound. A hearing loop magnetically transfers a microphone or TV sound signal to hearing aids and cochlear implants with an affordable "telecoil" receiver. This alters the mechanisms into in-the-ear speakers that produce sound customised for one's hearing loss.

Distance Difference

Beyond 6 feet, people generally use a Bluetooth system in their home or office to drive the audio signal from their TV or sound system straight to their hearing aid. That works in a range of up to 14 feet.

Beyond 14 feet, the space from the primary audio origin to the hearing aid is so far that it merges with the other background noises. That distance also generates reverberation and contortion boosted by the amplifier built into the hearing aid. All of that conducts to higher volume — but significantly reduces clarity and understanding for the person wearing hearing aids.

The solution in more expansive, noisy spaces: shorten the span that sound has to traverse by generating an audio induction loop field that a telecoil receiver can pick up from anywhere in the looped area. Most hearing aids and implants are compatible with this system. Individuals need to be sure they know how to trigger their telecoil. (82% of aids and 100% of implants have a built-in telecoil.)

Therefore, Hearing Loops are certainly recommendable in public spaces.

A user-focused method founded on each area's requirements will specify and provide a loop system with a faultless listening experience.

The Hearing Enhancement System by the Listening Lab is the most professional AV distributor and sole provider of Induction Loops and Assistive Listening Technology Systems in Singapore. Please call +65 6817 5100 or contact us if you have any questions about the possibility of installing a hearing loop in your community.

Hearing loop systems are answers for assistive listening, providing access to high-quality discernible sound for hard-of-hearing individuals. Why are hearing loops critical? The methods are beneficial to those with hearing loss, and the need for them is rapidly growing around the world:

• Assistive listening benefits an extensive and ever-growing section of the community - hearing impairment affects one in seven individuals, a number that is expanding as the population ages. Equipping fair and high-quality assistance to this large group is becoming a high priority for any service provider or public organisation.
• Hearing loop systems offer distinctive advantages to service providers and end users, making them essential facilities in many private and public conditions. Legislation is in force or in development in Singapore to mandate the usage of hearing loop systems and secure the benefits given to the hard of hearing. The adoption of technology is evolving rapidly and is more widespread around the world.
• The hard-of-hearing community is increasingly aware of the resolutions available to aid them, expanding end-user demand for assistive listening solutions.

Why are hearing loops necessary?

According to data, individuals with hearing loss in Singapore are estimated to be around 500,000.

We have been providing comprehensive solutions for practically any assistive hearing application. We desire to make a genuine difference in the quality of life of hearing aid users and are committed to delivering the very best systems for installers, facilities managers, and specifiers.

"Simply increasing the volume does not help – it's all about separating the signal from the noise."

Adopting a "tick box" approach to legislative compliance gives no guarantee of performance, reliability, and, most importantly, end-user experience. The right products are only part of the solution.

By choosing Loop Systems, you are guaranteed a professional and integrated technique to determine the best resolution with ongoing support from our unique and dedicated design and consultancy team.

"Customers remember the experience – not just because you complied."

Our ingenious solution delivers sound clarity unparalleled by others. Our vision, quite simply, is to bring intelligible sound to life for the hearing impaired.

For more information, contact our friendly and knowledgeable team at +65 6817 5100 or email hes@listeninglab.sg. You can also send us a request for a quotation.

What is an infrared (IR) hearing system? IR hearing system is an assistive audio system to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing people. It is a popular option for an induction loop system. A standard system consists of an infrared radiator (transmitter), infrared listening receivers, and an audio source.

Receivers are usually available at the front desk of the venue, so it may be advisable for hearing aid users to contact a venue before visiting and to guarantee that staff is well-versed in how Infrared systems operate.

How do they work?

Here’s how an Infrared hearing system works in a specific venue:

1. The infrared system (IR) input can be from a sound system, a microphone, or another audio source. They each create an electrical signal which possesses the audio input.
2. This signal is sent to the modulator, which prepares the audio signal for the succeeding infrared (IR) transmission.
3. The processed electrical signal is sent to the radiator. The radiator light-emitting diodes deliver the (invisible) infrared light and cast it into the room.
4. Wireless receivers recast the infrared light signal into an electrical and audio signal (often to a personal induction loop used by a hearing aid wearer).

There's no limitation to the number of receivers who can utilize the system. Most IR systems are single-channel and operate on a radiator with an integrated modulator.

The most manageable method to consider infrared radiators is to consider them as floodlights of invisible light. There are radiators in various sizes depending on the scope of coverage and the number of channels needed. In most applications, multiple radiators guarantee even light coverage, so the user doesn't experience blind zones.

How can we help?

The Listening Lab is the fastest-growing audiology retail chain in Southeast Asia. Our Hearing Enhancement Systems help the average deaf or hard-of-hearing person use hearing aids to hear much better in a public environment. This is because signal-to-noise ratios increase when using a hearing enhancement system.

See details on our Infrared Solutions here.

The Listening Lab is the only audiology retail chain in the business of implementing hearing enhancement systems in establishments. We understand building owners' and designers' requirements and expectations to deliver an integrated, hassle-free solution. For enquiries and quotations, please send us your area requirement. We are ready to assist you with different alternatives for your establishment.