Image by Canadian International School (CIS)

Established in 1990, the Canadian International School (CIS) had its first campus located at Tanjong Katong and the newer campus located at Lakeside. In early 2023, CIS – Lakeside Campus has expanded their facilities for the benefit of their students and they have moved in the direction of ensuring that these new facilities are accessibility-friendly for students, staff and even visitors who are using the available facilities. One of the facilities that CIS has focused on is the Junior Gym located on Level 4 which has an Induction Loop System implemented for the benefit of individuals who are wearing Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants.

In this blog, we'll delve into the challenges and benefits, applications, and the transformative impact of large area induction loops in creating more inclusive environments.

Potential Challenges for Large Area Loops:

1. Installation Complexity:
   • Long cable runs – large induction loops require long lengths of cable, which must be carefully routed to avoid interference from other electronic systems to ensure the loop maintains consistent impedance.
   • Concealment – these long lengths of cables require to be concealed for aesthetic and safety reasons. These cable can be run under flooring, behind walls or within ceilings.
2. Space and Layout
   • Large areas can either be a large multi-purpose hall setting or even an auditorium setting where the area is irregular shaped. Hence, large area induction loops require careful planning to ensure optimal coverage without interference from other electronic equipment or structural obstacles.
3. Loop Design and Configuration
   • Designing the loop to achieve uniform coverage and adequate signal strength throughout the designated area is critical for ensuring effective communication for all users. Factors such as loop shape, size and orientation have to be carefully considered to optimise performance and minimise signal loss or distortion due to the Metal Loss Effect.
   • The larger the size of the induction loop, the more powerful the loop amplifier is required to power up the loop which equates to it being costlier.
4. Duration of Implementation
   • Coordination between different stakeholders is critical to ensure smooth implementation and furthermore, venues that require large area induction loops are often minimally the size of a multi-purpose hall and depending on the requirements of the loop type, the duration of implementation can take up to 5 days.

Advantages of Large Area Loops

1. Inclusivity
   • Inclusion goes beyond mere accessibility—it encompasses the sense of belonging and active participation. Large area induction loops foster inclusivity by enabling individuals with hearing impairments to engage fully in various social, educational, and professional settings alongside their peers
2. Simplicity
   • The beauty of large area induction loops lies in their simplicity. Once installed, they operate effortlessly without requiring any additional action from the user. This simplicity not only enhances user experience but also reduces the burden on venue operators and organizers.
3. Empowerment
   • For individuals with hearing impairments, large area induction loops signify more than just improved access to sound—they signify empowerment. They empower individuals to assert their presence, share their voices, and engage with the world on their terms, without being hindered by barriers.
4. Social Integration
   • By breaking down communication barriers, large area induction loops pave the way for greater social integration. They enable individuals with hearing impairments to participate in conversations, events, and activities alongside their peers, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
5. Cultural Shift
   • The widespread adoption of large area induction loops signals a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and accessibility. It prompts businesses, organizations, and policymakers to prioritize accessibility in their practices, thereby creating a more equitable society for all.

Large Area Induction Loops (Case Study)

The Canadian International School (CIS) at Lakeside had a requirement to have their Level 4 Junior Gym equipped with an induction loop. With a rather extensive venue, there was a conclusion to have a Large Area Induction loop to provide as much coverage as possible to cater for individuals who are hearing aid and cochlear implant users whenever they are in the Junior Gym.

The large area induction loop measured approximately 19m x 28m, and this coverage area is one of the bigger induction loops that The Listening Lab has implemented. Although it was a rectangular shaped venue, there were some hurdles that came to light.

Firstly, to ensure that there was an even coverage throughout the large induction loop area, gathering of proper details is key to be able to determine the loop design, loop medium and also the type of loop required to comply to the IEC 60118-4 Standards.

Secondly, the large induction loop, is more susceptible to the effects of Metal Loss as compared to smaller sized induction loops. Proper designing of the loop is crucial as well as the type of amplifier used to overcome the Metal Loss effect due to the surroundings.

Thirdly, with such a big coverage area, the installation process took around 3 days to complete since the entire loop consisted of 2 arrays that make up low-loss multiloop to provide uniform coverage without dead spots where Hearing Aid or Cochlear Implants are not able to receive any signals.

To top it off, the large induction loop is being powered with a C14-2N Loop amplifier that is powerful enough to overcome the metal loss effect of the venue, provide a uniform field strength throughout the large induction loop coverage area while complying to the IEC 60118-4 standards.

Conclusion

In the realm of accessibility technology, Induction Loops stand tall as a beacon of inclusion. These unassuming systems, often hidden under the floor finishings like carpets, tiles, vinyl, wooden deck flooring, etc., possess the power to transform the way individuals with hearing impairments engage with their surroundings.

In a world striving for inclusivity, large area induction loops serve as a beacon of hope and progress. Through their simplicity, versatility, and transformative impact, they not only enhance accessibility but also redefine the way we perceive and accommodate the needs of individuals with hearing impairments. As we continue to champion inclusivity, let us embrace technologies like large area induction loops as catalysts for change, paving the way towards a more accessible and equitable future for all.

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