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.

Now, let's talk about enhancing the accessibility of your environment next. Feel free to contact us here.

Saturday, 9th March 2024, marks a momentous day for The Listening Lab as it was the first collaborated event with Advanced Bionics (AB) where invitations were extended to our existing AB Cochlear Implant (CI) users to an afternoon of movie screening of Kung Fu Panda 4 at Shaw Theatres Balestier.

The deciding factor of the event location was due to the fact that Shaw Theatres Balestier is one of the many venues and locations where The Listening Lab’s Hearing Enhancement System team have implemented Induction Loop Systems in.

These systems are implemented to compliment the Telecoil feature which are built-in the Cochlear Implants and Hearing Aids. These systems generate magnetic fields which induces the Telecoil component in the Cochlear Implants and Hearing Aids, and will then be converted to audible signals directly from the source which the users are able to enjoy, without any compromise on the audio quality regardless of distance from the audio source. Think of it like the noise-cancelling function in wireless earbuds or headphones.

Hence, attendees were educated on the availability of the built-in Telecoil component and also to be on the lookout for The Blue Ear Sign which indicates that the area or venue is Telecoil-Friendly and they would be able to take advantage of the available Induction Loop Systems by switching to their Telecoil Setting.

Since it was free-seating, the attendees were spread out throughout the 75-seater theatre and had their Telecoil setting properly set to enjoy the movie screening without having any troubles with crosstalk from the adjacent theatre that was concurrently playing a different movie. This proves to show that with proper loop design and installation, it can be effective in controlling the overspilling effect between adjacent rooms.

A Cochlear Implant is a form of intervention for individuals who have severe to profound hearing loss. It requires a procedure to insert the internal implant under the skin. The Cochlear Implant works by sending electrical signals to an individual’s inner ear hair cells, in turn, sends bioelectrical signals to the brain, sending the perceptions of sound to one’s consciousness.

The growing number of those who require Cochlear Implants are of the young and vulnerable rather than those who are in their Silver Age. Infants born with significant levels of hearing loss require prompt decisions regarding implantation to prevent the risk of permanent impairment in their ability to listen and speak normally.

See: English translation

Mendeteksi suara dalam rentang frekuensi antara 20 Hertz (Hz) hingga 20.000Hz dan antara 0 desibel (dB) hingga 130dB adalah sesuatu yang hampir setiap manusia anggap sebagai hal yang biasa. Di sisi lain, ada sekelompok individu yang mengalami gangguan pendengaran.

Individu-individu ini yang mengalami gangguan pendengaran akan menghadapi tantangan dalam mendengarkan frekuensi tertentu dan memerlukan alat bantu dengar untuk membantu memperkuat frekuensi tersebut agar mereka dapat mendengar lebih baik. Jadi bagaimana lembaga pendidikan dapat membantu dan memberikan bantuan untuk membuka potensi penuh dari siswa-siswa ini?

Di dunia pendidikan, inklusivitas dan aksesibilitas sangat penting. Di negara-negara Asia Tenggara, terutama di mana sumber daya untuk orang dengan kesulitan pendengaran mungkin terbatas, teknologi seperti Sistem FM, Sistem Inframerah, dan Sistem Loop Induksi muncul sebagai alat yang tak ternilai untuk menciptakan lingkungan belajar inklusif bagi semua siswa.

Tantangan dan Pertimbangan

Siswa yang menggunakan alat bantu dengar atau implan koklea menghadapi tantangan harian mendengarkan dan memahami informasi dari pendidik mereka. Mengapa demikian? Karakteristik operasional Alat Bantu Dengar dan Implan Koklea bekerja sedemikian rupa sehingga suara, terutama suara latar belakang, akan terdeteksi ketika kelas berlangsung, yang bisa sangat mengganggu ketika ada kegiatan lain di dalam dan di luar kelas.

Hal ini akan menyebabkan siswa yang menggunakan Alat Bantu Dengar atau Implan Koklea kehilangan informasi penting dan akhirnya harus meminta guru atau dosen mereka untuk mengulangi, yang dapat melelahkan, memakan waktu, dan mengganggu bagi seluruh kelas jika terus-menerus terjadi selama pelajaran. Inilah tempat Sistem Pendengaran Bantu (ALS) sangat dapat mengurangi atau bahkan menghilangkan gangguan dari suara latar belakang dan menukar sumber suara langsung dari guru atau dosen, akhirnya meningkatkan pengalaman belajar siswa yang sebelumnya terganggu menjadi lebih menarik dan bermanfaat.

Keuntungan Sistem ALS/HES untuk Sekolah di Negara-Negara Asia

1. Pengalaman Belajar yang Ditingkatkan
   Menerapkan ALS mempromosikan lingkungan belajar inklusif, memungkinkan semua siswa untuk aktif berpartisipasi dalam diskusi dan percakapan. Siswa dengan gangguan pendengaran sering kesulitan memahami konten karena audio yang terdistorsi atau tidak jelas. Oleh karena itu, sistem ini mengatasi masalah ini dan memastikan bahwa setiap siswa menerima informasi dengan jelas, sehingga meningkatkan kinerja akademis mereka.
2. Komunikasi yang Meningkat
   Komunikasi yang jelas sangat penting untuk kesuksesan akademis. Dengan adanya ALS ini, guru dapat efektif berkomunikasi petunjuk dan pelajaran kepada semua siswa, tanpa memandang kemampuan pendengaran mereka. Ini juga mendorong interaksi antara siswa, mempromosikan dinamika kelas yang lebih padu dan terintegrasi.
3. Efisiensi Biaya Jangka Panjang
   Meskipun biaya awal pemasangan mungkin menjadi perhatian, sistem-sistem ini menawarkan manfaat jangka panjang. Investasi dalam teknologi seperti ini mengurangi kebutuhan untuk merekrut staf dukungan tambahan untuk siswa dengan gangguan pendengaran. Selain itu, ini menghilangkan hambatan potensial terhadap pendidikan, memastikan bahwa setiap anak memiliki akses yang sama ke pembelajaran berkualitas, sejalan dengan prinsip pendidikan inklusif.

Tanda Telinga Biru adalah tanda yang berarti dunia bagi orang dengan gangguan pendengaran. Setiap fasilitas yang memiliki tanda Telinga Biru menunjukkan bahwa ada loop pendengaran di sana. Bagi Eropa, Amerika Serikat, dan sejumlah negara di Asia Tenggara, tanda Telinga Biru memiliki makna yang dalam sebagai simbol aksesibilitas dan inklusi. Lambang ikonik universal ini, menampilkan telinga biru yang cerah dalam bingkai persegi, menandakan ketersediaan Layanan Pendengaran Bantu (ALS) di berbagai tempat di seluruh dunia, khususnya di Lembaga Pendidikan.

Jenis Sistem ALS

1. Sistem Loop Induksi
   
   Sistem Loop Induksi menggunakan medan magnet untuk mengirimkan suara langsung ke alat bantu dengar atau implan koklea yang dilengkapi dengan komponen telecoil. Pada dasarnya, ini menjadikan alat bantu dengar dan implan koklea sebagai earpiece pembatal kebisingan karena mengambil suara langsung dari sumber tanpa adanya suara latar belakang, memastikan kejelasan. Solusi ini mudah dipasang dan biaya efektif karena hanya memerlukan instalasi sekali, membuatnya menjadi solusi yang layak untuk sekolah.
2. Sistem FM
   
   Sistem FM adalah perangkat nirkabel yang memperkuat suara, mengirimkan langsung ke alat bantu dengar atau implan koklea seseorang yang dilengkapi dengan komponen Telecoil. Dalam konteks sekolah, Sistem FM dapat sangat bermanfaat bagi siswa dengan gangguan pendengaran terutama ketika ruang kelas dipenuhi dengan kebisingan dari kegiatan yang terjadi secara bersamaan selama pelajaran atau kuliah. Sistem ini dapat mengurangi suara latar belakang, memastikan siswa yang mempunyai kesulitan pendengaran dapat mendengar suara guru lebih jelas.
3. Sistem Inframerah
   
   Mirip dengan Sistem FM, Sistem Inframerah mengirimkan sinyal audio secara nirkabel menggunakan gelombang cahaya, mengirimkan suara ke penerima yang dipakai oleh siswa selama pelajaran. Ini memungkinkan siswa dengan gangguan pendengaran, menerima suara yang jelas dan diperkuat tanpa gangguan. Sistem ini sangat berguna di lingkungan di mana frekuensi radio mungkin menyebabkan gangguan atau membawa risiko keamanan.

Kesimpulan

Sistem FM, Sistem Inframerah, dan Sistem Loop Induksi menawarkan jalan transformasional menuju inklusivitas dalam pendidikan. Dengan memanfaatkan pelbagai teknologi ini, sekolah-sekolah di Asia dapat membantu siswa-siswa yang ada gangguan pendengaran, memberdayakan mereka untuk berpartisipasi aktif dalam proses belajar mereka. Memprioritaskan inklusivitas dalam pendidikan tidak hanya bermanfaat bagi siswa individu tetapi juga berkontribusi pada masyarakat yang lebih adil dan kaya.

Menggabungkan sistem-sistem ini sejalan dengan Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan ke-4 Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa, yakni memastikan pendidikan inklusif dan berkualitas untuk semua. Ini adalah langkah menuju pembangunan lanskap pendidikan di mana setiap anak memiliki akses yang sama ke peluang belajar, mendorong mereka untuk mencapai potensi maksimal tanpa memandang kemampuan mereka. Selain itu, kampanye pendidikan dapat meningkatkan kesadaran tentang pentingnya sistem-sistem ini dan pada akhirnya mendorong adopsi ALS.

See: Bahasa translation

Detecting sounds in a frequency range between 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000Hz and between 0 decibels (dB) and 130dB is something that almost every human being takes for granted. On the other hand, there are a group of individuals who have some form of hearing impairment.

These individuals who have hearing impairment would be facing challenges in hearing certain frequencies and would require a hearing aid to help amplify the frequencies to allow them to hear better – so how can Education Institutes help and provide a helping hand to unlock the full potential of these students?

In the realm of education, inclusivity and accessibility is paramount. Countries in Southeast Asia, especially where resources catered for people with hearing difficulties might be limited. Hence, technologies like FM Systems, Infrared Systems and Induction Loop Systems present themselves as invaluable tools to create and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Challenges and Considerations

Students with Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants face daily challenges of listening and picking up information from their educators. Why so? The operating nature of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants works in a way where sound, especially background noises, will be picked up when classes are ongoing which can be quite disruptive when there are other activities ongoing in and outside of the classroom.

This will result in the affected student/s with Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants to miss out critical information and subsequently having to request for their teachers or lecturers to repeat themselves, which could be tiring, time consuming and disruptive to the rest of the class if it constantly recurs during lessons.

This is where Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) can greatly reduce or even eliminate the distractions from the background noises and trade for a much comfortable and direct sound source from the teacher or lecturer, eventually heightening the once-disrupted student’s learning experience to be more engaging and fruitful.

Advantages of ALS/HES for Schools in Asian Countries

1. Enhanced Learning Experience
   Implementing ALS fosters an inclusive learning environment, allowing all students to actively participate in discussions and conversations. Students with hearing impairments often struggle to grasp content due to distorted or unclear audio. Therefore, these systems mitigate this issue and ensures that every student receives information clearly, thus improving their academic performance.
2. Improved communication
   Clear communication is vital for academic success. With these ALS in place, teacher can effectively communicate instructions and lessons to all students, regardless of their hearing abilities. It also encourages interaction among students, promoting a more cohesive and integrated classroom dynamic.
3. Long-Term Cost-Efficiency
   Although the initial setup cost might be a concern, these systems offer long-term benefits. Investing in such technologies reduces the need for hiring additional support staff for students with hearing impairments. Moreover, it eliminates potential barriers to education, ensuring that every child has equal access to quality learning, aligning with the principles of inclusive education.

The Blue Ear Sign is one that means a world of difference for people with hearing loss. Any facility that has this Blue Ear sign indicates that it has a hearing loop present. For Europe, the United States and a growing number of countries in South-East Asia, the Blue Ear sign holds profound significance as a symbol of accessibility and inclusion. This universal iconic emblem, featuring a vibrant blue ear within a square frame, signifies the availability of Assistive Listening Services (ALS) at different establishments around the world especially in Education Institutes.

Types of ALS Systems

1. Induction Loop Systems
   
   Induction Loop Systems use magnetic fields to transmit sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with a telecoil component. Essentially, this turns the hearing aid and cochlear implants into a noise-cancelling earpiece as it picks out the sound directly from the source without the presence of background noise, ensuring clarity. This solution is easy to install and cost-effective as it would be a one-time installation process, making it a viable solution for schools.
2. FM Systems
   
   FM Systems are wireless devices that amplify sound, transmitting directly to an individual’s hearing aid or cochlear implant that has a built-in Telecoil component. In a school context, FM Systems can immensely benefit students with hearing impairments especially when classrooms are overwhelmed with noise from activities that are happening concurrently during lessons or lectures. This system can reduce background noise, ensuring students with hearing difficulties can clearly pick out the teacher’s voice.
3. Infrared Systems
   
   Similar to FM Systems, Infrared Systems transmit audio signals wirelessly using light waves, delivering sound to receivers worn by students during lessons. This allows students with hearing impairments to receive clear, amplified sound without interference. This system is particularly useful in environments where radio frequencies might cause interference or pose security risks.

Conclusion

FM Systems, Infrared Systems and Induction Loop Systems offer a transformative pathway towards inclusivity in education. By harnessing these technologies, schools in Asia can bridge the gap for students with hearing impairments, empowering them to engage actively in their learning process. Priotising inclusivity in education not only benefits individual students but also contributes to a more equitable and enriched society.

Incorporating these systems aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, ensuring inclusive and quality education for all. It’s a step towards building an educational landscape where every child has equal access to learning opportunities, encouraging them to reach their maximum potential regardless of their abilities. Additionally, educational campaigns can raise awareness about the significance of these systems and eventually encouraging adopting of ALS.

Induction Loop Systems have emerged as pivotal aids – revolutionizing accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments. These Induction Loop Systems transmit sound directly into Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants that have a built-in component known as a Telecoil. This provides clearer and more distinct audio without the background noise, for individuals with hearing impairments. Think of it like a noise-cancelling earpiece or headphones that we often use to block out unwanted background noise distractions from the world around us so that we can listen and enjoy the clear music or audio that we are listening to.

There are various number of loop designs that are best suited for specific environments and needs and at the same time complying to the IEC 60118-4 Standards, fostering inclusivity across diverse scenarios.

What is the IEC 60118-4 Standard?

This standard specifies requirements for the Field Strength (Intensity of magnetic field) of Induction Loops for hearing aids to provide adequate signal-to-noise ratio without overloading the hearing aid. Alongside Field Strength, it also specifies the minimum frequency response requirements for acceptable intelligibility.

1. Counter Loops

As the name suggests, counter loops are solutions that can be used for reception counters, help points and ticket counters. This type of induction loop is a small rectangular induction loop and there are a few factors that will be taken into consideration for an ideal position for maximum effectiveness;

1. Counter loop should be mounted in vertical position, either on or embedded in a panel with no metal contents.
2. The ideal height from the floor to the top of the loop should be at 750mm for sitting counters and 900mm for standing counters.
3. The loop shall be facing in the direction of the hearing aid and cochlear implant user. This setting is most effective when the user is in a well-defined position relative to the loop.

2. Perimeter Loops

Perimeter Loops are the simplest and most basic loops that completes an induction loop system. These loops are most effective when used in a setting whereby the coverage area loop is no longer than 4 meters in width, have no requirement for privacy or concerns about signal overspill and have little to no metal in the structure of the venue.

Although Perimeter loops are the simplest and most basic of loops, it has its limitations such that the larger the size of the perimeter loop, the higher the variation over the width of the room. Larger perimeter loops will have a much lower signal strength in the middle than the areas nearer to the boundary. Where the presence of metal structures is present, metal losses will adversely reduce the field strength towards the center of the loop.

3. Cancellation Loops

Cancellation loops are compatible with perimeter loops that has a requirement to limit overspilling in one direction. It is basically a smaller loop segment in which has been carefully designed to be of correct size and as a result, it will cancel the overspilling in one direction with the use of the same amplifier as the main loop. The same concept of a perimeter applies as previously mentioned that it is most effective when the loop is not more than 4 meters in width.

In addition, cancellation loops require higher voltage headroom as compared to a basic perimeter loop. Since there will be an area where there will be no coverage, it is important that no hearing aid and cochlear implant users are in the zero-coverage area.

4. Single Array Loops

Single Array Loops in its simplest definition are multiple perimeter loops or also known as segments, formed using a single loop of cable. It is capable in providing better coverage than a single large perimeter loop since there are now more than 1 smaller sized perimeter loops that can provide more precise and quality field strengths that can be picked up by Telecoil-enabled Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant users.

Single array loops are effective but still have areas where there are “dead” zones as there is a gap where the magnetic field coverage is absent. Hence these zones are strongly recommended for hearing aid and cochlear implant users to stay away from.

5. Multiloops

A Multiloop is a complex loop design that comprises of 2 arrays with multiple segments that complement each other to provide even coverage for large areas like Multi-Purpose Halls, Prayer Halls and Classrooms, just to name a few. Multiloops can be further categorized into Low Loss and Low Spill multiloops. A simplified breakdown of these types of multiloops are as follows;

1. Low Loss Multiloops
   As the name suggests, the purpose of this multiloop design is to ensure that the multiloop is able to provide as much effective coverage as possible by compensating for high metal loss in the venue. When a venue has relatively high metal content, the signal gets bounced back, cancelling the loop signal to a certain degree, affecting the audio that hearing aid and cochlear implant users hear. This results in the audio being muffled and not natural sounding.
   
   With proper designs and laying of Low Loss multiloops, the results will reflect an even field coverage over any room size, be it in the presence of metal or not. Although the overspilling effect is substantially reduced, it is a much better solution compared to a perimeter loop.
   

    

2. Low Spill Multiloops
   Low Spill multiloops are similar to Low Loss multiloops, able to provide an even field coverage but only with more control of the overspilling effect. This loop design is most effective when there is a stage where electrical instruments like an electric guitar or even a dynamic microphone is present as it might induce interference. That is where careful and good loop designing with the help of simulation tools is crucial to keep the overspilling effect to the bare minimum.
   

Conclusion
To summarise, there is no one-size-fits-all loop design that can be used for any venue. There are multiple factors to the purpose of installing an induction loop such as privacy, overspilling, size of coverage area. Designing and installing an induction loop to fit the needs of the venue is bespoke and requires careful considerations without having to overspend on unnecessary systems and add-ons.

Induction Loop Systems (ILS) or Hearing Enhancement Systems (HES) have revolutionised accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments, offering a direct and efficient way to transmit audio signals to hearing aids and cochlear implants. At the heart of these systems lie loop mediums – crucial components that facilitate the transmission of audio signals from the audio source to the telecoil found in hearing aids and cochlear implants. Here, we’ll delve into the array of loop mediums shaping the landscape of induction Loop Systems or Hearing Enhancement Systems:

1. Direct Burial Cable (DBC)

Direct Burial Cable loops are one of the most widely used loop medium for Induction Loop Systems or Hearing Enhancement Systems. It has copper wires – an excellent electrical conductor, making it an ideal material for transmitting audio signals. Direct Burial Cable loops are typically installed in a series of arrays of a room or venue, inducing magnetic field that is picked up by telecoil-enabled Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants and then converted into audio signals.

The insulation for Direct Burial Cables are able to resist the corrosive alkali effects present in cement and concrete. Hence, these loops can be installed within the screed layer and without the need for additional conduits or protective casings, reducing installation time and labour.

DBCs have a max outer diameter of 5mm, which contributes to space efficiency and eliminates the sight of visible wires or cables. This feature is advantageous in environments where aesthetics and space management are crucial such as theatres, museums, places of worship and hospitals since the Installation of DBCs is dependent on the type of floor finishing and venue.

• Floor finishings: If the final floor finishings are tiles, vinyl or timber wood flooring, then it would be most practical to opt for DBC installation since it will be embedded in the screed or underneath the timber wood panels.
• Venue: Installation of DBC would be most suitable when the venue or area is levelled throughout. It would not be practical for DBCs to be installed for tiered seatings as it would be difficult to secure to the rebars before the screed is poured. Even if the tiered seats are pre-existing, it would be less cost-effective and time-consuming to have to cut grooves or channels to lay the DBCs into and screed over to cover.

2. Flat Copper Tape (FCT)

Flat copper tape loops are another popular choice for loop mediums. Instead of using Direct Burial Cables, flat copper tape is utilized, which offers flexibility and ease of installation.

The Flat Copper Tape is typically adhered to the protective layer of Duct Tape to prevent any damages to the insulation which may result in an electrical short or even an open circuit. Following that, a layer of Blue Text and Hearing Loop Logo on White Printed Warning Tape is applied, which provides an indication to carpet and vinyl fitters to avoid cutting the Flat Copper Tape.

Flat copper tape loops are particularly suitable for retrofitting existing spaces, as they can be discreetly installed beneath carpeting without major modifications. The thin profile of the tape makes it less noticeable and reduces tripping hazards. Although slightly more prone to damage than Direct Burial Cables Loops, proper installation and maintenance and coordination is critical to ensure optimal performance.

3. Pre-Formed Loops

Pre-formed loops consist of loop conductors that come in various shapes and sizes, designed to fit specific applications or venues. These loop mediums are typically made from flexible copper wire and are pre-formed into specific shapes, such as rectangle or square to match the layout an area, usually a counter setting like an information counter or ticketing counter. Pre-formed loops offer convenience and ease of installation. Pre-formed or counter loops are commonly used when a Hearing aid or Cochlear implant user would like to communicate to the staff directly one-on-one. In addition to that, it offers a certain degree of privacy since the loop is directed towards the hearing aid user that is standing within range of the counter loop while those who are not, would not be able to pick up the signal and eavesdrop on sensitive information.

Conclusion:

Understanding loop mediums is a critical component of hearing enhancement systems utilizing magnetic induction technology. Direct Burial Cable, flat copper tapes and pre-formed loops offer various options to cater to different installation requirements and venue layouts. Each type of loop medium has its advantages and considerations, depending on factors such as room size, installation feasibility, portability needs, and specific user requirements. By understanding the characteristics and applications of these loop mediums, designers and installers can select the most suitable option to ensure effective and inclusive communication for individuals with hearing loss.

Contact Us

Looking for Induction Loop Systems (ILS) or Hearing Enhancement Systems (HES) to elevate the level of accessibility in your environment? Contact us today at +65 6817 5100 or send your enquiry here and learn more about how we can help you create inclusive and accessible environment in Singapore.

After the installation of an induction loop, be it a multiloop or a fixed counter loop system, proper termination is required and followed by commissioning of the system with the AV System as a whole before handing over to the end users.

Proper termination of cables from the induction loop system is crucial to ensure that the induction loop system as a whole, is functioning correctly and is performing optimally.

These factors are crucial for proper termination;

1. Ensuring loop medium is correctly routed and secured, minimizing the risk of damages or interference.
2. Making precise connections between loop medium and amplifier which may include soldering or using dedicated connectors to the amplifier.
3. Verifying the integrity of the connections by conducting tests to ensure proper signal continuity of the induction loop system.
4. Proper grounding of induction loop system to prevent unwanted interference.

Commissioning of induction loop systems is the final stage of the installation process, where the system’s functionality and performance are tested.

Tests that will be done during the Commissioning of the induction loop system would include checking of Signal/Field Strength, Frequency Response and uniform coverage of the induction loop system.

1. Background Noise Test – To ensure that the Magnetic background noise generated by other equipment like a generator or mains wiring does not affect the performance of the induction loop system.
   1. Readings should not be higher than -32dB.

2. Signal/Field Strength Test – To determine the system’s output level, ensuring that it complies with the IEC 60118-4 Standards so that hearing aid and cochlear implant users would have a comfortable experience.
   1. For parameter loops and multiloops systems, readings should be between ±3dB.
   2. For counter loops, readings should be ±6dB to comply with the IEC 60118-4 standards.
      1. If it does not meet passing requirements, adjustments on the amplifier have to be made until it achieves passing results.

3. Frequency Response – To assess the system’s ability to reproduce audio frequencies that are clear and audible. This is where Metal Loss Compensation in the amplifier plays a huge role to compensate for the cancellation of loop signal to a certain degree due to Metal Loss.
   1. Results should be showing a Flat Frequency Response reading as much as possible for both the High and Low Frequencies of 100Hz and 5kHz respectively.
   2. Optimal results would be in the range of ±3dB of 1kHz for both frequencies.

4. Signal/Field Strength Test – To re-test the system’s output signal after adjusting the Metal Loss Control to overcome the Metal Loss.
   1. For perimeter loops and multiloop systems, readings should be between ±3dB to comply with IEC 60118-4 standards.
   2. For counter loops systems, readings should be ±6dB to comply with the IEC 60118-4 standards.

5. Live Test – To ensure that the current settings applied on the amplifier is within the comfortable listening range and still within the IEC 60118-4 Standards when an audio source is playing either via Line Input or Microphone.
   1. Readings should be between -6dB and +3dB for counter loop systems and Multiloop systems.

6. Uniform Coverage of induction loop system – To ensure that there is a consistent signal quality, clarity and no “humming noise” throughout the coverage area.

Fine-tuning of the system amplifier would be required to optimize the performance as per end user requirements and also to meet and comply to the IEC 60118-4 Standards.

Once the commissioning process is completed, a Certificate Of Confirmation will be issued as a form of verification that the induction loop system is ready for use.

Counter loops provide a direct communication solution for individuals with hearing impairments who use hearing aids in an establishment. They allow customers to converse with staff members even in noisy environments such as shopping centres, where background noise can be overwhelming. In Singapore, developers can benefit from integrating counter loops into their designs to improve accessibility for hearing aid users.

A counter loop is an induction loop that can communicate with a hearing aid user in a known and well-defined position. Counter loops are effective at locations such as:

• Ticket Counters
• Reception desks
• Information or help points.
• Cashier counter

How does a counter loop work?

1. An audio source usually would be a staff member who will speak into a directional microphone.
2. The microphone captures the voice, converts it into a sound signal, and sends it to an Induction Loop Amplifier to generate a current to pass the signal into the Induction Loop.
3. The Induction Loop, made from copper wire, would be located under the counter, producing a magnetic field.
4. The magnetic field generated by the Induction Loop will be picked up by the Telecoil or T-Coil equipped with the hearing aid and must be switched on by the user. The Telecoil will then convert the signal into a sound directly fed into the ear canal, omitting the background noise and improving the intelligibility of the staff's voice.

Portable Counter Loops vs Fixed Counter Loops

Portable Counter Loops

The portability of moving around an induction loop would be the ideal product for areas with counters. Businesses would prefer the Portable Counter Loop as their go-to product due to its portability and ability to be used immediately.

Portable counter loops are a simple and quick solution because they do not need to be configured or initially set up before use. Staff members must know several variables that affect how well a portable counter loop works.

These factors include:

1. The distance that they would have to be standing away from the device so that the omnidirectional microphone would be able to pick up their voice. Otherwise, the microphone might pick up ambient noise instead, which might cause the hearing aid user not to have an intelligible sound quality.
2. The height of where the portable counter loop is placed so that hearing aid users can receive a comfortable hearing volume level – not too soft or too loud.
3. There is a constant need to recharge the device before usage, and it has an auto shut-off feature after 10 to 60 minutes to prevent the battery life from deteriorating.

Also, since portable counter loops are always present in the line of sight of the retail staff and take up space, there is a much higher chance that the device might be kept or moved elsewhere where it does not obstruct operations, which may result in a lack of return on investment and may even be forgotten by staff that there is a portable counter loop system at all. This may even lead to the hearing aid user being unable to ask for assistance in the first place.

Fixed Counter Loops

The opposite of portable counter loops is fixed counter loops. As its name suggests, a fixed counter loop is a long-term fix that can be added to old or new counters. Despite being installed, fixed counter loops do not need to be adjusted or set up before use; a staff member must talk into the desktop microphone.

The hearing aid user has to be standing in front of the counter and proceed to turn on the T-coil function to be able to hear what the staff member is saying. And since the fixed counter loop is installed under the actual counter itself, it is a discreet and non-discriminatory way that hearing aid users can communicate easily to ask for assistance. Furthermore, since the fixed counter loop is hidden from sight, hearing aid users are not discriminated against.

Since the fixed counter loop driver does not operate on batteries, it is plugged into a DC power source, and users can choose to keep it on standby or use it on demand. Before the room with the fixed counter loop system can be utilized, it must meet the IEC 600118-4 standard. Staff should be properly set up and tested during the initial installation phase before being commissioned to be fit for use.

Conclusion

Overall, a portable counter loop scores a 5/5 on portability. However, it does require constant adjustments to ensure that customers with hearing aids can get an intelligible sound quality, which might not even meet the IEC 600118-4 standard, and that staff must recharge before every use. Since the portable counter loop is within the public's line of sight, it may be discriminatory to those wearing hearing aids.

On the other hand, a fixed counter loop checks all the requirements the portable counter loop lacks. Even though the fixed counter is not portable and only dedicated to a single counter desk, it meets the IEC 600118-4 standard, which hearing aids users will appreciate. Since it is hidden from the eyes of the public, hearing aid users will feel more included and will not feel discriminated against when approaching a counter staff.

Singapore's architects and building system developers can enhance accessibility and improve communication for hearing aid users by integrating fixed counter loops into their designs.

If you want to learn more about counter loops, please send your inquiry. Read about induction loop systems to understand which option suits your project.

Induction loop systems use electromagnetic fields to transmit audio from a microphone or other audio source to a hearing aid or cochlear implant. The hearing aid or implant must have a Telecoil or often referred to as T-coil, a particular type of receiver, to pick up the audio signals. Installation is required during construction to embed the loop underneath the floor finishing or above the ceiling panels, whichever meets the customer's requirements. Therefore coordination is important between different parties to ensure successful installation.

Digital FM solutions use a 2.4 GHz global frequency standard for wireless broadband communication to transmit audio. The audio source is connected to a transmitter, which transmits the audio to a receiver in a portable neckloop that listeners would have to wear to be able to hear. The receiver can be a portable device. Digital FM solutions are portable and do not require installation. However, the building owner has to assign manpower to issue and collect back the receivers and neckloops after every event. Moreover, it is required to sanitise the neck loop and charge the receivers after each use.

Infrared solutions use infrared light to transmit audio. The audio source is connected to a transmitter, which transmits the audio to a receiver, similar to the Digital FM Solution, and in the form of a neck loop that is portable and listeners would have to wear to be able to hear. The receiver is portable; however, the transmitters would require to be installed. Infrared requires a line of sight; if there is a lot of natural light, this might affect the coverage. However, the building owner has to assign manpower to issue and collect back the receivers and neckloops after every event. Infrared solutions are less affected by interference from other sources but require a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver.

Overall, Induction loop systems are the most cost-effective and do not require extra manpower to collect  receivers or neckloops in every event. Digital FM solutions need a receiver but do not require installation. Infrared solutions are less affected by interference but require a line of sight.

What should I choose for my space?

The best option for you will depend on the specific requirements, the environment in which the public will use the system, and the budget available. We recommend consulting a professional knowledgeable about assistive listening systems to determine the best option for your situation.

The Hearing Enhancement System by the Listening Lab is the most professional HES distributor and sole distributor of Ampetronic Induction Loop Systems in Singapore. Check the installation process we did at NUS University Cultural Centre (UCC) and OWWA School. To learn more, you may send your questions through our enquiry form, give us a call at +65 6817 5100 or send us an email to hes@listeninglab.sg.