Induction Loops and Assisted Listening Systems for hire.

Listed below are our dry hire rates for the two types of Assisted Listening Systems that we can hire out.

If you wish to hire individual Infra-red component items to supplement an existing system then please click here for more information and hire rates.

If you want to know more about the different systems available then please click here or how to set up a system then click here.

Whether in a theatre, a church, a community centre or at conferences, weddings, parties or corporate events, people want to experience every word and hear every sound. That's what they come to events for, and they deserve to participate by hearing every single word.

Although many people are OK listening to a standard sound system or PA, some may be hard of hearing and have to use a personal hearing aid and there may be others who could use a little hearing help.

In these cases, an Assisted Hearing or Listening System is required. Hearing devices can be used to overcome the effects of background noise, poor room acoustics or long distances. And for people who are hard of hearing, an assisted listening device may be used with or without a hearing aid. There are a variety of listening systems on the market, all designed to provide an easy-to-use and convenient wireless sound solution for you or your patrons and guests.

We can supply two types of Assisted Listening Systems (ALS) and either type can be hired as a complete system. Also, if you atready run an infra-red based system, additional component items can be hired to supplement your own system. Please click here for more information.

Induction Loop systems. An Induction Loop is a cable or wire laid around the circumference of the listening area and provides an audio signal which can be picked up directly by hearing aids having a "T" setting to improve the sound quality for the hearing aid user. The idea is very simple and a loop can be fitted wherever a sound system is already in use.

Infrared systems. Infrared systems transmit sound using infrared light waves. Although they are often used in the home with TV sets, they are also used in larger settings like theatres, churches and conference rooms. A typical system comprises one or two IR transmitters mounted on a stand and a number of IR receivers, one for each person requiring to use the system.

The advantages and disadvantages of each system are listed below to assist you in identifying the optimum system type for your particular situation. If you have any questions or require assistance in deciding which type of system is better suited to your situation then please email us with your requirements and we will do our best to advise you.

Either system requires an audio feed from a sound system to provide the sound that the listener needs to hear.

If a sound system is already in use and a spare audio output for the ALS is available, then the installation of either system is very straightforward, although the Induction Loop System requires the cable, or wire, to be laid safely around the circumference of the listening area, normally at skirting board height or floor level.

If an existing sound system is not already fitted, we can specify a suitable system to pick up the audio sources which would feed either system and such a system can be hired in addition to the ALS if necessary.

The Induction Loop System will require the loop cable or wire to be laid around the circumference of the listening area. The cable is laid at, or near, floor level, and if this around the outer walls of a room , the cable can be placed at the junction of the floor and the bottom of the wall or on top of the skirting board. For any doorway or other access point, the cable must be taken over the top of the door frame or laid under the floorcovering across the opening.

It is entirely the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that the loop cable is installed in a safe manner and does not present any trip or other hazard.

Once the cable has been laid, the cable junction box is connected to the output of the loop amplifier and the audio source is connected to the input of the loop amplifier. The loop amplifier will require a domestic mains power feed from a standard 13A wall socket.

Once the system has been installed, connected and switched on and an audio source provided, the supplied loop tester with headphones can be used by a hearing person to listen to the audio being transmitted by the loop to ensure that it is working correctly.

The loop cable need not be laid around the full perimeter of the room if the area where hearing aid users will be located can be defined, as long as the cable can be safely laid on the floor and can reach the loop amplifier without causing any hazard. In this case, a shorter loop cable can be laid just around the listening area resulting in a quicker and easier install.

Infrared System

The Infrared System requires the transmitter, and slave transmitter if required, each to be mounted on a suitable stand, eg a microphone stand, above head height and each located such that any users of the system will be in reasonable line of sight of either transmitter.

The main transmitter input is connected to the audio source and, if used, the slave transmitter input is connected to the main transmitter output. Each transmitters will require a domestic mains power feed from a standard 13A wall socket.

Any receiver supplied with the system will have been fully charged but it is recommended that all the receivers are placed in the charging station on receipt to be trickle charged until they are required for use.

At least one receiver supplied will be of the stethoset type and can be used by a hearing person to check the correct operation and coverage area of the system.

When required for use, each receiver is then handed to the user for them to use as necessary. At the end of the event, the receivers must be reclaimed for every user and checked for any signs of damage. It is the responsibility of the hirer to ensure that all receivers are reclaimed and that they remain in a fully working and undamaged state.

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We can also supply an Induction Loop Tester for sale separately which allows hearing people to listen to the loop to test its operation and can also be used by those with poor hearing who do not have a suitable hearing aid for use with an Induction Loop. Please go to our Sound Equipment Sales page for more information and prices.

Alternatively, we provide an Induction Loop design service for a permanent installation. Our service will calculate the cable and amplifier requirements for your particular location, specify the components needed to fit the loop and supply you with instructions for installing it yourself. A typical installation would involve just laying out the cable around the circumference of the coverage area, fixing it to the floor/wall and connecting it to the amplifier.

If you are interested in using this service then please email us with the dimensions of the area to be covered and we will email you back with the details and the costs of the components and installation.