From page 21


a complete working day, although they can still be used whilst charging is in progress. Most incorporate a time out circuit, meaning that if they have not been used for a period of time, say for example five minutes, they will automatically switch off.


In order for the portable system panel to be used solo, internal microphones with automatic gain control form part of the unit. However, they also include sockets for external microphones, and both microphone sources can be used in tandem if required. Although the portable loop system was originally conceived for use in places such as small business offices there are many other instances where they come into their own. These instances include, not surprisingly, our Maintenance and Equipment News for Churches and Schools readers.


For schools, academies, colleges and other seats of learning, a portable loop system is the ideal accessory for the offices of head teachers and principals. Not only for meeting with hearing impaired parents and guardians, but also with the occasional hearing impaired student.


executive or whoever meets with anyone who is hearing impaired.


Alternative technology Although induction loop is considered to be the primary technology for assisting hearing impaired persons, there are some alternatives which are used for specific purposes.


One alternative is the infrared system. As with induction loop, sound from a microphone or other source goes into an amplifier.


The amplified output is directed to a unit known as an infrared radiator. This transmits modulated infrared rays that are invisible. Infrared compatible wireless headphones receive the modulated infrared rays and convert them back to audible sound.


For churches, cathedrals and all other places of worship, a portable loop system is something that could easily be overlooked as essential furniture in vestries and offices. Yet such a system can often prove invaluable when the priest, minister, rabbi, chief


Thus anybody can use this system, and it is particularly popular in places such as selected museums and art galleries who are able to transmit a perpetual dialogue explaining their various displays. Visitors collect a pair of compatible headphones from reception, sometimes paying a refundable deposit for the privilege, and then enjoy the audible commentary as they wander around the exhibits. To benefit from the same commentary, hearing aid wearers combine the use of a special neck loop with the receiver to transfer the signal into their personal hearing aids. Closed circuit modulated frequency (FM) radio transmission is another alternative to the induction loop system. This is, or so I am advised, particularly popular in the United States.


As with infrared systems, hearing aid wearers combine the use of a special neck loop with the receiver to transfer the signal into their hearing aids.


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Dead areas We have noted that under current legislation all places of worship and, indeed, all establishments that serve members of the public at large, need to make provision for the hard of hearing to fully participate in whatever services are being made available to them.


So the bottom line is that the basic requirement is clearly a good quality audio sound system complete with the addition of a suitably compatible audio frequency induction loop amplifier. Preferably with no dead areas. Within the electromagnetic field area of any loop installation especially, but not confined to, large venues including the greater places of worship, cathedrals for instance, sometimes a dead area can be detected. This is an area where a hearing aid wearer discovers that their appliance is not receiving the signal very well. To alleviate this difficulty, it is good practice for all venues to use a professional public address equipment company to service and review their audio and loop installations every few years.


With technology progressing faster than ever before, venues with older analogue installations would do well to consider the latest digital systems when the time comes round for them to either upgrade or go for entirely new installations altogether. Hearing aids have been manufactured to a specification that


incorporates digital technology for a while now, and it seems to make sense for complementary hardware to also be digital wherever feasible.


Eric A. Thorn Email: EricAThorn@msn.com


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