Acoustics and reverberation.
Hearing aids can be helpful, but the results can be variable based on how well they are programmed (the skills of the audiologist), the level of hearing loss, and the environment, and can only work to a degree. The greater the hearing loss the harder it is for people to hear well, particularly in the more challenging situations where noise, reverberation, and distance are a factor.
‘Sonos’ sound systems are wireless speakers that amplify sound. The systems are a good piece of equipment for adding volume and deep bass, but they are not really beneficial for people with hearing issues. They do not improve the clarity of sound, merely make it louder. Sound masking technology is available,
which plays low-level background sound (e.g., pink noise or biophilic soundscapes like birdsong) to reduce disruptive noise and enhance relaxation. An induction loop system consists of a cable that goes around the perimeter of a room. Both ends of the cable are connected to the output of a specially designed loop amplifier. It generates a magnetic field which hearing devices that have the ‘Telecoil’ function switched to the T position can pick up to improve audio clarity. A loop system needs to have enough
power and coverage to be effective. Loop systems do not have connections to the TV. Installers need to be aware of the possibility of overspill (hearing aid users with rooms adjacent to the cabling being able to hear confidential conversations through their hearing aids). Care home managers require training about a loop system’s presence, functionality, and testing.
The Equality Act
It is important to remember that the Equality Act 2010 applies to care homes. The Act specifies that for residents with hearing impairments, the effects should be considered without any corrective measures, such as hearing aids. This means that if a person has a hearing impairment that significantly affects their ability to hear and understand conversations or other sounds, they may be considered disabled under the Act.
The guidance also highlights that environmental factors, such as background noise, can exacerbate the effects of a hearing impairment. It outlines several accommodations that may be required to ensure residents with a hearing
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impairment can effectively participate in various activities. These are aimed at providing an inclusive environment and can include: 1. Provision of assistive devices: Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and devices that can help amplify sound or provide alternative ways of communication.
2. Communication support: This can involve providing sign language interpreters, speech-to-text reporters, or real-time captioning services.
3. Environmental adjustments: Modifying the environment to reduce background noise and improve acoustics. Such as installing sound-absorbing materials or using hearing loops in public spaces.
4. Accessible information: Ensuring information is available in accessible formats, such as written text, visual aids, or digital formats.
5. Training and awareness: Providing training for staff to raise awareness about hearing impairments and how to communicate effectively with individuals who have hearing loss.
Care home developers should also be aware of: n BS 8300:2018 (Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment), which includes guidance on acoustic comfort in care settings.
n Health Building Note (HBN) 08-02 covers acoustic design for healthcare facilities.
n
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2025 Pritesh Nathwani
Pritesh Nathwani is a director at Symphony Sound, a company that he set up with his sister, dedicated to improving the acoustic environment in care homes and retirement communities. He is also a director at Symphony Hearing, providing hearing support to older people living in their own homes for the last six years. He has worked at Specsavers and carried out a variety of business development roles. With a background in healthcare management and technology, Pritesh has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the care and retirement sector. He is passionate about finding new ways that technology can enhance quality of life for people in his care.
Andrii Iemelianenko -
stock.adobe.com
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