Whole House Audio Frequency Inductive Loop Systems (AFILS)

family room with sofa, chairs, lamps
Using a whole house inductive loop system is a very efficient way for persons with hearing loss to have uninterrupted hearing in their homes, as they move to different areas (fields). Once the system is installed, users can hear the TV, stereo, even conversations at the dinner table, etc. Each area must be wired by a technician, but I've heard they're so simple many consumers set it up themselves.

The AFILS or loop system transmits to a magnetic field for hearing aid wearers that have a telecoil. The telecoil acts as a receiver; loop receivers are used for people who don't have a telecoil. Since the AFILS works directly with the hearing aid and telecoil, it eliminates the need to turn a TV or stereo up to full volume. Instead, fields are established for multiple hearing areas within a loop system. An AFILS can be heard by an unlimited number of hearing aid users, simply by turning their hearing aid to "T", without the need for additional equipment.

AFILSs can be set up at businesses or places of worship, though they are not practical for classrooms because they pick up too much noise from other nearby classrooms. (FM systems are recommended for classroom settings.)

Prior to installation of a loop system, the location is checked for significant electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as nearby power transformers or heavy equipment. Too much interference impedes an audio frequency induction loop system.

 

Resources

DTSystems (Audio Design and Supply Services)

email: sales@dt4u.com

Company specializes in all types of sound systems, including induction loops, telephone dial up systems, personal address systems, hi-fi and more.

 

Pure Direct Sound

49 Piston Court
Stewartstown, PA 17363
717.993.8555
email: neil@puredirectsound.com

Provides high quality hearing aid compatible telecoil listening products that deliver "pure direct sound."

 

Oval Window Audio

33 Wildflower Court
Nederland, CO 84066
303.447.3607
info@ovalwindowaudio.com

 

Provides a full line of induction loop assistive listening systems, as well as visual and vibro-tactile technology systems

Note: Infinitec Inc. does not endorse or recommend these products and has no liability for the results of their use. Infinitec Inc. has received no consideration of any type for featuring any product on this Web site. The information offered herein is a summary; it is not comprehensive and should be carefully evaluated by consumers with the assistance of qualified professionals. The intention of Infinitec Inc. is to offer consumers a brief overview of various assistive technology devices and their applications.