The International Hearing Loop Manufacturers Association (IHLMA) is an association of
the major manufacturers of audio induction loop equipment. Our Market Development
Director, Andrew Thomas, is Chair of IHLMA which acts as a voice for the industry.
It supports good quality loop installations around the world, provides guidance to anyone
interested in hearing loop systems and ensures members abide by its Code of Conduct.

The International Hearing Access Committee was born out of the 2017 annual conference of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People. As one of the founders, Contacta is among the members aiming to foster improved telecoil function and innovative application, and to raise awareness of the benefits of loops among providers in the hearing industry. IHAC also aims to develop a strategic plan for the development and promotion of hearing technology worldwide.

Both IHLMA and IHAC are member of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (IFHOH). This organisation represents the interests of more than 466 million hard of hearing people worldwide.

After being invited to be part of a ministerial committee to look at accessibility on the high street, Andrew was asked to join the British Standards BS559 – Design of an Accessible and Inclusive Environment.

This committee is responsible for BS 8300 which covers accessible and inclusive design of the built environment. Andrew’s input was key to updating the Standard in 2018 to include specific guidance on assistive listening technology for the first time.

Contacta is a member of AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, the international trade body representing the AV industry with 11,400 members across 80 countries. This membership reinforces our training standards for partners and clients. Five of our instructors are AVIXA accredited on the design, installation and maintenance of assistive listening systems, and AVIXA members attending our training sessions can collect AVIXA points. Membership also connects us to a professional AV hub of training, resources, information and wider community links, helping us stay informed and keep up to date with industry developments.

Historic and heritage venues, including churches, are often aware of their obligations to ensure equal accessibility under the Equality Act, but may worry that creating optimal hearing access could negatively impact the structure of these (often listed) buildings.

With skilled AV engineers, careful site visits, and the right assistive listening systems, inclusion can be achieved without damaging key features. Hearing loops or other technologies can be installed discreetly, even invisibly, with installers taking account of details such as skirting colour, mortar thickness, and flooring layouts, and consulting architects or Listed Buildings officers where needed.

Contacta’s installation at St Catherine’s in West Sussex, parts of which were built in the 11th Century, shows what this looks like in practice. The hearing loop was made invisible by using existing heating ducts in the floor to route cable between pews, and the driver was concealed behind the pulpit. For heritage spaces that need an even lighter touch, RF systems can be portable, require no wiring or installed microphones, and can also be used for tour-guiding.

The result is simple: history and accessibility can, and should, go together, and high-quality, adaptable hearing access makes that possible for every visitor and worshipper.