23 Aug Hidden hearing loss needs visible solutions

Many businesses are already thoughtful about visible access requirements, like wheelchair use. However, it’s the hidden disabilities, such as hearing impairment, that are often not given the same, much-needed attention.

For people with hearing impairments, hearing aids alone are simply not enough. 

They pick up all sound in the surrounding area and don’t distinguish speech from background noise. This can make interaction in public spaces particularly hard work, rather than an easy experience, for those involved. 

Assistive listening technologies return independence in environments like movie theatres, meeting halls, and churches, especially for those who have been missing out for years; they offer crucial clarity for users and allow them to tune out excess noise and tune in to wanted sound and conversations.

What assistive listening devices do

Assistive Listening Technology, also known as Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), capture a sound source and transmits it directly to the person listening. Several approaches are commonly used, and each comes with different practical considerations. Let’s explore them now.

Infrared systems

Infrared light can cover large areas and is quick and simple to install. The signal reaches across a room as long as users keep a line of sight with the transmitters. However, users must ask for receivers, which can discourage people who do not want to highlight their hearing loss, and all receivers need to stay charged.

RF systems

RF systems transmit using radio frequencies to receivers or earphones when the user has a receiver, such as a Neckloop equipped. Unless they have a custom hearing aid, users will either carry their own equipment or ask for receivers, as with infrared.

Hearing loop systems

Hearing loops connect universally with the telecoil inside hearing devices. That means hearing aid wearers do not need to wear any additional equipment. While installation costs are generally higher than other options, loops are discreet once laid down and require little maintenance beyond periodic checks.

Bluetooth connections

Bluetooth uses radio waves to connect to smartphones or computers. Convenience is a key benefit for users who already bring a device with them and can connect wirelessly. A core drawback, though, is latency. With this technology, there is a sizable delay between the sound being produced and reaching the listener, and the requirement for users to own a suitable smartphone or device is also another onus that is (perhaps unfairly) placed on the user.

Why hearing loops lead the way

Hearing loop systems are quite simple the best all-around Assistive Listening Technology option. Their ease of use and lack of latency are major benefits, and these advantages have been demonstrated on a global scale. 

As a result, hearing loops are the most widely adopted assistive listening technology in the world. For larger venues, the performance of the hearing loop depends on the driver behind it; this is where the V Series PRO range comes in – and really excels. 

V Series PRO hearing loop drivers for large venues

Large area hearing loop drivers are installed in locations like lecture halls, places of worship, and arenas to allow multiple hearing instrument wearers to listen to speech or music with complete clarity.

The V Series PRO range is the most technologically advanced set of hearing loop drivers ever released, and some of the simplest to install and operate. Reliability and ease of use come first, alongside lifelike speech and music reproduction. Contacta has used fifty years of experience in assistive technology to create and combine features that installers need to be as efficient as possible.

Hearing loop installation is treated by many companies as a mysterious process, often made worse by complicated setup procedures and hard-to-understand terminology. The V Series PRO approach is built to cut through the noise and to make things simple.

Output, efficiency, and venue fit

These robust drivers are designed for facilities and venues spanning a wide variety of sizes. They can support meeting rooms, lecture halls, places of worship, gym halls, theatres, concert halls, sports arenas, and much more.

At maximum level, they can run class-leading power output for a minimum of 20 minutes. Advanced Class D technology ensures high efficiency, power output, and audio performance. The audio subsystem is based on advanced digital systems, including an ARM Cortex processor and dual DSPs.

Models in the range include:

• V22a PRO
  22.66V RMS @ 8A RMS
  Phased array hearing loops 
• V34 PRO
  34V RMS @ 12A RMS
  Perimeter hearing loops 
• V34a PRO
  34aV RMS @ 12A RMS
  Phased array hearing loops 

Highly rated custom heat-sinks and active cooling keep the drivers reliable, efficient, and quiet even with higher power. Integrated universal switch-mode power supplies add high efficiency and power factor correction.

Core features that simplify hearing loop installation

Power is not the only differentiator at play here. The V Series PRO drivers include integral features to reduce installation time and improve setup clarity, including: 

• Inbuilt guided loop setup with an integrated test signal generator
• Full-colour high-resolution screen with an intuitive user interface for all adjustments
• Intelligent self-monitoring that sends status emails when driver settings change, via network connectivity
• Adjustable audio time delay for optimal syncing across large distances.
  Embedded LAN service to modify drive and loop output levels, reducing installation time
• Daisy chain audio outputs to connect multiple drivers to one audio source in large environments
• Settings and profiles can be saved to the cloud or to a USB storage device.
• DANTE connectivity can be implemented with an adaptor. 

Each V Series PRO driver is packaged with signage for venues where hearing loops are installed, rack brackets for mounting racks, NL4 connector(s), and an IEC power lead.

Find out more

For more details, get in touch on +441732 223900 or email sales@contacta.co.uk