Hearing loops best practice
Find out why it is good practice to provide a hearing loop for your customers, and other information about making hearing loop technology available.
Why should I provide a hearing loop?
Not only are you required to by law, but it is also good customer practice. If you make your goods and services accessible to hearing aid users, you are likely to provide a better service to your customers and provide your business with an additional revenue stream.
What type of hearing loop would I need?
There are various loops for different applications; service counter hearing loops are different from meeting room hearing loops and the design may need to account for impacts of modern building construction or ensure correct operation of multiple adjacent systems. It is important that you consult a manufacturer or find a hearing loop specialist who will provide you with the correct equipment. Find out more about hearing loops.
What is the cost?
A service counter hearing loop will cost around £250-£400 installed and is normally undisruptive. Room hearing loops will be more expensive depending on the size of the room and type of system needed, cables may need to be installed under the floor finish or within a ceiling void. A specialist installer will be able to provide a full quotation.
Where can I buy a hearing loop?
You should obtain your hearing loop from a specialist loop supplier. Most hearing loop manufacturers can also provide advice and may be able to recommend local trained installers. You should ensure that your supplier is including all necessary audio equipment to provide a fully working system, including any microphones and interconnections etc.
Am I under legal obligation to provide?
Yes, the Equality Act legislation requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments, providing the appropriate assistive listening system, such as induction loop equipment is deemed to be making reasonable adjustments for people with hearing loss.
Is it easy to operate?
Most hearing loop systems should be installed in a way that always works with no intervention needed but it is important to understand factors such as where the microphone is positioned and any plugs or switches that must remain turned on. Your specialist hearing loop provider should be able to assist with this.
Does a loop need regular maintenance?
Yes, someone at the venue should be capable of performing a basic listening test to ensure the system is working on a regular basis and before any events. In addition, a more thorough check of the system should be conducted, normally on an annual visit by a specialist loop supplier.
Promoting availability of a loop
Fitting the correct signage is important, also advertising the fact that you are providing the service for example on your website. Your loop supplier will be able to guide you on appropriate signage and where to access / purchase.
