Hearing loop installation guide:
Where can hearing loop cable be placed?
Loops can be fixed at various heights dependant on type and use. The one height they must never be fitted at is the same height as the hearing aid as this causes massive fluctuations in signal loudness across the width of the area.
Perimeter loops are ideally installed at floor or ceiling level. The listening plane (ear height) will be between 1.2m for seated and 1.6m standing, the ideal loop height should be at least a meter above or below this range.
The loops can be installed below the floor in a basement, on the floor or high on the walls or ceiling. Floor level loops can be installed in flat copper tape underneath carpets, high level loops can be installed in plastic trunking or fixed to beams or decorative features.
The loops can also be buried in soil or concrete if a suitable cable is used.
Array systems are almost always installed on the floor or in plastic conduit above a suspended ceiling. This is because the loop wire runs backwards and forwards across the width of the room a number of times in a specific pattern often called an array. The physical dimensions of each array are quite critical in terms of wire placement and spacing. An installation accuracy of within 50mm or better can be important when following drawings supplied by Ampetronic for an array layout. Arrays can occasionally be fitted in plastic conduit in the top surface of a screed layer.
Installation along steps in tiered seating or similar requires careful thought. Take a look at some of our recommended installation methods for steps.
At reception, ticket sales, and other counters, the usual loop arrangement is to have a pre-formed loop mounted vertically in the counter construction.
Lifts (elevators) can also offer benefit from Induction Loop systems.
Other applications such as help points, public vehicles and even boats and ships, not shown in this Hearing loop installation guide: can benefit from using loop systems and typically require a custom design loop layout which can be provided by Ampetronic on request.
