Specifying hearing loop systems

Specifying hearing loop systems can be complex, requiring detailed knowledge of all the necessary elements, the loop design options available and their limitations, driver selection and international Standards for performance.

There are many factors to consider before selecting the equipment required for the system. For example an amplifier/driver should never be specified simply on area coverage as such factors as area aspect ratio, loop design, metal losses and required current must also be calculated.

To this end the majority of our clients come to Ampetronic for assistance with system specification. Ampetronic offer this service free of charge and our support team will happy to discuss any areas that require clarification. Contact us on +44 (0) 1636 610062 or email support@ampetronic.com

Click here for examples of generic system specifications.

If you would like to specify the system yourself a good place to start is by asking ‘The 6 questions’, the answers to which should enable you to both design and specify a system that will perform to the required international Standards.

Basic overview of system specification steps:

1. Gather all the answers to Ampetronic’s 6 questions.

2. Define the required loop system type for the application

1. Localised overspill loop
2. Perimeter loop system
3. Cancellation
4. Single array
5. Phased array:
   1. Low spill
   2. Metal-compensation
   3. Large area
   4. Balcony

3. Define the loop details

1. Shape (requires a design for phased arrays)
2. Position (under flooring, wall mounted or in the ceiling etc)
3. Number of Turns
4. Material section

4. Calculate current and voltage headroom requirements

5. Define required inputs

What type and number of AV inputs are required for the system (microphones, AV systems, mixing desks etc)?

6. Select the appropriate equipment

1. Audio input sources
   1. Appropriate microphone types
   2. TV/AV connections
2. Amplifier/Driver(s) for required current
   1. Perimeter loop only
   2. Phase shift capable
   3. Rugged environment
   4. Tamper proof
   5. Rack mountable
3. c) Loop material
   1. Copper tape
   2. Copper wire
   3. Burial cable
   4. Warning tape
   5. Protective extrusion
4. Receivers
   1. Receiver for users without t-coil enabled hearing aids
   2. Receivers with testing capabilities for staff
5. Signage
   1. Hard of hearing ‘T’ sign for each entry point, clearly visible from within the looped area
   2. Map of the looped area

For help with specifying hearing loop systems please contact us on +44 (0) 1636 610062

For information on specifying other assistive listening technologies please visit https://av.ampetronic.com