Induction Loops
Induction loops are used to make the life of those who suffer from impaired hearing a little easier. The basic principal is to allow the transmission from a sound system to be sent to a hearing aid or loop listener.
The problem with hearing aids is that they often pick up too much outside noise. So if you're in noisy environment like an airport, cinema, theatre or even in your own home watching television, all the noise around you can swamp the sound source you want to be listening to. Induction loops effectively reduce or cut out the excessive background noise allowing you to focus properly on what's being said or played.
The actual induction loop consists of a cable that runs round the listening area. The whole system works by having an amplifier attached to the sound source e.g. a microphone, a TV, etc. The amplifier sends an electric current through the loop that produces a magnetic field that matches the sound source. If you are within the listening area and you have a loop listener or a properly set hearing aid then you can hear the sound being broadcast.
Public areas often have induction loops installed, especially places like theatres, cinemas, airports, conference halls, places of worship, banks, train stations etc. If you look around you'll see signs up to say that a loop system is available.
For hearing aid wearers as long as your have it set to 'T' you will automatically be able to pick up the signal in induction loop area. One thing to remember is that even within the area you can get spots which for various reasons receive a poor signal. While some places do put up signs to warn customers of potential problems, others don't.
Although the induction loop will filter out most of the background noise you may find that you can hear a low buzzing or humming noise as you listen. This is caused by interference from nearby electrical devices like lights. There's not much you can do about this but it shouldn't be loud enough to spoil what you're listening to. You may also need to turn up the volume of your hearing aid when you switch it to the 'T' setting to get the full benefit of the system.
Induction loops aren't just confined to public buildings, they have now made their way into the home and even the car. They aren't difficult to install and aren't too costly either. In the car it will help you hear the radio or hear what your passengers are saying more clearly. All new London taxis are now required to have an induction loop system installed. In the home induction loops are useful for listening to the TV or radio without having to turn up the volume to an excessive level.
All in all induction loops are relatively straightforward to install and use and are probably set to be installed as standard in most future public buildings as well as becoming more popular in the home.