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in·duc·tion n the process by which an electrical conductor becomes electrified when near a charged body, by which a magnetizable body becomes magnetized when in a magnetic field or in the magnetic flux set up by a magnetomotive force, or by which an electromotive force is produced in a circuit by varying the magnetic field linked with the circuit
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Sounds very technicial right? - Well the concept behind induction loop systems is actually quite simple. Many manufacturers’ hearing aids have a ‘T’ position which allows them to pick up the electromagnetic field generated by a telephone’s earpiece and convert it into a sound suited to an individual’s specific hearing requirements. Induction loop systems use this principle but generate a much larger field than that created by a telephone earpiece and radiate it around a room via a ‘loop’ (usually a single turn of wire) for the benefit of any hearing impaired person(s) located within it.
In most situations it is impractical to issue any form of separate receiver and the use of the individual' hearing aid is a major step to bringing people with hearing loss back into full contact with their environment. Only induction loop systems are capable of doing this.
Sadly, not all hearing aids are fitted with the loop facility. In the UK, almost all NHS aids are equipped with a 'T' position, as are many privately sold aids. In the UK private sector, it is often the audiologist who decides whether to offer the loop reception facility, but generally they do offer aids with a 'T' setting. At present, about 95% of hearing aids in the UK are said to have the loop receiving function. |
In a very basic form, an induction loop system consists of a loop of wire around the edge of an area connected to a special amplifier. The input of the amplifier is connected to the sound source that the hard of hearing users of the area want to hear more clearly. The amplifier drives an audio current (not voltage) through the loop. This current generates a magnetic field in the area enclosed by the wire that a suitably fitted hearing aid can receive. Recent legislation, aimed at improving the quality of life of disabled people, has led to an increased demand for induction loop systems.
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| Legislation |
THE DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT (1995) Is aimed at ending the discrimination many disabled people face and gives them new rights in, among other things, the area of getting goods and services. This initiative which came into effect in October 2004, is aimed at improving the quality of life of disabled people, and has led to an increased demand for induction loop systems.
BUILDING REGULATIONS (1992) Current building regulations state that non-domestic buildings which are newly erected or have been substantially reconstructed must provide aids for the hearing impaired. The areas requiring cover are booking and ticket offices where the customer is separated from the vendor by a glazed screen; and reception areas, auditoria and meeting rooms in excess of 100 m ².
We have installed several thousand induction loop systems in countless public buildings and places of worship over the last twenty years. Let our experience and knowledge assist you with installing the best induction loop system for your building!
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As main agents for the UK's leading induction loop manufacturers, PAS carry large stocks of loop drivers at all times and can respond to urgent orders and installation demands. Here are a selection of the many products at our disposal.
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| Portable Induction Loop Systems (Suitable for one to one and small group situations) |
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Made from durable ABS plastic, the unit is lightweight and tough enough to be transported and an integral battery allows the unit to be used in most environments. The unit will cover an area of 1 ~ 2 m² and uses an integral microphone to pick up speech and conversations, (however an external microphone may be added if required). Built-in ‘cut-off timer' automatically shuts down the system after 10, 30, 60 minutes if the unit is not being used, helping to maintain battery life for prolonged use.
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The PET is a portable induction loop unit with integral microphone, additional microphone inputs and an external loop connection. Supplied with an internal re-chargeable battery and charger, the PET is a flexible unit for many different small loop applications.
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The PDA200E Induction Loop System provides greater levels of security due to its wall-mounting capabilities, together with increased input flexibility via the choice of modular 'outreach' input plates. Up to 120m² coverage with internal controls to avoid 'tampering. Mid-range tone control to improve intelligibility and Phantom Power on microphone input . |
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The ET30 is part of Current Thinkings' Easy T range of audio frequency induction loop (AFILS) amplifiers. The unit is designed for user-friendly installation to walls, vanity panels, desks and counters. The controls (Mix and Drive) are recessed to hinder unauthorised adjustment, and LED indication is provided for the presence of power and loop current. Suitable for areas upto 30m².
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Large Area/Church/Auditorium |
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The ET150, 300 & 450 form the professional range of Current Thinkings' Easy T series of audio frequency induction loop (AFILS) amplifiers and are designed to provide studio quality sound in an AFILS system. The amplifiers have 3 inputs on XLR; 2 dedicated microphones and one microphone or line selectable using a rear panel switch. User selectable phantom Powering is available for the microphone inputs, enabled via a rear panel switch.
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Infra Red Audio Systems |
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An alternative to induction loops for problem buildings or installations can be found with Infra-red audio systems. Using IR light based technology, audio signals can be radiated around a room or area to a recipient using a dedicated receiver. This receiver can be worn by any person regardless of their hearing capabilities in the form of a headset, or a hearing aid user may make use of a special receiver which connects to a small neck worn loop. This effectively provides them with a personal induction loop.
Infra-red systems are usually installed when the magnetic background noise levels in a room are high (radiated mains fields), confidentiality is required within the room, or when conventional loop cabling is impractical to install.
We tailor systems exactly to meet each requirement selecting from a number of products for different requirements and installation requirements. Our IR systems can be found in government buildings from Aberdeen to Southampton and all points in between!
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| IR Radiators |
IR Receivers |
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| Further information available here |
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