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[Brian Ehlers]

The really rough numbers I've heard for the US is that about 10% of the population is hearing-impaired, about half of those have hearing aids, and about half of those have telecoils.  That last number is rising, though it's always countered by the simple fact that people want the absolute smallest hearing aids possible, which often precludes a telecoil.

I totally "get" that an inductive loop system is the ideal solution from the user's point of view.  What's unfortunate is the users' resistance to traditional FM or IR systems.  There seems to be a real stigma within the older generation about being seen using hearing assistance.  Meanwhile, our younger generations see earphones as fashion accessories (much like eyeglasses), thanks in large part to Apple's first iPod commercials.

[Christian Tepfer]

I have come across a lot of the loop systems. Most of them were very old, all of them had to be switched off when we had magnetic pickups of any kind on stage.

I'm curious if the end fire approach reduces the magnetic spill far enough to eliminate problems on stage.

[Simon Lewis]

I'm curious if the end fire approach reduces the magnetic spill far enough to eliminate problems on stage.

Done properly, I believe that it can provide sufficient attenuation to avoid problems. The problems that we face in the UK are that although loops are very popular, a large number (especially in shops where 'counter' systems are used) are badly installed by non experts looking to make a quick buck. It's often the tehnology that gets blamed, not the installer.

Done properly, a good loop system can provide excellent assisted listening without any of the maintenance issues associated with IR or FM. When interference does occur, it can in many cases be solved, but sometimes it needs specialist help (e.g. from Ampetronic - who are one of the best manufacturers).

Simon

[Denny Conn]

We have a pretty extensive Listen IR system here.  The receivers usually use headphones, but you can also plug a loop into them.  The basic system works well, but we have problems with patrons who either don't know how to use their own equipment, or whose equipment isn't compatible with the loops.  It's a real pain trying to tell them it _might_ be their fault.  And if course, since no one who works in our center is hearing impaired, we can't take the loop and try it ourselves to verify that it does or doesn't work.  Listen supplied us with a verified working loop.  If a patron has problems, we give them that one to try.  If it doesn't work, we know it's not our fault.

[Craig Leerman]

Please go to your profile and change the "Name" field to your real full name as required by the posting rules clearly displayed in the header at the top of the section, and in the Site Rules and Suggestions in the Forum Announcements section.

Craig

[Andrew McDonald]

+1 simon

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