November 23, 2021 | Reviewed by Sam Scott

The importance of voice cannot be overstated. The human voice embodies more than just the words that are spoken. It conveys mood, tone, and emotion, and connects the listener to the speaker in ways synthetic voice and text can not. Ultimately, it is our most powerful means of influence.

So, it’s for good reason that audiovisual consultants put so much focus on amplifying the human voice clearly. But an inclusive AV system design must consider more than how sound is projected. It must also consider how that sound is received.

Statistics Canada estimates that 19% of Canadian adults suffer from hearing loss in the speech-frequency range. Many of those affected experience fatigue, anxiety, and distress in public settings, leading them to avoid social activities like concerts and theatre. Unfortunately, hearing aids offer little relief due to increased distance, reverb, and noise in these environments.

That’s why assistive listening devices (ALDs) have become critical components of any public AV solution. They are required by building codes across Canada but, unfortunately, they’re poorly understood.

Here’s what you need to know about ALDs when designing buildings in BC.

What Are Assistive Listening Devices?

ALDs are part of an assistive listening system (ALS) designed for places of assembly, such as theatres, courtrooms, schools, and arenas. These portable devices amplify desirable audio and filter out noise. They offer substantial benefits to the user and may be designed to work in tandem with hearing aids or on their own, allowing those with hearing loss to listen to clear audio at loud volumes without disturbing those around them.

How Do Assistive Listening Systems Work?

An ALS uses wireless technology to transmit audio content to the user. A transmitter is connected to the building’s sound system and sends the desired audio feed(s) to multiple receivers (ALDs). The system’s effectiveness depends on strong wireless coverage of the intended area. Therefore, it is crucial that these installations are well planned. Often, emitter and antenna devices must be visible, so ALS designs should be considered with building architecture.

With an ALS, users don’t just get a louder version of whatever reaches them from the speakers. Instead, they get pure, direct sound delivered to their ALD—as if the sound operator handed them a pair of headphones.

Hearing Assist Regulations in Canada

It’s important to note that if you do not include an ALS in your facility, you are not just excluding patrons. You could also be in contravention of the law.

The Government of Canada passed the Accessible Canada Act in 2019 to help “create a barrier-free Canada through the proactive identification, removal and prevention of barriers to accessibility.” The guidelines for hearing assistance are set nationally, but the adoption and enforcement of these regulations fall to each province.

You can find BC’s building code accessibility requirements in the British Columbia Building Accessibility Handbook. Here are the two most relevant passages:

Article 3.8.2.4.: “In assembly occupancies, all auditoria and theatres with an area of more than 100 m ² shall have an assistive listening system conforming to Article 3.8.3.20.”

Article 3.8.3.20.: “Where assistive listening systems are required they shall be provided throughout the entire seating area except that with an induction loop system only have the seating area need be encompassed.”

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “induction loop system,” don’t fret! We’ve included an overview of the four main types of ALS.

Four Types of Assistive Listening Systems You Should Know About

ALSs vary in how they transmit audio to the user’s ALD. There are trade-offs you must consider when choosing the ideal technology for your building. The four main types are infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), induction loop, and WiFi systems.

Infrared Systems

An IR ALS works like a television remote control: it uses an emitter (like an antenna) to radiate beams of infrared light that are received by the ALD. It is a line-of-sight technology, so emitter placement is crucial for sufficient audio quality and coverage.

The benefits of an IR ALS include cost-effective, simple installation and the ability to broadcast different audio feeds on separate channels. Due to the line-of-sight requirement, IR is also a secure means of transmitting confidential information within a room. Personal neck loop receivers are available as optional ALDs; these work in tandem with hearing aids that have telecoil capabilities.

Radio Frequency Systems

Radio frequency systems work like… well, a radio! They use antennas to transmit radio waves to the receivers (remember, ALDs = receivers). They can cover wider areas than IR emitters and don’t need direct line-of-site, but don’t let that fool you into thinking antenna placement isn’t important.

RF antennas should be installed high up in the desired coverage area and are prone to interference. Extra care must be taken to test each channel for quality. If everything is tuned correctly and the ALD sounds like your car radio when you drive through a tunnel, the antennas may need to be moved.

RF systems are typically the least expensive to purchase and install. They also work well outdoors due to their range. Like IR systems, they can tune different feeds to different channels simultaneously and may use neck loops to support users with telecoil hearing aids.

However, IR and RF ALDs present a disadvantage to some users. Those with more severe hearing loss will not be well served if their hearing aids lack telecoils or if the venue does not provide neck loops. Without telecoil functionality, ALD headphones can cause feedback issues with hearing aids, which may need to be removed. This creates an awkward situation for users who must re-insert their personal hearing devices to make conversation.

Staff must be made fully aware of the different ALD types and their intended functions. Too often, a patron is given the wrong device—or no device at all—and must suffer through the event while the ALD they need sits in a cabinet gathering dust.

Induction Loop Systems

In induction loop—or hearing loop—systems, a special wire is installed around the venue, creating an induction field. This field is picked up by telecoil hearing aids directly. It creates a seamless experience for users who need nothing more than their personal listening devices to benefit from assistive listening. Loop receivers may be provided as ALDs to those without telecoil devices.

Studies have shown that users strongly prefer looped to non-looped hearing assist systems, and it’s easy to see why. 70% of hearing aids and all cochlear implants use telecoil technology, so many will not need to approach customer service to ask for a device, truly removing another barrier to accessibility. Loop systems may also be deployed in smaller settings, such as ticket windows and information kiosks.

On the downside, induction loop installations are not always practical. They are highly susceptible to electromagnetic interference and can be costly to integrate. Further, broadcasting multiple audio channels within the same induction field is not possible, and spillover may occur between adjacent rooms with separate loops.

hearing loop system — Induction Loop System (Canadian Audiologist)

WiFi: The Future of Hearing Assistance Technology?

In recent years, systems that work over WiFi have emerged. These systems rely on the prevalence of smartphones and tablets, which become ALDs via a mobile app and the building’s wireless network. This allows each user to control their experience through a familiar device, though it makes them responsible for providing their own in-ear accessories.

As more smartphones are designed with telecoil capabilities and Bluetooth hearing aids become available, there are few barriers to WiFi’s rise as a prominent hearing assist solution. However, it is generally understood that induction loops and t-coils will remain the most accessible technology for those with hearing loss for several more years.

Use Signage to Support Your ALS

Whichever type of ALS you use, you must provide signage to indicate its availability. It should be clear to patrons whether a telecoil option is available and where they can retrieve an ALD.

Further, in Canada, you may be required to display this information in both official languages. Your facility must use bilingual signage if it meets one of the following conditions:

It is a head or central office.
It is located in the National Capital Region.
It belongs to an institution that reports directly to Parliament.
There is significant demand for services in both languages, as defined by Official Language Minority Community regulations.
The nature of the business justifies that both languages be used in communications.
The facility provides services to the travelling public, where there is significant demand for both languages.

To Review: Why Install an Assistive Listening System in Your Facility?

Hearing loss is one of the most prominent disabilities in Canada, and places of assembly should be inclusive. Further, effective communication involves more than words and information. There are no suitable replacements for the human voice, and assistive listening devices deliver speech and other desirable audio content directly to the user.

These sentiments are supported by national and provincial law. You have a legal obligation to design buildings with barrier-free accessibility in mind. You will find detailed accessibility requirements for BC in the province’s building code.

Plus, it’s great for business. The disabled and ageing (65+) populations are expected to represent 40% of total Canadian income within 25 years. That’s billions of dollars in spending power that will gravitate toward accessible, welcoming environments.

It’s the law, it’s good business, and it’s the right thing to do.

Need help choosing the right ALS for your project? Contact Chroma today.

Sources:

Listen Technologies "A Guide to Assistive Listening: Understanding Canadian Legislative Compliance"

FAQs

How do public buildings accommodate people with hearing loss?

Public buildings accommodate people with hearing loss by providing Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). ALDs amplify desirable audio and filter out noise, allowing those with hearing loss to listen to clear audio at loud volumes without disturbing those around them.

How do assistive listening systems work?

Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) use wireless technology to transmit audio content to the user. A transmitter connected to the building’s sound system sends the desired audio feed(s) to multiple receivers (ALDs).

Are assistive listening systems required by law in Canada?

Yes, assistive listening systems (ALS) are required by law in Canada. In British Columbia, it is mandated that all auditoria and theatres with an area of more than 100 m2 have an ALS.

What are the different types of assistive listening systems?

There are four main types of assistive listening systems (ALS): infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), induction loop, and WiFi systems. Each ALS varies in how it transmits audio to the user’s ALD.