Hearing Augmentation. What It Is and Why You Need It

Did you know that 1 in 6 Australians suffer from hearing impairment, representing approximately 15.3% of the total population? Are you aware that by 2050, 1 in 4 Australians will suffer from hearing impairment?

Hearing disorders are among the six most common conditions in industrialised countries that significantly impact quality of life. Even minor hearing loss is a disadvantage in a world of rapid information exchange, leading to difficulties in understanding speech isolation and social withdrawal. With this, it is essential to consider hearing augmentation in your workplace.

So, what technology do you choose? Here, we explore a few currently available systems and how they work.

Induction Loop Systems

An induction or Audio Frequency (AFIL) or hearing loop system transmits an audio signal directly into a hearing aid via a magnetic field. When a hearing-impaired person’s hearing aid is switched to a T-mode, the T-coil picks up the signal from the magnetic field and converts it back into audible sound.

IR Systems

An IR system uses infrared light to transmit an in-room audio signal source from a transmitter mounted within the room to a receiver worn by the user. People with hearing aids utilise a neck loop receiver that allows the coupling of the magnetic field signal with the Telecoil in the hearing aid, and people without hearing aids use headphones or headsets.

FM Systems

An FM system uses frequency-modulated radio waves to transmit an in-room audio signal source from a transmitter to a receiver worn by the user. Like IR Systems, people with hearing aids utilise a neck loop receiver that allows coupling of the magnetic field signal with the telecoil in the hearing aid, and people without hearing aids utilise headphones or headsets.

WiFi Systems

The basic concept of a WiFi hearing augmentation system is utilising an existing or new network infrastructure to transmit an audio signal source over WiFi to a user's mobile device. The user downloads an app and connects to the venue’s wireless network to receive a live audio stream in real-time and high quality on their device. Once in the app, the user can choose a channel from the venue's stream list.

To comply with section D3.7 Hearing Augmentation of the National Construction Code (NCC), a hearing augmentation system MUST be provided where an inbuilt amplification system, other than one used for emergency warning, is installed.

Have you considered hearing augmentation in your workplace?