Installation
Hearing loop system installation and maintenance should only be completed by a trained Contacta Dealer. This is due to a number of factors which must be considered if users are to gain the full benefits of the systems.
Contacta dealers use their specialized training and experience with hearing loops to account for a wide variety of factors during installation. These include:
Measure impact of metal loss and interference on site.
Measurements at head height and end-user movement on site.
Define required loop current to avoid signal distortion.
Define cable type, layout and installation location.
Ensure compliance with the IEC 60118-4 standard.
Hearing loops will always be installed as efficiently as possible without compromising the quality of a hearing loop’s signal while also minimizing the disruption to venues during installation.
Dealer & Distributor Coverage
Contacta has a dealer and distribution network across much of Canada and most of the United States.
For contact details for a dealer or distributor nearest you, please contact us by phone or email.
Large area installation techniques
There are a number of commonly used hearing loop design configurations used when installing large area hearing loops. The most popular loop designs are a perimeter layout or a phased array layout. Other layouts are used in certain conditions to help achieve optimal results, including overspill control and coverage of very large areas.
Contacta dealers are trained to design the best configuration for your space and desired use. Dealers perform initial site visits where they will take measurements of background noise, consult with you on where the loop wire will be installed and inquire about the construction of the building to take into consideration metal loss during the specification process. Information gathered will help the dealer design the most suitable loop design for your needs. To support of dealers Contacta offers a loop design software to aid in the loop design, hearing loop driver selection and produces 3D visualization of the loop field and strength.
Perimeter hearing loops
Perimeter hearing loops are a cost-effective solution for small areas where hearing device users need to communicate effectively with a presenter.
Hearing loop cable is positioned around the outside of a room and a signal radiates out in a circle, straight into users’ hearing aids.
- Provides small areas with clear audio
- Can be susceptible to signal loss when users’ heads are tilted
- Less effective when there is a substantial presence of metal within a building
- Unsuitable if confidentiality is required, as signals overspill fitted environments
Phased array hearing loops
Phased array hearing loops offer the highest quality large area hearing loop performance. They can be installed in halls, sports venues, theatres, and both small and large meeting areas.
Two hearing loop cables are positioned in a specialized pattern, providing even signal coverage. This allows users to move freely in a room and maintain high-quality reception.
- The tilt of users’ heads has little effect on their signal pickup
- Very large areas can be covered
- Metal has far less of an impact on performance
- Significantly less overspill than perimeter loops