Hearing inductive loops and other hearing enhancement systems are a key technology for increasing the accessibility of sound for people with hearing impairment. Hearing loops work through a magnetic field that transmits sound from a microphone directly into the hearing aid. This reduces environmental noise and improves speech intelligibility. FM and Bluetooth systems are also used as alternatives to hearing loops, allowing sound to be transmitted over longer distances and to connect to personal devices.
Hearing loops can be either built-in, which is particularly suitable for auditoriums and larger venues where a large number of hearing-impaired users are expected, or portable. Portable loops can be mounted on the reception desk and can be moved to other rooms if necessary.
Hearing loops or other assistive systems for persons with hearing impairments must be provided in at least one window of reception desks and ticket counters, meeting rooms, other meeting spaces and auditoriums.