For people with hearing loss, the built environment poses a number of challenges. And with the advent of Covid-19, things just got trickier for people with hearing loss – Perspex screens installed in retail, reception desks and counter environments, so as to provide a measure of protection and safety, have brought an unintended consequence – hearing has become even more difficult. Until 2020, these Perspex screens were far less common.
So what to do?
Counter hearing loop system
An audio transfer system, such as microphones and speakers, in conjunction with a hearing loop, amplifies the speaker’s voice both audibly as well as through an induction loop (T-Coil), which feeds directly to a customer’s hearing aid. This system retains enables two-way communication despite the solid protective barrier between staff and customers.
This counter sound transfer system must be identified with the International Symbol for Deafness so that customers with hearing loss can utilise it.
Hearing augmentation systems
The BCA defines the minimum requirement for accessibility for people with hearing loss under D3.7. This pertains to the necessity of having an inbuilt amplification system other than one used only for emergency purposes, in a number of scenarios, including ticket offices, teller’s booths, reception areas or similar, where the public is screened from the service provider.
This obligation also covers rooms in a Class 9b building, in auditoriums, conference rooms, meeting rooms or rooms for judicatory purposes.
The BCA advises the minimum requirements for our built environment to be accessible with regards to providing suitable hearing augmentation, from the BCA.
Celebrating International Cochlear Implant Day and World Hearing Day
On February 25, we celebrated International Cochlear Implant Day, with World Hearing Day following on 3 March. Rather than simply amplifying sound like a conventional hearing aid, Cochlear implants turn sounds into electrical signals, giving a sensation of hearing by stimulating the auditory nerve. Cochlear implants have two parts, an internal receiver, which is implanted surgically, and an external part, which is worn like a hearing aid.
For people with hearing loss and impediment, navigating through our built environment, especially with a multitude of situational factors, such as background noise, competing signals, room acoustics, and familiarity with the situation when needing to perform important tasks, provides a host of challenges.
Luckily we have a host of hearing augmentation options, plus the might of the BCA, to help make life for those with hearing loss a little easier.
Find out how Code Consulting can help – call us today on 02 9091 0850.