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Assistive Listening Systems

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Hearing AUGMENTATION, HEARING Loop and assistive listening systems

Hearing augmentation systems and assistive communication are various forms of technology using audio and visual systems to help people with hearing impairments to communicate and receive information. Hearing augmentation is installed in a room or public area so that a person living with hearing impairment can hear the transmitted audio just as if they were standing or sitting up to one metre from the sound source or speaker. The hearing augmentation system in the various forms available connects with a person’s hearing aids or cochlear implants to receive the sound. It can also be portable in the form of individual listening devices.

Williams AV is on the forefront of hearing technologies, while investing and developing world-leading Auracast solutions.

WHAT IS A HEARING LOOP?

Hearing loop technology uses one or several loops of special loop cable that are installed around a hearing loop area in a room or building. Hearing loops are also known by other names like induction loop system, audio frequency induction loops, or audio loops.

How does a hearing loop work? The equipment is used to design a system that allows compatible hearing devices to connect to the audio installation, so that a person can hear the transmitted sound more clearly. The benefit of using a loop system is that surrounding noise is filtered so the personal hearing experience has a better quality.

Williams Digi-Loop is a room loop system to enable assistive listening and assistive communication applications. The Digi-Loop range includes hearing loop amplifiers for counter and in-floor installations, network signal controls, as well as flat hearing loop wire, microphone, loop mats, receivers, and earphones.

HOW TO USE A HEARING LOOP SYSTEM

Most hearing aids are manufactured with a T-Coil that can tune in to the signals that are sent from the loop. Some smartphones also are equipped with T-Coil technology, so people can also listen to the audio loop with headphones and their phone.

If a person doesn’t have a personal device equipped with a T-Coil, receivers can be made available to connect to the loop audio with headphones.

Area coverage loops are used for room installations. Small counter loops are used in desk, window or counter-based applications such as banks, carparks, government departments, and other customer service settings. 

WHAT IS A HEARING INDUCTION LOOP?

Induction loop systems are designed to readily transmit the spoken word directly to T-Coil hearing aids, cochlear implants, and also through headphones or earpieces. It uses copper wire and a loop amplifier to transfer sound to hearing aids, implants, and receivers by creating a magnetic field.   The makeup of the system depends on the size of the room and the requirements of the installation to create clear, amplified sound.

HOW DOES AN INDUCTION LOOP WORK?

Induction loops use magnetic fields to transmit an audio signal directly into a T-Coil through an induction loop cable. The loop sound is delivered directly into the T-Coil for an improved listening experience.

The Williams IR range of infrared hearing systems are built to ensure that direct and clear delivery of the spoken message is achieved in a secure environment in any size room from small, medium to large. The range has a variety of individual products and kits available for induction loop installers to choose from.

ASSISTIVE LISTENING AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Hearing loop and assistive listening technology systems are designed to help individuals in a variety of situations to overcome auditory issues such as hearing loss, as well as language interpretation and private listening applications (such as tour guides). Hearing augmentation systems filter background noise, overcome reverberation, and distance issues from the sound source.

Williams AV manufactures many different solutions for assistive listening and communication, including personal audio devices, audio loop system, video solutions, and AI-powered captioning and translation.

  • Personal assistive listening: Williams AV Pocketalker portable listening system is a personal amplifier that helps the user to hear better specific sound or voices, reducing distracting background noise. Ideal for professional appointments, small gatherings, or listening to the television, Pocketalker is a simple design and easy to use.

  • WiFi assistive listening: Williams Wavecast WiFi assistive listening platform seamlessly streams live audio to personal devices over WiFi. Wavecast infrared hearing augmentation is designed for professional audio settings where high-quality sound delivery is required.

  • Digital assistive listening: Williams Digi-Wave digital systems is a two-way digital communication technology used for intercom and tour guide systems.

  • Captioning assistive listening: Williams Caption Assist offers real-time open captioning and text archiving, with the ability to transcribe up to 27 languages.

    Auracast™ assistive listening for venues

    Williams AV’s Infinium™ Auracast™ hearing augmentation solution is now available, bringing a new generation of wireless audio to courtrooms, corporate environments and government settings. Designed for seamless communication, Infinium combines advanced wireless technology with flexible system management for commercial AV applications.

    Infinium® is a patented, modular Bluetooth® Auracast™ broadcast audio system designed to provide both assistive listening and real-time audio distribution across commercial AV environments.

    Auracast™ systems deliver low-latency, high-fidelity audio to an unlimited number of Auracast-compatible devices, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, headphones and Infinium receivers. This makes Infinium Auracast™ systems a compliant solution for creating more inclusive venues and ensuring audio can be accessed by a wide range of users.

    For larger or multi-room installations, Infinium includes Enhanced Scale & Management (ESM), giving AV teams a centralised web interface to configure, monitor and expand systems across multiple spaces. This scalable approach makes it easy to grow from a single-room installation to larger deployments while maintaining centralised system management.


    TEACH LOGIC

    TeachLogic delivers powerful classroom audio solutions that ensure every student hears clearly and stays engaged. With wireless microphones, amplifiers, and ceiling-mounted speakers, TeachLogic enhances teacher voice projection and eliminates common audio challenges in today’s learning environments.

    Perfect for K–12 and higher education, TeachLogic systems integrate seamlessly with existing AV technology and support assistive listening for inclusive education. Easy to install and use, TeachLogic helps schools create more effective, focused, and collaborative classrooms.

    TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES

Amber offers various hearing loop Australia accessories that assist in getting the best out of your solution, such as an induction loop sensor, induction loop wire, or a hearing loop sign with the symbol to advise the loop is available.

We also supply a wide range of AV business products to help your company to create a great working environment, including a monitor for video conferencing, paging systems, conference cameras, and audio equipment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are hearing loops?

Hearing loops are assistive listening systems that transmit sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants, improving clarity in public spaces.

Hearing loop area meaning

A Hearing Loop Area is a designated space equipped with a hearing loop system, allowing people with compatible hearing aids to hear audio clearly.

What can affect the performance of a hearing loop system?

Several factors can influence the performance of a hearing loop system, including the size and layout of the space, the type of building materials used, electrical interference from nearby equipment, and correct system installation. Regular testing and maintenance also help ensure consistent, clear audio for hearing aid users. A professionally designed and installed hearing loop system will deliver the best coverage and listening experience.

Contact our Technical Sales and Support team for design help tss@ambertech.com.au.

How do amplifiers work for hearing loops?

A hearing loop amplifier takes audio from a microphone, PA system or other sound source and converts it into an electrical signal that drives the hearing loop cable. This creates a magnetic field that is picked up directly by hearing aids and cochlear implants with a telecoil (T-coil), allowing users to hear clear, amplified sound while reducing background noise. The amplifier is a key component in ensuring the loop system delivers consistent, high-quality audio throughout the listening area.

Can multiple assistive listening systems be used in one facility?

Yes. Many venues use multiple assistive listening systems to suit different spaces and user needs. For example, hearing loop systems may be installed in meeting rooms or service counters, while RF or Auracast™ systems provide flexible coverage for larger auditoriums, lecture theatres or multipurpose spaces. Solutions such as the Williams Infinium™ ESM make it easy to manage multiple assistive listening technologies across a single facility, ensuring reliable, accessible audio for every environment.

What is signal spill in a hearing loop system?

Signal spill occurs when the magnetic field generated by a hearing loop extends beyond the intended listening area. This can allow the audio signal to be heard in adjacent rooms or spaces, potentially causing privacy concerns or interference with nearby loop systems. Proper system design, installation and field strength testing help minimise signal spill while maintaining clear, reliable coverage within the desired area.

How often should assistive listening equipment be checked?

Assistive listening equipment should be checked regularly to ensure it continues to deliver clear, reliable audio. Daily visual checks are recommended for high-use systems, while more comprehensive performance testing and maintenance should be carried out periodically in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and any relevant accessibility standards. Regular inspections help identify faults early, maximise system performance and ensure users receive a consistent listening experience.

What makes Auracast™ different from standard Bluetooth® audio?

Auracast™ enables one-to-many audio broadcasting, allowing a single audio source to transmit to multiple compatible receivers simultaneously. Traditional Bluetooth® audio typically connects one source to one receiving device, making Auracast™ ideal for shared listening in public spaces, education, events, and assistive listening applications.

Is Auracast™ only for people with hearing aids?

No. Auracast™ can be used with any compatible Bluetooth® LE Audio-enabled device, not just hearing aids. While it provides significant benefits for assistive listening, Williams Infinium™ Auracast™ also creates more inclusive listening experiences for neurodiverse individuals, people who struggle to hear over distracting background noise or echoes, and users requiring language interpretation in venues, events, and public spaces.

What should venues consider before adding Auracast™ support?

Venues should consider the size and layout of the space, the number of Auracast™ broadcast areas required, coverage and signal strength, and how the system will integrate with existing audio infrastructure. It is also important to consider the types of compatible devices visitors may use and whether additional equipment or network infrastructure is required.

Planning for accessibility, language interpretation, and future expansion helps ensure a Williams Infinium™ Auracast™ system delivers a reliable, scalable, and inclusive listening experience.

What types of audio can be shared through Auracast™?

Auracast™ can broadcast a wide range of audio content directly to compatible earbuds, headphones, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other Bluetooth® LE Audio devices. Common applications include:

  • TV and media audio: Share audio from screens in public spaces directly to personal listening devices.
  • Language interpretation: Deliver clear, real-time translated audio to individuals or groups.
  • Live events: Provide multiple language channels or dedicated audio feeds to enhance the audience experience.
  • Assistive listening: Give people who are hard of hearing direct access to clearer, more personalised audio.
Does Auracast™ require users to download an app?

No. Auracast™ is designed to make joining a broadcast simple without requiring a dedicated app. Users with compatible Bluetooth® LE Audio devices can discover and select available Auracast™ broadcasts directly from their device, making it easy to connect and start listening.

Which assistive listening system should we choose for our venue?
Feature Hearing loop (AFILS) Infrared (IR) WiFi (Wavecast) Auracast
How it works Loop amplifier drives a cable loop, creating a magnetic field Audio carried on infrared light from emitters Streamed over venue WiFi to an app Bluetooth Auracast broadcast, no pairing required
What the listener uses Their own hearing aid, equipped with a T-Coil, which must be switched on A receiver you hand out Their own phone, app required Their own hearing aids, headphones or earbuds provided they have Auracast functionality
Do they collect anything from venue staff No Yes, every time No, but they must install an app Only if they have older hearing aids
Signal stays inside the room No Yes Network dependent No, can secure with a passcode
How many people can listen Unlimited As many receivers as you own Limited by network capacity Unlimited
Line of sight needed No Yes No No
Sound Mono, speech Mono, speech Stereo Stereo, full range
Cost to install High Medium Low where WiFi already exists Low
Cost to run Low High, receiver handling Medium, IT support Low
Typical venues Counters, house of worship, council chambers Courtrooms, cinemas, secure briefings Venues with strong existing WiFi Airports, stadiums, gyms, new builds, concert halls
Choose it when Most of your audience wears hearing aids and you want people to walk in and hear with no help from staff What is said in the room must not leave the room You want to bring-your-own-device and the network can handle it You want the best quality, you want people using their own devices or you have a large or multi-zone space.
What does the National Construction Code require for hearing augmentation?

A hearing augmentation system must be provided where an inbuilt amplification system, other than one used only for emergency warning, is installed.

What Building Classes require it?
- Class 9b assembly buildings in which people may gather for social, theatrical, political, religious or civil purposes. They include schools, universities, childcare centres, pre-schools, sporting facilities, night clubs, or public transport buildings.
- In an auditorium, conference room, meeting room or room for judicatory purposes.
- Any ticket office, teller’s booth, reception area or the like where the public is screened from the service provider.

Coverage
Loop based systems must cover 80% of the floor area of a room.
Receiver based systems must cover 95% of the floor area of a room.

Receiver Requirements for Infra Red, Auracast, and Wi Fi systems
- Receiver based hearing assistance systems must provide a receiver for every 25 people up to a capacity of 500 people with no fewer than two receivers per room. 
- Beyond a capacity of 500 it is one receiver per 33 people with no fewer than 20 receivers.
- Beyond a capacity of 1000 people it is one receiver per 50 people but not fewer than 35 receivers.
- Over a capacity of 2000 people it is one receiver per 100 people but not fewer than 55 receivers.

Can Auracast replace our existing hearing loop?

It is not yet as a like-for-like replacement. Traditional hearing loops use telecoil technology, which is widely supported by hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Auracast uses Bluetooth® LE Audio, and compatible devices are still becoming more widely available.

For Australian venues, the compliance requirements for replacing an existing hearing loop with Auracast should also be confirmed for the specific venue and application.

As Auracast is an important emerging accessibility technology, many venues are likely to support both hearing loop and Auracast systems for some years, providing accessibility options for people using different types of hearing technology.