hearing augmentation systems in schools · soundfield is not a performance (or alternative)...
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www.clearasound.com.au www.hearingloops.com.au
If you have any questions, email [email protected], and look at www.hearingloops.com.au and www.soundfield.com.au
2 Doig Avenue, Denistone East, NSW 2112 Ph: (02) 9809 2392
ClearaSoundB R I N G I N G C L A R I T Y T O H E A R I N G
HEARING AUGMENTATION SYSTEMS IN SCHOOLS
This article is to explain the common misconception in schools that Hearing Augmentation is not required because students bring their own devices.
It has become the practice of some installers to provide SoundField systems as an alternative to Hearing Augmentation in our schools, citing two main points:
i All students with a hearing impairment have an FM transmitter supplied to them by Australian Hearing so will bring their own device to school;
ii SoundField is an alternative solution.
Unfortunately, neither point is correct.
This article explains what is generally provided by Australian Hearing, and what is required by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Access to Premises Standard.
Hearing Augmentation or Assistive Listening Device 1. Hearing Augmentation must be supplied by the venue provider for all deaf
and hearing impaired users (DP9).
2. A personal FM system (which is an Assistive Listening Device) is provided by some individuals for his/her own use, and generally does not connect to the venue’s amplification system.
3. Connecting an Assistive Listening Device to a venue’s amplification system does not make it Hearing Augmentation, nor does it make it compliant with D3.7.
FM systems supplied by Australian Hearing for some Students Australian Hearing does provide FM systems for a lot of hearing impaired
students, however:
1. Australian Hearing supplies “Personal FM Systems” which are classed as Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) and are not Hearing Augmentation as specified by BCA/Access to Premises Standard.
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www.clearasound.com.au www.hearingloops.com.au
If you have any questions, email [email protected], and look at www.hearingloops.com.au and www.soundfield.com.au
2 Doig Avenue, Denistone East, NSW 2112 Ph: (02) 9809 2392
ClearaSoundB R I N G I N G C L A R I T Y T O H E A R I N G
2. Australian Hearing only provides one FM receiver (which attaches to one hearing aid or cochlear implant), not two, which means the child only receives the Hearing Augmentation in one ear, not both.
3. The FM systems supplied by Australian Hearing are only for the student they are issued to, not for the general public.
4. Students do not always remember to bring their FM receiver for a number of reasons, including dignity, which is supported by the Disability Discrimination Act.
5. Student’s FMs break down, and they may be without a receiver for weeks or months at a time.
FM systems are not supplied by Australian Hearing 1. Australian Hearing does not provide receivers for all students with
hearing loss.
2. Teachers, teachers’ aids, student teachers, volunteers, students over 26 and others, including parents, some grandparents, carers and visitors are not provided with any FM receivers by Australian Hearing.
3. If the premises are used by others e.g. night college etc, transmitters and receivers are not available.
SoundField is NOT a Performance (or Alternative) Solution 1. The ABCB (Australian Building Code Board) has gone to great lengths
to explain the criteria for an Alternative Solution, and SoundField clearly does not meet these criteria in regards to Hearing Augmentation.
2. BCA 2016 A0.3 states that
(a) A Performance Solution must—
(i) comply with the Performance Requirements; or
(ii) be at least equivalent to the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, and be assessed according to one or more of the Assessment Methods.
(b) A Performance Solution will only comply with the NCC when the Assessment Methods used satisfactorily demonstrate compliance with the Performance Requirements
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www.clearasound.com.au www.hearingloops.com.au
If you have any questions, email [email protected], and look at www.hearingloops.com.au and www.soundfield.com.au
2 Doig Avenue, Denistone East, NSW 2112 Ph: (02) 9809 2392
ClearaSoundB R I N G I N G C L A R I T Y T O H E A R I N G
The Performance Requirement is DP9, and SoundField systems meets only a small subset of the requirement, particularly when compared with the Deemed to Satisfy Solution.
3. AS 1428.5 - 2010 states that SoundField systems are “not a replacement” for hearing augmentation systems.
4. See the article ClearaSound - Is SoundField an Alternative for Hearing Augmentation v2
Building Code of Australia 1. Australian Hearing is not responsible for providing Hearing Augmentation
for buildings, and never has, they are only responsible for providing personal systems for some students with hearing loss.
2. The tenant/building owner is responsible for provision of hearing augmentation, not any other party.
3. Australian Hearing does not meet the requirement in the BCA for Hearing Augmentation.
4. The Building Code does not allow for students or others to provide their own receivers, as this is discriminatory.
What is the Solution? Hearing Augmentation is required where there is an Inbuilt Amplification System
(other than EWIS).
Often there is a PA system installed covering whole blocks of the school, as well as an independent system in the assembly hall and under the COLA.
1. Classrooms, lecture theatres, workshops, science labs and the like.
As most PA systems in schools send the same signal to multiple rooms, one Hearing Loop system can cover multiple classrooms at a time (max of 4 on average). This is the most cost effective solution.
If FM or infrared systems are provided, then 2 receivers must be provided for every room to be compliant.
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www.clearasound.com.au www.hearingloops.com.au
If you have any questions, email [email protected], and look at www.hearingloops.com.au and www.soundfield.com.au
2 Doig Avenue, Denistone East, NSW 2112 Ph: (02) 9809 2392
ClearaSoundB R I N G I N G C L A R I T Y T O H E A R I N G
2. Where built in SoundField systems are installed, or individual classroom amplified sound systems, Hearing Augmentation must also be provided.
3. Assembly halls, performance areas, large area gatherings, outdoor assembly areas like COLAs etc.
The best solution for these areas are Hearing Loop Systems, whether indoor or outdoor, and receivers are not required.
References Building Code of Australia; and
Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010
D3.7 (b) If a hearing augmentation system required by (a) is—
(i) an induction loop, it must be provided to not less than 80% of the floor area of the room or space served by the inbuilt amplification system; or
(ii) a system requiring the use of receivers or the like, it must be available to not less than 95% of the floor area of the room or space served by the inbuilt amplification system, and the number of receivers provided must not be less than—
... (See BCA for details)…
(c) The number of persons accommodated in the room or space served by an inbuilt amplification system must be calculated according to D1.13
AS 1428.5 – 2010 Communication for people who are deaf or hearing impaired
BCA 2016 PART A0 APPLICATION
A0.1 Compliance with the NCC
A0.2 Meeting the Performance Requirements
A0.3 Performance Solutions A0.4 Deemed-to-Satisfy Solutions A0.5 Assessment Methods A0.6 Defined terms A0.7 Relevant Performance Requirements continue...
www.clearasound.com.au www.hearingloops.com.au
If you have any questions, email [email protected], and look at www.hearingloops.com.au and www.soundfield.com.au
2 Doig Avenue, Denistone East, NSW 2112 Ph: (02) 9809 2392
ClearaSoundB R I N G I N G C L A R I T Y T O H E A R I N G
ArticlesOther articles are available at: https://clearasound.com.au/compliance-guidance-information/
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About the AuthorAndrew Stewart is qualified in electronics, and has been working for ClearaSound or over 30 years of installing, testing and commissioning Hearing Augmentation Systems. He and his team have conducted their own research of comparison methodologies of installing hearing loop systems and designed and constructed test equipment.
Installations include Sydney Opera House, First Class Qantas Club Singapore, art galleries, museums, theatres and many others.
Andrew was a key leader in the development of AS 1428.5 - 2010, the authoritative document on Hearing Augmentation in Australia.
He is also a life member of Deafness Forum of Australia (the peak body for hearing impaired people in Australia) and continues to represent them, as he has on many committees for over 15 years.
Andrew has been hearing impaired all his life, with a progressive loss, and now wears two cochlear implants. He has 9 other family members who wear hearing aids and or cochlear implants.
Why choose ClearaSound? • Specialising in Hearing Augmentation Systems for over 30 years.
• Innovative technical team who conduct research and development of our Hearing Augmentation systems for improved outcomes.
• Over 30 years of design, installation and commissioning of Hearing Augmentation systems (loop systems, FM systems, sound field systems and public address systems) for a range of public access buildings, for small halls to significant buildings and venues.
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www.clearasound.com.au www.hearingloops.com.au
If you have any questions, email [email protected], and look at www.hearingloops.com.au and www.soundfield.com.au
2 Doig Avenue, Denistone East, NSW 2112 Ph: (02) 9809 2392
ClearaSoundB R I N G I N G C L A R I T Y T O H E A R I N G
• Refer to our “past work” link on https://clearasound.com.au/hearingloops-augmentation/ for a sample of completed jobs.
• Hearing Augmentation seminars for building professionals.
• Provide training in Hearing Augmentation for Access Consultants, Building certifiers and surveyors, and architects.
• Check our Hearing Augmentation Articles for professionals at https://clearasound.com.au/compliance-guidance-information/
LegalThe information provided is general advice only and does not take into account your building site objectives, building site design and or building materials used or other relevant factors and cannot be relied upon for your specific needs therefore ClearaSound, its directors, agents and or employees do not accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from the use of the information provided. The information should not be relied upon for accuracy or completeness.
Further informationIf you have any questions, email Andrew Stewart at [email protected]