Testing, fault finding & repair

Hearing loop testing and repair

Many venues have a hearing loop that was fitted years ago, and nobody is sure it still works. We measure existing loops against IEC 60118-4, find out what is wrong, and put it right where it can be repaired.

Why test a loop

A loop that is switched on is not necessarily a loop that works. The amplifier light can be on while the microphone feed is missing, the level is wrong or part of the room gets no signal at all. Staff with normal hearing cannot tell by listening, and hearing-aid users often stop asking.

A test tells you whether the people the loop is meant for can actually hear through it, and gives you a record you can show to anyone who asks how your building meets its duties under the Equality Act 2010. See our legislation guide for more on the standards.

What we measure

IEC 60118-4 is the international standard for the performance of audio-frequency induction loops. We test against it with a field-strength meter, at several points across the area the loop is meant to cover:

Field strength. Whether the signal is strong enough for hearing aids to pick up clearly, without being so strong it distorts.
Frequency response. Whether speech comes through with its full range, rather than sounding muffled. Metal in floors and walls often cuts the higher frequencies.
Coverage. Whether the field is even across the seating or counter area, and where it drops away.
Background magnetic noise. Hum from lighting, wiring and equipment that a hearing-aid user hears as a buzz, whether or not the loop is running.
The feed. Whether the right microphones and sources reach the loop amplifier at the right level.

We also listen with a loop listener, as a hearing-aid user would, because the numbers and the experience should agree.

Your written report

After the test you get a written report: what we measured, where we measured it, how the results compare with IEC 60118-4, and what we recommend. If the loop passes, the report is your record that it was working on the day of the test. If it does not, the report explains why and what it would take to fix.

Common faults we find

The amplifier has been switched off, unplugged or set to the wrong input.
A microphone or the sound desk is not routed to the loop, so the loop is on but silent.
The level has been turned up or down until the signal is too weak or distorts.
The loop cable has been cut or damaged during building or decorating work.
New steel, furniture or equipment has changed how the loop performs in part of the room.
An older amplifier is no longer powerful enough to drive the loop to the standard.

Repairs and upgrades

Many faults can be fixed on the day: correcting the feed, setting the level and showing your staff how to check the system. Where the cable is damaged we can repair or replace it, and where the amplifier has failed or is not up to the job we can supply a replacement, normally from Ampetronic, where we are an authorised trade partner.

If a loop cannot reach the standard in its current form, for example because of metal in the structure, we will explain the options before you commit. These might include a different loop design, or adding Auracast for people whose hearing aids can receive it.

Counters, reception desks and help points

Counter loops are simple, but they fail in simple ways: a microphone knocked out of position, a unit unplugged for cleaning, or staff who do not know the loop is there. We test counter and reception loops as well as room loops, and we can show staff the quick daily check.

Keeping a loop working

A loop needs occasional attention, like any other building system. We recommend a simple routine check by staff, with a hearing-aid user or a loop listener, and a measured test after any building work near the loop or any change to the sound system.

Who we test for

We test loops in churches, theatres, council buildings, schools, community halls and reception areas. You do not need to have bought the system from us.

Our founder, Mike Maloney, is a lifelong hearing-aid user and installed hearing loops as part of his role at Deafness Support Network before founding Hearing System UK. More about us.

We’re based in Wrexham. Our core area is North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Shropshire, and we work further afield by arrangement.