Induction loop systems, also known as AFILS (Audio Frequency Induction Loop Systems), are one of the most effective and widely used assistive listening solutions for people with hearing loss. These hearing loop systems work by generating a magnetic field through a loop of wire installed around an area. This field transmits clear audio directly to the telecoil (T-coil) in compatible hearing aids, dramatically reducing background noise and delivering crisp, intelligible sound straight into the user’s ear. The majority of NHS hearing aids have a T switch and many privately sourced digital hearing aids have the function available – it may need activating by the audiologist or it may be accessible via the manufacturers App on a smartphone. By switching to the telecoil, the internal microphone is switched off so that ambient noise and chatter is no longer amplified, making the required audio much clearer and easier to understand.
Our range includes a comprehensive selection of induction loop amplifiers and complete assistive listening kits suitable for every application. From compact counter and desktop models designed for one-to-one conversations, to portable rechargeable systems and powerful wall-mounted or rack mountable drivers capable of covering large areas up to several hundred square metres. Many systems feature multiple inputs for microphones, TVs, and PA systems, with options for perimeter loops, phased arrays, and metal loss compensation for challenging environments.
These commercial induction loop systems help businesses and organisations comply with the Equality Act 2010 by providing essential accessibility. They are ideal for reception counters, banks, post offices, and retail tills where clear communication is vital. Larger installations suit meeting rooms, classrooms, lecture theatres, conference halls, places of worship, community centres, and auditoriums. Vehicle-specific kits are popular for taxis, minibuses, and coaches, while home and TV lounge systems improve daily living for individuals.
Whether you need a simple counter loop or a professional large-area solution, our induction loop systems deliver reliable performance, easy installation, and excellent value. Enhance inclusivity and customer experience with high-quality assistive listening technology trusted across the UK. Browse our full range today and create more accessible spaces for everyone.
Where privacy is a concern, an infrared hearing system may be more suitable. The telecoil setting is used again in conjunction with a personal IR receiver & neck worn loop. For more information, please see our Infrared Hearing Systems page.
There are a lot of variables that affect induction loop operation. If you need help or advice on system design please call us on 01663 767888.
An audio-frequency induction loop sends speech as a magnetic field through a loop of wire. A hearing aid on its T setting picks that up and cuts out most of the room noise. Counters, meeting rooms, theatres, places of worship and vehicles are typical areas of use.
Most NHS aids have a T-coil. Many private digital aids have one too, but it may need switching on by the audiologist or in the maker’s app. Without a T-coil, a loop or a neck loop will not work. Those users need another system, such as an infrared or RF receiver with headphones, or a streamer their aid can accept.
A counter or desktop loop covers one conversation at a till, bank or reception — often about a square metre. A room loop, perimeter or phased array, covers a meeting room, classroom or hall, from around 100 m² up to several hundred.
The Equality Act 2010 expects service providers to make reasonable adjustments so people with hearing loss can use the service. A loop is one accepted way to do that at a counter or in a public room. It is not automatic for every building — the adjustment has to be reasonable for that site.
Steel in the floor or ceiling soaks up the magnetic field, so a simple perimeter loop can fail in a modern building. Phased-array and multi-loop designs, and amplifiers with metal-loss compensation, are used in this instance. Coverage claims assume a suitable loop layout which uses dual loop with an overlapping design.
Installers normally commission loops to IEC 60118-4, which sets field strength and frequency response. A system that has not been tested may be too quiet, too loud or uneven. The sign on the wall does not prove the loop works!
Any member of staff can use a simple loop tester with a set of headphones to carry out a simple daily or weekly ‘walk test’. See the SigNET RxTi2. An annual inspection by a suitably qualified audio engineer is also recommended. Please contact us if you need help finding someone in your area.
Use infrared where, for reasons of confidentiality, the sound must not spill into the next room, or where metal makes a loop impractical. The user then wears an IR receiver, often with a neck loop, and still uses the T setting. Loops are simpler where spill is acceptable and most users have T-coils.
Yes. Vehicle kits are available for cars / taxis and buses / coaches. Home and TV loops feed the television audio into a loop around a chair or around a room.
Most drivers have mic and line inputs, so a counter mic, a TV or the room PA can be the source. For speech intelligibility, keep music out of the loop feed. Large systems should be designed, not just plugged into a spare mixer output.
Commercial Audio Solutions supplies counter, vehicle, home and large-area loop drivers from brands such as Ampetronic, Contacta and Signet. Call 01663 767888 or email sales@commercialaudiosolutions.com with the room size and coverage requirement, and let us know if the building has metal framed construction.
