Hearing loops for trains
On the platforms and waiting areas, the call outs are almost always impossible to perceive for the hearing impaired. Relying on signage is not an option, due to both occational signage failure and also the fact that many visually impaired passengers also suffer from hearing loss. Receiving the call outs directly into the hearing aid makes the journey easier, safer and more comfortable, especially when travelling alone.
On board
With a hearing loop on board, the passenger gets direct access to call outs, safety alarms and information.
Waiting areas
Without having to concentrate and worry to miss their call out, the waiting traveller can relax, knowing that the sound will be clearly transmitted directly into their ears.
Desks and tellers
Information desks and ticket windows should be equipped with an assistive listening device. For a hearing disabled costumer to be able to communicate, it is important to have an efficient and easy to use hearing system installed. An across the counter system ensures clear conversation between the costumer and the staff, directly transferred via a microphone and a small hearing loop to the costumer’s hearing aid.
Elevators
Not only for safety reasons, but for a more comfortable visit, installing a hearing loop in the elevator is a good choice.
Norwegian railway
When NSB invested in 75 five-part electrical trains, a vital concern was to find an appropriate loop system to be integrated with the Passenger Information System (PIS).
Some of the trains were long local versions for the S-Bahn traffic in the Oslo area, with travelling times of up to 90 minutes. Others were regional trains covering the area of Southern Norway with travelling times of up to 3 hours. These different traffic conditions and the high ambition of user friendliness for disabled travellers along with the harsh Norwegian climate, posed a real challenge.
The NSB train cars had advanced thermal and acoustic insulation to fulfil the high requirements needed for winter operation in Norway. This proved to be an advantage for the installation. Careful attention was given to the design of the ceiling loop and after thorough testing of the loop system in an actual carriage, pre-set conditions for all input and output levels were established.
Following a close collaboration with both train manufacturer and PIS supplier, 375 train cars were equipped with hearing loops, completely covering each train car.