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Magnetic Induction CounterLoop The Audex Magnetic Induction CounterLoop System is a unique solution to the problem of communicating with hearing impaired people across a counter in commercial facilities. These environments are frequently noisy and the information communicated important. Bank teller windows, hotel registration and concierge desks, ticket windows at theaters and other public events, and concession stands at ball games and other sporting events pose an almost impossible listening environment for most individuals with moderate to profound hearing losses. Although the percentage of the total hearing impaired population in the United States using hearing aids with t-coils is estimated at 4%, the moderate to profound hearing impaired individual, who would most often need the help provided by this system has an incidence of t-coils in the aids of over 70%. This means that most hearing impaired users of the Induction CounterLoop would simply walk up to the counter, turn on their t-coil and talk with the teller. The interference and distraction created by the noise in the facility would be eliminated. No one in the line would experience any delays or inconvenience due to the use of the system. This transparent characteristic of the CounterLoop insures its enthusiastic use by hearing impaired people. If the customer did not have a t-coil, a telephone handset equipped to receive the loop transmissions would be available. The teller uses a gooseneck directional microphone on the counter. An AGC circuit in the amplifier mounted under the counter would adjust the sensitivity of the microphone as the person moves around while performing their duties. This microphone could also be worn on the lapel. Lapel use would restrict the user’s movement to the area around the counter since the microphone would be connected to the amplifier by a 10 foot cable. In either case, a green light on the amplifier would allow monitoring of the signal strength generated by the voice. The unit would remain on at all times to insure availability when needed. A variation of the standard CounterLoop provides a second pad or extension of the original loop on the teller side of the counter. By providing a microphone on the customer side, a hearing impaired teller would be able to use the loop with their hearing aid t-coil to communicate simultaneously with the customer. |
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