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What are ALS & What is the ADA? In 1990 the 100th United States Congress placed into existence the Americans with Disabilities Act also known as the ADA. This law states "No person shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodation". This act also includes provisions to help those who are hearing impaired with Assistive Listening Systems (ALS). These systems are mandated in the construction of new buildings, as well as renovations or alterations to existing buildings. Places that must comply with the ADA mandate include all public schools, universities, courtrooms, museums, convention centers, amusement parks, shopping centers, retail stores, health spas, daycare centers, private schools, zoos, parks, libraries, hospitals, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, laundromats, dry cleaners, theaters, hotels, restaurants, as well as state and local government programs & hearings offered to the public — essentially just about every place people can gather. Religious organizations, private housing, and private clubs are exempt from this; however, most places of worship welcome ALS for their members who are hard of hearing. How important is this? With approximately ten percent of the population falling under the category of hearing impaired, the need for assistive listening systems and devices becomes alarmingly apparent. Our elderly are a primary group to be benefited by ALS since general hearing loss does occur as we get older. The Administration on Aging predicts that between the years 2000 and 2025 the percentage of elderly (65 and older) shall rise from 12.7% to 18.5% of the population. And it’s not just the aged involved, any kid listening to a Walkman at 120 dB is a future user of ALS. Many forms of entertainment, and many more types of employment, introduce loudness levels capable of both short and long term hearing loss. There will be approximately seven million people who will potentially benefit from ALS. So just what are ALS? An ALS, Assistive Listening System, generally consists of 2 main parts: the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter acts just like a radio station, while the receivers work just like a home tuner or FM radio with headphones or earpieces. The transmitter converts the audio feed from the mixer, sound system, or just a microphone, into a transmit signal, which the receivers will then pick up and convert back into sound.
What about Listen Technologies?
At the head of the class is the LT-800 base transmitter. With a large, easy-to- read LCD display and state-of-the-art electronics, it’s in a class all by itself. Not only is it able to combine 2 different signals, but the Contour (tone) and Process (a compressor circuit, making everything seem louder by shrinking the dynamic range) controls are very precise. The LT-700 is a small, personally worn transmitter which is used for close, mobile transmission such as aerobic instruction or tour groups. It also has an easy to read LCD and excellent sonic integrity. The perfect compliments for these superior transmitters are the LR-500 & LR-400 receivers. The main difference between these two; the LR-500 is programmable (unneeded channels can be deleted, which in turn helps specify those being used.) One of the key components in the dynamic makeup of the receivers is the digital tuning that eliminates drifting of the signal. Again, the easy-to-read LCDs are in place. All of the portable units come with Smart Charge technology (which won’t allow the AA batteries to be overcharged) combined with a streamlined, rugged case and belt clip. And it doesn’t require any weird charger, just plug the "wall wart" into the receiver, don’t worry about charge level or battery memory, and charge away! The future is exciting for both the hearing impaired population as well as the entire ALS industry. Be sure and check out both www.listentech.com as well as www.soundassociates.com , or link through our site. John Holder |
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Most
ALS use one of two basic types of transmission. These are infrared
(IR), which uses undetectable light for transmission, and radio
frequency (RF), which uses radio waves to transmit. IR systems,
such as those produced by Sound Associates, are highly
accurate and effective units. The best things about IR are its ability
to be contained within its environment and its generally good sound
quality. Infrared light cannot pass through solid surfaces such as
walls, curtains, etc., in turn giving total privacy to the transmission,
and is impervious to outside EMI (electro-magnetic interference).
This can be extremely beneficial in places where confidentiality and
privacy are needed, such as courtrooms, boardrooms, or military installations.
Theaters and performance halls often prefer IR systems simply because
there is little to zero chance of interference from other wireless
transmissions. 
However,
one thing to consider is that installation of extra reflective panels
may be necessary to ensure transmission under balconies or other architectural
obtrusions. Also, in buildings with certain types of lighting, or
with large windows allowing daylight to enter, IR systems may not
work properly.
RF
assistive listening devices are much more portable and can be used
in virtually any place, being only restricted to the distance the
radio waves travel in relation to their signal strength. The most
promising company to bring new vision into the realm of RF ALS is
Listen Technologies, founded by Russ Gentner (formerly with
Gentner Communications, a pioneer in ALS). Most other RF manufacturers
transmit on 72mhz with minimal channel selection. Listen Technologies
transmits on both 72mhz and 216mhz, with 57 channels of selection
on either. The company’s use of both wide and narrow bandwidths
for different channels allows easy integration of their products into
inferior existing systems, which use only narrow band technology.
(Narrow band technology squeezes the signal, limiting the quality
of transmission). Also, by using 216mhz, LT is not limiting
its systems to the hearing impaired (which 72mhz is designated for)
and can be used for a wide range of other applications such as: tour
groups, language translation, etc. By paying strict attention to complaints
within the industry, Listen has responded with innovative advances
in their product design.