LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES ALS Assistive Listening System Instruction Manual

: June 15, 2024
: LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES

Table of Contents

LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES ALS Assistive Listening System
Product Information
- Specifications
Product Usage Instructions
Did you know that 1 in 5 people live with hearing loss
Where is Assistive Listening Required
What is an Assembly Area
What is an Assistive Listening System (ALS)
Required Components of an ALS
How Many Receivers are Required
What Technologies are Available for ALS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

LISTEN TECHNOLOGIES ALS Assistive Listening System

Product Information

Specifications

Technology: Assistive Listening System (ALS)
Function: Delivers audio directly to the listener
Components: Transmitter, receivers, neck loops, signage
Technologies Available: ListenRF, ListenIR, ListenTALK, Neck Loops, Listen EVERYWHERE

Product Usage Instructions

What is Assistive Listening?
Assistive listening allows listeners to engage, connect, and feel included by delivering audio directly to their ear without amplifying ambient noise. It is designed to accommodate individuals with hearing loss.

Where is Assistive Listening Required?
According to ADA section 219.2, assistive listening systems are required in assembly areas where audible communications are integral to the use of the space. Assembly areas include but are not limited to:

Classrooms
Courtrooms
Theaters
Concert Halls
Arenas
Convention Centers

What is an Assistive Listening System (ALS)?
An assistive listening system (ALS) is technology that delivers audio directly to the listener. It consists of a transmitter that sends audio from a microphone or other audio source to a receiver, which then transmits the audio to headphones, hearing aids, or cochlear implants.

Required Components of an ALS
To meet ADA compliance requirements, the following components must be present in a space:

Transmitter: Sends audio from the source to the receiver
Receivers: Receive and transmit audio to headphones, hearing aids, or cochlear implants
Neck Loops: Enable individuals with hearing aids to use the receivers
Signage: Placed at each entrance or ticket booth to indicate the availability of assistive listening

How Many Receivers are Required?
The number of receivers required depends on the seating capacity of the assembly area. According to ADA table 219.3, the minimum requirement is 25% of the total receivers, but no fewer than two, should be hearing-aid compatible. The calculation is as follows:

Assembly Area Capacity	Receivers
50 or less	2
51-200	2 + 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats*
201-500	2 + 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats*
501-1000	20 + 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats*
1001-2000	20 + 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats*
2001 and over	55 + 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats*

or fraction thereof

Technologies Available for ALS

ListenRF: Radio Frequency – Simple & Reliable
ListenIR: Infrared – Secure & Expandable
ListenTALK: DECT Wireless & Portable
Neck Loops: Compatible with all ALS technologies
Listen EVERYWHERE: Audio Over Wi-Fi – Receivers & Mobile App

FAQ

Q: Why is assistive listening required in assembly areas?
A: Assistive listening is required in assembly areas to eliminate barriers and enhance communication accessibility for individuals with hearing loss, as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
Q: What is the purpose of neck loops?
A: Neck loops are used to make receivers hearing-aid compatible. They enable individuals with hearing aids to connect to the ALS and receive audio directly in their hearing aids.
Q: How can I calculate the number of receivers required for my assembly area?
A: Refer to the ADA table provided or use the ADA Calculator available on our website to determine the minimum number of receivers based on the seating capacity of your assembly area.
Q: Are the ALS technologies compatible with each other?
A: Neck loops are compatible with all ALS technologies. However, different ALS technologies (ListenRF, ListenIR, ListenTALK, Listen EVERYWHERE) cannot be used interchangeably as they operate on different transmission methods.

Assistive listening allows listeners to engage, connect, and feel included by delivering audio directly to their ear without amplifying ambient noise.

Did you know that 1 in 5 people live with hearing loss

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for assistive listening aim to eliminate barriers and enhance communication accessibility in public settings to accommodate those living with hearing loss. These guidelines apply to a wide range of venues.

Where is Assistive Listening Required

According to ADA section 219.2, in each assembly area where audible communications are integral to the use of the space, an assistive listening system shall be provided.

What is an Assembly Area

An assembly area is defined in the ADA* as a building or facility, used for the purpose of entertainment, educational, civic gatherings, or similar. Assembly areas include, but are not limited to:

What is an Assistive Listening System (ALS)

An assistive listening system is a technology that delivers audio directly to the listener. The audio (microphone, auxiliary output, computer audio, or other audio source) is delivered via a transmitter to a receiver which sends audio direct to headphones, hearing aids, or cochlear implants, enabling individuals to hear clearly.

Required Components of an ALS

To meet ADA compliance requirements, a space must be equipped with a transmitter, receivers and neck loops (total number based on seating capacity), and signage (at each entrance or at a ticket booth).

How Many Receivers are Required

Receivers are required in each assembly area in accordance with ADA table 219.3. Twenty-five percent minimum of receivers provided, but no fewer than two, shall be hearing-aid compatible. Receivers are hearing aid compatible when used with a neck loop. To calculate see the table below or use our ADA Calculator.

Assembly Area Capacity	Receivers	Neck Loops
50 or less	2	2
51-200	2 + 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats*	2
201-500	2 + 1 per 25 seats over 50 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*
501-1000	20 + 1 per 33 seats over 500 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*
1001-2000	20 + 1 per 50 seats over 1000 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*
2001 and over	55 + 1 per 100 seats over 2000 seats*	1 per 4 receivers*