New Zealand Airport installs induction loop!

Editor: We just read about an airport in Michigan installing an induction loop - or rather a bunch of induction loops - and now it turns out that a New Zealand airport has done the same thing!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August 2008

"Calling all passengers" will be a more accurate boarding call at Blenheim Airport from now on as a new audio loop system will ensure everyone hears the announcement.

"This brings the number of loops in Blenheim to 22," says Hearing Services Marlborough chairman Bob Taylor adding several more are being installed, including an over-the-counter loop at the Air New Zealand check-in desk which should be ready next week.

An audio loop is a wire loop attached to an amplifier. It creates a magnetic field that broadcasts sound, in a pure, undistorted form, directly to people who are within the loop and who have a hearing aid containing a telecoil. The loop operates on a universal frequency and is also compatible with people who have cochlear implants.

Before the loop was installed, the voice broadcast over the PA system was distorted for the hearing impaired and background noise made it even harder to understand the announcements.

Blenheim Airport administration manager Angela Adye said the PA system was due to be upgraded and they had been approached several times by Hearing Services to improve the set-up.

"It was on the books to do, update the PA system, so we decided to do the loop at the same time. They suggested it would also be a good idea to install one at the check-in area, so they don't have to lean forward and struggle with background noise."

Several Blenheim churches have had loops installed as well as over-the-counter loops at the Clubs of Marlborough and district council front desk. Part of the council chambers are being refurbished and a complete audio loop is in the plan so the public can hear as well as the councillors.

Mr Taylor said he is going to raise the supply of loops at both Blenheim funeral homes and all the local bank branches have been approached, "They've referred us to head office, so that's in hand." he said. The Marlborough Civic Theatre is having its loop amplifier changed over and Mr Taylor hopes it will be back working in four weeks. The town library is also on Mr Taylor's list as "an essential one".