A DESIGN FOR LIFE

New induction loop uses 25 years of cutting edge design to look good  

AUDIO product manufacturer Vivid Acoustic Systems has combined years of sound expertise with the latest in modern design to launch a revolutionary new induction loop, the Soundshuttle.

The Soundshuttle – a device designed for use in conjunction with personal hearing aids in areas with lots of background noise - has been specifically designed to be modern and minimalist in appearance.

John Jessop, managing director of Vivid Acoustics explained: “Creating an aesthetically pleasing and attractive product is usually at the top of a priority list when thinking about design, but for some reason this principle is rarely applied when developing products for the disability market.  The obvious question is "why not?"

Mr Jessop continued, "Induction loop systems have been in the marketplace for some time, but traditionally they are large, cumbersome and obvious to both the user and others. We recognised the need to address these design issues when creating the Soundshuttle.  

The result is a small, sleek and modern product which works effectively but is a lot less bulky than other designs. It blends in seamlessly with the rest of items found on counter tops such as tills, where space is at a premium."

Induction loops are particularly useful for the hard-of-hearing in public places such as hotels and shops, where background noise is high.  

The system reduces this ambient noise and helps direct speech to the user. To highlight their availability the induction loops are often put on display, so Vivid Acoustics had to take this into consideration when designing the Soundshuttle.

Said Mr Jessop, "Colour was an important consideration.   It sounds like a minor issue but it adds to the aesthetic look of the product. Induction loops are often found on permanent display in retailers’ premises to highlight their availability, so we decided on subtle shades of blue, black, yellow and beige.”

The Soundshuttle meets the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), which came fully into force in October 2004. It requires all businesses and service providers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure equal access for disabled people.

"There are around 8.5 million people with hearing difficulties in the UK , so it is vital that businesses cater for their needs,” said Mr Jessop. “The Soundshuttle helps hearing aid users to hear more clearly in public areas. It takes the frustration out of day-to-day conversation for people with hearing difficulties and improves communication while maintaining privacy.”

The product is ideal for use in shops, at checkouts, reception desks and any areas of high background noise.  

Vivid Acoustic Systems is based in Cramlington, Northumberland and has more than 25 years’ experience in the sound industry, producing a range of audio products suitable for use in a wide variety of situations.

www.vividacoustics.com 

See also :  Deafness Guidance for GPs

(5/4/05)