Hearing loops for hire

Why use a hearing loop?

• Hearing loops are useful for events, groups and meetings where some participants may be hard of hearing.
• They help to clarify sound and remove background noise and acoustic distortion.

What is in the kit?

• 2x receivers and neckloops
• 2x headphones
• 1x microphone
• 3x chargers
• 2x audio cables
• Signage and instructions

How do portable hearing loops work?

• The microphone transfers and clarifies the sound source directly to the receivers in real time.
• The sound from the microphone is picked up by a wire inside the neckloop that connects to the receiver.
• The user hears the sound from the receiver either via headphones which are provided, or compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants (with a T-Switch).
• The microphone can be worn around a presenter’s neck, put in the middle of a room for a meeting, or plugged into a laptop or speaker.
• Wireless and easy to use, with eight hour battery life.
• Hearing loops can be used with or without hearing aids.
• Hearing loops can be used inside or outdoors.

Who can hire a portable hearing loop kit?

Community groups and community organisations for activities and events in the Surf Coast Shire. All hirers must hold public liability insurance.

First time hirers

Please complete the Hearing Loops Hiring Registration Form if it is the first time your group is hiring a kit. This form includes the terms and conditions of hire and is required before a booking can be made. 

Book now

Please note: hearing loop kits can only be picked up and dropped off during business hours. See table below for location opening hours.

If you need assistance with your booking, or would prefer to book via phone, please call Council's Facilities Officer on (03) 5261 0600.

1. Council Civic Office (Torquay) - book online
2. Anglesea Community House - book online
3. Deans Marsh Community Cottage - book online
4. Lorne Community House - book online
5. Torquay Community House Kit 1 - book online
6. Torquay Community House Kit 2 - book online
7. Winchelsea Community House - book online

Hiring locations and opening hours

Support

Technical support: Hearing Loops Australia: 1300 669 721, info@hearingloop.com.au

Booking support: Council Facilities Officer: 5261 0600 or lodge a request online.

First time hirer registration form

Hiring Registration Form - hearing loops

Information and instructions

Info sheet - hearing loops kits(PDF, 168KB)

Instructions - hearing loop receiver(PDF, 633KB)

Instructions - hearing loop microphone(PDF, 437KB)

Returns checklist - hearing loops(PDF, 174KB)

Terms and Conditions

• Hiring must be for groups and events located in Surf Coast Shire.
• Must only be hired by community groups, community organisations and local event organisers, not individuals.
• All hirers must hold Public Liability Insurance and supply to Surf Coast Shire Booking Officer.
• All kits must be collected and returned at the agreed hire time and day (unless otherwise arranged)
• Kits must be transported in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Kits must be returned in the same condition as it is hired out, must have all parts returned.
• Parts must not be broken, damaged or lost (if parts are damaged, the hirer will be responsible for any cost to fix or replace parts).

How long do I need to charge the hearing loops?

Charge for 60 minutes = 8 hours usage, charge for two minutes = 1 hour usage.

What is the range between the microphone and receivers?

Range is approximately 30-50metres both indoors and outdoors.

Do I need hearing aids to use the hearing loop?

Hearing loops can be used with or without hearing aids. If you have hearing aids, just use your hearing aids as normal and the hearing loop will be of additional assistance.

Do I need to use the headphones?

If you have a T-Switch (telecoil) on your hearing aids, you can connect directly to the hearing loop receiver rather than using the headphones. 

If you do not have a T-Switch, you must use the headphones (or other headphones of your choice) to hear the output from the hearing loop.

I have a Roger Phonak system in my hearing aids, how do I connect?

If you have the Roger Phonak system in your hearing aids, you can connect directly to the microphone. You do not need to use the receiver or neckloop.

Go up close to the microphone, press connect on the mic, and wait for the beep in your hearing aids.

Do I need to always use the neckloop?

Unless you have a Roger Phonak system in your hearing aids, the neckloop for the receiver always needs to be used as this has a wire inside and acts like an antennae to pick up the signal from the microphone.

If you are using the provided headphones, the neckloop can go around your neck or in your pocket.

If you are using a T-Switch in your hearing aids to connect to the receiver, you need to wear the neckloop around your neck so it is within the required range.