Media & Disability
Guide on media & disability
Working with People who are Deaf/Hearing Impaired
Types of Communication Support
Hearing Enhancement Systems
Induction loops
An induction loop is an insulated cable laid around the perimeter of a room or other space and driven from an amplifier linked to a microphone, PA system or TV. The hearing impaired person switches their hearing aid to the ‘T’ (receiving) position. The current in the loop generates a magnetic field that enables the hearing aid user to receive direct sound input from the source, free of distortion and extraneous noise.
These are simple and comparatively easy to install, but are probably not the best for use in broadcast situations. There are also portable loops available, which are not too expensive to buy. The important thing to remember when using a loop is that those using it have to be seated within the area of the loop itself. This is quite often forgotten with predictable consequences.
Infrared:
If the venue has no system installed, you may need to arrange to hire a portable infrared system for the recording. Each person is given an individual receiver unit. You need to have sorted out a system for giving out and collecting the receiver units before and after the show. You also need to ensure that the batteries in the receiver units are fully charged before the recording, and that the receiver units are clean.
An infrared system converts sound into infrared light signals and beams it at the audience from a 'radiator' or transmitting panel (200 mm x 300mm) that covers an area of about 800 square metres. There is no real difference in sound quality between an installed system and a portable system. The signal is picked up through a special receiver worn by the user. These are available in two versions, one for use with a hearing aid (fitted with a 'T' receiving switch) or another type for use without hearing aids. Unfortunately in using an infra-red system, switching the hearing aid to 'T' (receiving) position will switch off the wearer's hearing aid microphone and so they will only hear sound introduced via the infrared system.
Radio systems
A radio system is the answer in a one-to-one situation where infrared is not effective, for example, if a hearing aid user were to be interviewed on location. Radio systems are also good for more advanced hearing aids and cochlear implants.
A radio system sends sound on a set regulated frequency via a radio transmitter to a special radio receiver worn discretely by the user, who is able to hear his/her own voice as well as the voice of the other person.
Deaf people as interviewees
Try to find out in advance the interviewees preferred method of communication and arrange the appropriate support.
Phone-ins
Whenever the public is given an opportunity to voice opinions in a programme such as a phone-in, it is crucial that disabled people are not excluded. Phone-ins not only present a barrier for deaf people, but also for people with speech impairments and for people with learning difficulties. This can be overcome by use of fax and e-mail, but remember that, when a fax or an e-mail is being used as a substitute for speaking on the phone, the producer has to think carefully before editing the message. It should be treated as far as possible in the same way as the spoken word, vetted for expletives and cut off if it is too long. To help people judge how much to write, clear instructions should be given as to length, based on the longest contribution that could reasonably be included in spoken form.
Of course, if people are being canvassed for views, or being asked to respond in some way during or to a programme, an alternative to the telephone such as fax and e-mail should be available as an accessible option. A text service can also be provided for hearing impaired people to send messages via their mobile phones. Or use a Relay Service.