National Trust, Tyntesfield

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The challenge: Support staff and visitors with hearing difficulties when using the café, restaurant, ticket and retail outlets.
The solution: Supply and install across the counter loop systems.
The benefits: All customers with hearing aids are able to use the systems to hear better, improving their experience of being on-site

“Gordon Morris are a local hearing specialist, a small company who are always happy to help and provide support when needed.”

Tyntesfield is a Victorian Gothic Revival house and estate in North Somerset near Wraxall, now in the care of the National Trust. Bought by William Gibbs in 1844, it was transformed for his  growing family to escape to, and included a picturesque landscape of farmed fields, woodland and gardens around the main mansion.

Gordon Morris had installed two room loops in the Sawmills in 2014 and provided a portable system for events. When a further requirement was identified to support users of the shops and restaurants, Gordon Morris was approached for a quote due to the consistently high level of service and support previously provided. Facilities Manager Sarah Schmitz added

“we like to support local businesses, which is another reason I contacted the Gordon Morris team”.

Support all visitors to the Tyntesfield Estate

Mark Birch the Operations Manager, was invited to meet and discuss their requirements. Mark undertook a survey of the rooms and desks to ensure the suggested solution would meet the needs of the National Trust visitors. Sarah advised that they welcomed over 300,000 visitors to the Tyntesfield estate last year. To ensure that all visitors and staff enjoy their experience when visiting the property, counter loops were required for other locations across the property.

Many of the buildings are over a hundred years old which presents potential acoustic issues. Mark was able to identify the best quality solution to support the hearing-impaired user. The microphones on the counter tops were also upgraded to gooseneck microphones to provide better sound for the users. Sarah advised that they have their own loop listener which is used monthly by a trained volunteer to check all systems were functioning correctly. Loop listeners are available from Gordon Morris to loan, hire or buy.

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Sarah commented that:

“Gordon Morris are a local hearing specialist, a small company who are always happy to help and provide support when needed”.

Gordon Morris engineers offer the full package from surveying the premises, advising what equipment is required, suggesting solutions, installing and maintaining the system.

Gordon Morris would like to thank Sarah Schmitz for her kind cooperation with this article and wishes everyone at the National Trust the very best for the future.
To find out more about National Trust Tyntesfield visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield/whats-on

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How does a portable hearing loop work?

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When considering the variety of devices that are available to aid your hearing, it is helpful to understand how this technology works. Here we explore the technology behind a hearing aid loop system and how it works.

What is a hearing loop and how does it work?

A hearing loop refers to a system that is used to provide sound for people who already wear hearing aids in the position of a T directly into their hearing aids. This is typical in a large conference, public exhibition or another large event. If you suffer from hearing loss, this system can be a lifesaver. Not only does it provide inclusivity, but it ensures a person with heard of hearing can enjoy all the benefits that someone with normal hearing has without any other devices.

The induction loop system helps anyone who wears hearing aids to pick up sound and helps to enhance sound quality by minimising background noise. Rather than distracting yourself with trying to block out noisy chatter, you can pay attention to the main discussion.

What is the technology behind the system?

Put simply, the portable hearing loop transmits an audio signal into hearing aids using a magnetic field.

The sound source is picked up using a connection, where the signal is then connected to a loop driver. This driver creates a current that transfers the signal to a copper wire or tape loop. This magnetic field is then picked up on by the T-coil in the hearing aid itself. The hearing aid then does the rest of the work – adjusting the sound to the individual’s needs. The sound is transferred into the ear canal with the entire spectrum of frequency that enables it to be understood.

In order to work, the individuals must be situated within the area that is ‘looped’.

Installing the system

This system does require to be installed by a profession to ensure it provides maximum benefit, however there a number of personal loop systems that can be provide such as the Phonak Roger range that can also provide all the benefits of a loop but are more portable.

For more information about portable loop products, or any other handheld aid accessories contact Gordon Morris today. Our qualified sound technicians will be able to identify a hearing solution that meets your exact needs.

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