Infrared (IR) Systems

Infrared diagram with transmitter on wall, speaker, and a small audience. On the other side of the room's wall, there is an ear with a slash mark symbolizing that a person cannot hear outside of the room.

Graphic credit: Assistive Listening HQ​

Infrared Systems (IR), use invisible infrared light waves to transmit speech or music from a public address or sound system to an IR receiver. This technology is line-of-sight and cannot be used outdoors during daytime due to being affected by light. The line-of-sight gives more security than other systems.

Please also see

Loaned Equipment

All users need to borrow a receiver from the site/facility AND

  1. If the person doesn’t have hearing aids or hearing aids without a telecoil – Headphones or earbuds
  2. If the person has hearing aids with a telecoil – A neckloop

See “how to use” for a video and more information (this website).

Location Matters

  • For good user reception, the emitter needs to be optimally positioned for all users and may be mounted on the wall or in the ceiling. 
  • Users – sit where you have a good sight line so you won’t experience interference or receive no sound signal at all.

Neckloops

Neckloops must be compatible with receivers and preferably ordered from the same manufacturer that makes the receiver. If neckloops are ordered retroactively – or of a different make as the receiver, there may be a mismatch causing the neckloops to be underpowered and thus not provide a strong enough magnetic signal for the telecoil to pick up, and when the user increases the volume setting on the receiver, it can cause distortion.

See neckloop troubleshooting (this website)

IR Systems: Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Ability to hear more clearly in indoor settings
  • Allows access to different/multiple audio streams
  • Users lose dignity by “outing” their disability
  • Users have inconveniences of borrowing and returning equipment
  • Users can experience borrowed equipment failure
  • Neckloops sometime have a weak signal
  • Users may not use the system, for reasons above. 
  • If users can’t understand how to use the system or the availability of the system, they may choose to stay home
  • Relatively simple installation
  • Sound signal does not transmit through walls (provides privacy)
  • Multi-channel audio available
  • Borrowed receivers required for all users
  • Receivers require battery replacement or recharging after use
  • Facility owner time required to provide, explain, retrieve, and maintain receivers (hygiene concerns)
  • EMI interference. Using a neckloop requires the users to use telecoils – and it’s the telecoil that can pick up EMI interference in a building. The interference is heard as buzzing by a user as soon as they turn the telecoil on. The buzz is heard whether or not an IR system is installed. That is because the EMI interference is in the building and is usually caused by poorly installed electrical wiring. Remediating the EMI interference may require the services of an electrician. 
  • Not suited for outdoor or walk up / walk through locations
  • Requires “line of sight” between transmitter and receiver
  • Infrared technology is susceptible to strong sunlight, thus not suitable for venues with a high level of glass or glossy surfaces in sunlight

Resources