Under the Disability Discrimination Act it is illegal to discriminate against a person on the basis of their hearing/deafness disability. All buildings and facilities should be designed to provide adequate hearing access for patrons and staff.
It is possible to provide hearing access through, for example:
- teletext-enabled TV
- telephones with volume control
- portable telephone amplifiers and couplers
- smoke alarms with flashing lights or vibrators
- assistive listening systems
Access to communication facilities hotels and motels
An accommodation facility that provides television, radios, telephones, fire alarms etc, for the benefit of guests or staff should ensure those facilities are accessible to all guests and staff, regardless of their hearing.
Venues and meeting rooms
A venue that provides facilities to amplify sound, uses sounds to alert venue users to something, or provides equipment requiring the use of hearing (such as telephones) for use in the venue, should provide parallel facilities to enable deaf and hearing-impaired people to hear (or see) the sounds. If deaf and hearing-impaired people are to participate in events and meetings, they will also need parallel facilities in venues and meeting rooms not equipped with sound amplification. If a venue does not provide the necessary facilities on a permanent basis, the venue's design should allow the event or meeting organisers to incorporate the facilities when required.
Secure facilities
Buildings that provide telephones or an intercom system as the means of contacting someone to gain access should make those facilities accessible to all people regardless of their hearing.
Public facilities
Any public building that provides facilities to amplify sound or uses sounds to alert users to something should provide parallel facilities that enable deaf and hearing-impaired people to hear (or see) the sounds and information.
Sport and fitness centres
A sport and fitness centre that provides a telephone or television sets in the machine and weights area, an amplification system in the group fitness area, fire alarms etc, for the benefit of patrons and staff, should make those facilities accessible to all people regardless of their hearing.
Hearing augmentation systems
The preferred option for people with hearing impairment is the Audio Frequency Induction Loop System (AFILS) where the loop is located in or around the room. This is suitable for most churches, lecture theatres and auditoria. Generally it is also the most cost-effective system.
The performance of loop systems should conform to Australian Standard AS1088.4 – 1987: Hearing Aids Part 4 – Magnetic Field Strength in Audio-Frequency Induction Loops for Hearing Aid Purposes.
A number of terms are in common use to describe the Audio Induction Loop. These terms include:
- Hearing Augmentation (includes Loop, FM, Infra Red),
- Audio Frequency Induction Loop System (AFILS),
- Powered Audio Induction Loop System (PAILS),
- Hearing Aid Loop
- Audio Loop or loop
Further information
Policies and detailed proposals that explain the general loop system requirements for different building types, and technical brochures with supplementary details and specifications are available on the Deafness Forum website .
Disclaimer
This content is provided by the Australian Institute of Architects for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. It is not legal, financial, insurance, or other advice and you should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in circumstances where loss or damage may result. The Institute endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time. Using this website and content is subject to the Acumen User Licence.