Equipment & Technology Infrared Systems

An infrared listening system consists of both a transmitter and a receiver, and the device works by sending invisible infrared light waves carrying sound from the transmitter to the receiver. In order to work effectively, the receiver needs to be within the direct line of sight of the infrared beam emitted from the transmitter. Many receivers can be utilized with one infrared transmitter. However, all receivers must be on the same channel as the transmitter.

Unlike other Personal Listening Devices, the infrared system is more secure because the sound is not picked up in other rooms. There are three different ways that the sound can be transmitted. A person who is not wearing a hearing aid can use the receiver with an ear headset. For people who wear hearing aids that have a T-coil switch, the signal is picked up through the loop. For those with hearing aids that are equipped with direct audio input, the listener’s hearing aid is connected directly to the infrared system.