Heritage
Cheshire Archives | Chester
Chester | UK | Heritage | Workplace Technology
CHALLENGE
Different conversations need different listening systems
Cheshire Archives wanted hearing accessibility built into its new Chester facility from day one. Public talks, meetings and reception conversations each place different demands on an assistive listening system. The design needed to account for the room, the audio source and the equipment visitors might already use.
The main event space needed to support several listeners during talks and presentations. It also needed more than one audio feed, with the potential to carry audio description alongside the main programme. A system limited to a single listening route would restrict who could use it.
Meeting rooms presented a different problem. They serve several purposes, but their fixed furniture layouts offered no obvious permanent position for microphones or transmitters. Separate fixed installations would add cost and leave equipment unused between meetings. Reception needed clear speech for a visitor speaking directly with a member of staff.
APPROACH
Hearing loops and Auracast, specified around the room
Altus designed, supplied, installed and commissioned a hybrid system. The event space uses Ampetronic Auri Auracast, the meeting rooms use a portable Auri kit, and reception has a traditional induction loop. Each choice follows the way the space will be used.
Main event space
The Auri system connects to the building’s house audio system. Its two-channel configuration supports the main programme and an alternative feed. This provides capacity for different listening requirements without requiring everyone to receive the same audio.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Auri TX2N transmitter | Broadcasts venue audio |
| 16 Auri receivers | Provide a listening route for visitors needing a receiver |
| 16-way charging dock | Keeps receivers ready for use |
| 8 neck loops | Connect receivers to telecoil hearing aids |
| 8 headphones | Connect receivers to visitors without compatible hearing devices |
| Two-channel configuration | Supports main audio and an alternative feed |
Auracast is a Bluetooth LE Audio broadcast feature. Visitors with compatible Auracast-enabled hearing aids or earbuds can receive the broadcast directly. Bluetooth support alone does not establish compatibility. Supplied receivers provide another route: a neck loop for a telecoil hearing aid, or headphones for a visitor who needs them.
Meeting rooms
Altus specified a portable Auri assistive listening kit so equipment can move to the room where it is needed. This avoids duplicating fixed systems across the meeting rooms and supports different uses of the same space.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Portable transmitter | Broadcasts assisted audio in the meeting room being used |
| 4 receivers | Support multiple listeners |
| Charging dock | Keeps the portable equipment ready |
| Neck loops | Support telecoil hearing aid users |
| Headphones | Support visitors without hearing aids |
| Microphone and media connections | Carry speech or presentation audio |
The microphone and media connections give the kit a role in both discussion and presentation. Equipment follows the meeting, rather than determining where the meeting must take place. The supplied accessories retain a choice of listening routes.
Reception counter
At reception, the conversation is local and direct. Altus installed an induction loop for this fixed communication point. Visitors with telecoil-equipped hearing aids can use the T setting to receive staff speech through their hearing aids.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Reception induction loop | Supports one-to-one communication with telecoil hearing aid users |
Using a loop here keeps the listening route familiar for telecoil users. The specification retains established technology where it suits the interaction, while using broadcast audio in the spaces that need greater flexibility.
TESTING
Commissioned against the appropriate checks
The reception induction loop was commissioned and tested to IEC 60118-4 (BS EN 60118-4), with a certificate issued on completion. The Auri systems were functionally tested across the installed areas. These are separate testing statements: the loop standard applies to the reception induction loop, not to the Auri broadcast systems.
| Test area | What was checked |
|---|---|
| Event space coverage | Audio availability across the intended listening area |
| Two-channel operation | Main programme and alternative feed |
| Receiver operation | Supplied receivers tested and verified |
| Neck loops and headphones | Accessories checked for practical use |
| Portable kit | Set-up and operation confirmed |
| Reception induction loop | IEC 60118-4 commissioning, testing and certification |
Functional testing covered listening equipment and accessories alongside audio distribution, event space coverage and channel operation.
OUTCOME
Several routes to hearing access
Cheshire Archives has an installation that supports different visitor needs across its event space, meeting rooms and reception. The event system can serve group talks and presentations. Portable equipment supports meetings without separate fixed installations, while the certified reception loop supports counter conversations.
| Visitor need | How the system helps |
|---|---|
| Telecoil hearing aid users | Reception loop and Auri receivers with neck loops |
| Compatible Auracast device users | Direct reception in supported spaces |
| Visitors without hearing aids | Auri receivers with headphones |
| Group events and talks | Broadcast audio for multiple listeners |
| Flexible meetings | Portable assistive listening kit |
| Adoption of compatible devices | Auracast infrastructure already installed |
The technology-neutral approach keeps the design tied to the building’s use. Hearing loops remain part of the answer, alongside Auracast and portable equipment. Visitors have more than one way to listen, and the venue has equipment matched to each setting.
TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
Ampetronic
THE NEXT STEP
Book a Critical Systems Review
Altus can survey your reception, meeting rooms and public spaces, then recommend an assistive listening system around the people who use them.