Designing new schools in Australia means meeting strict standards for accessibility, and one essential requirement is providing hearing augmentation. With updates to hearing technology and the National Construction Code shifting towards performance based outcomes, architects and electrical consultants face important decisions when planning solutions. The right approach ensures compliance, supports inclusion, and delivers reliable results without relying on outdated systems.
Why induction and t switch systems are no longer viable
For many years, induction loops and infra red solutions were considered standard hearing augmentation systems. However, today’s learners supplied with hearing aids through Hearing Australia no longer receive aids with t switch functionality. This means traditional induction loops or infra red systems cannot provide access for students with diagnosed permanent hearing loss.
Alternatives like FM or Wi Fi systems may seem attractive, but they bring practical issues. They often rely on mobile phone based technology, which conflicts with school policies, and they introduce latency. Audio latency creates a distracting lag between what a learner sees and what they hear, for example, a dog barking on screen is heard moments after its image appears. This mismatch disrupts learning and makes these technologies unsuitable for classrooms.
Performance based hearing augmentation for compliance
The NCC references hearing augmentation receivers in ways that assume outdated t switch enabled hearing aids are still in use. In practice, this creates confusion when specifying systems for new schools.
Hear and Learn takes a performance based approach, guided by access consultants and audiologists, to ensure solutions reflect the reality of modern hearing aids. This ensures compliance is achieved without locking schools into legacy technologies. Performance based solutions also mean designs can adapt to different brands and future developments in hearing technology, rather than relying on narrow or outdated specifications.
Reducing stigma through better design
Another crucial principle in planning hearing augmentation is to consider the student experience. Solutions that require learners to wear or carry additional devices can create stigma and isolate them from peers.
Because modern hearing aids already include built in receivers, there is no need for additional body worn or neck worn devices. Performance based systems integrate seamlessly into the classroom environment, providing access for students without drawing attention to their needs. This approach supports inclusion and normalises accessibility as part of everyday classroom design.
Integrating hearing augmentation with av systems and classroom technology
New schools increasingly adopt advanced audiovisual systems for teaching, collaboration, and presentation. Effective hearing augmentation must integrate smoothly with these systems.
Solutions from Hear and Learn are designed to connect directly with classroom AV, ensuring that all audio, whether from microphones, video content, or interactive displays, is transmitted clearly to learners with hearing aids. This integration avoids duplication, simplifies management for schools, and ensures consistency across different learning spaces.
By aligning hearing augmentation with AV systems, architects and consultants can deliver a future proof design that supports teaching flexibility and enhances the overall learning environment.
Acoustic design consulting
Technology alone cannot deliver a fully inclusive learning environment. The acoustic design of classrooms is just as important. Hear and Learn provides acoustic design consulting to ensure that sound clarity and intelligibility are optimised in every space. This combined approach ensures that hearing augmentation systems perform effectively, supporting both compliance and educational outcomes.
Conclusion
NCC compliant hearing augmentation solutions for new schools in Australia require more than simply meeting a checkbox requirement. They must reflect modern hearing aid technology, avoid outdated systems, and integrate seamlessly into school AV and classroom design.
By choosing performance based solutions, architects and electrical consultants can deliver learning environments that are compliant, inclusive, and future ready.
To find out more about how Hear and Learn can support your next school project with expert hearing augmentation and acoustic consulting, contact our team today.