The Queensland Department of Education (QED) has introduced updated regulations concerning the installation of hearing augmentation systems for new school builds, refurbishments, and prefabricated education spaces. These new standards require a complete rethink of traditional hearing augmentation practices to ensure compatibility with modern hearing aids and assistive technologies. Portable voice capture and distribution (soundfield) is required too.
What has changed?
The Qld QED Design Standards for the Department of Education Version 5.0, released in October 2024, emphasise the need for hearing augmentation systems that cater to various transmission technologies used by hearing-aided learners, teachers, and visitors. In the past, designs focused on supporting only one type of transmitter. However, the new regulations demand that systems be adaptable and cross-brand compatible, ensuring that multiple transmission technologies can function in the same space.
Consistency with Hear and Learn’s approach
Aligned with Hear and Learn’s mission of “All Audio to All Ears. Always,” these new rules mandate that every space with audio-emitting devices, including projectors and screens, must include a hearing augmentation system. This reflects the shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to a performance-based design, allowing for multiple transmitters to connect to various hearing aids.
Additionally, the QED standards require schools to implement soundfield systems that capture and broadcast voice for the benefit of all learners, and for voice to also be augmented to hearing aids. Hear and Learn’s cutting-edge solutions, including the UConnect Mini and SoundHouse systems, and Redcat soundfield, fully meet these requirements, providing a simple, easy-to-install fix supported by expert post-installation guidance.
What you need to know
Key points from the updated QED Design Standards include:
- Mandatory hearing augmentation: All spaces with audio devices must include hearing augmentation systems in new builds, refurbishments of existing buildings, and prefabricated spaces.
- Agile to multiple transmitters: in contrast to previous concepts, new rules require augmentation infrastructure to be able to operate with more than one transmitter reflecting the evolution and variance of receivers in hearing aids. The means adopting new schematics.
- Portable soundfield systems: Every permanent teaching and learning building must have portable soundfield systems and communal bundles of transmitters to receivers in hearing aids.
- Signage: Appropriate signage indicating the presence of hearing augmentation systems is mandatory in all relevant spaces.
Hear and Learn is proud to support Queensland architects, electrical consultants, certifiers, and surveyors with expert advice and guidance to ensure all installations comply with the latest standards. Contact us today to see how you can implement a hearing augmentation solution in your school.