As the UK prepares to introduce Martyn’s Law (also known as the Protect Duty), public venues face new obligations to enhance their security and emergency preparedness. This legislation, born from the tragic Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, aims to make public spaces safer by requiring venues to assess risks, train staff, and develop robust emergency plans.
While physical security measures like CCTV upgrades and bag checks are often front and centre, one crucial aspect tends to be overlooked: how emergency information is communicated to everyone in the venue, especially those with hearing loss.
At Runtech, we are passionate about combining security with accessibility. We believe effective communication saves lives, and hearing loops play a vital role in ensuring inclusivity in emergency situations.
The Challenge: Communication in Emergencies for People with Hearing Loss
According to Action on Hearing Loss, around 12 million people in the UK live with some form of hearing loss. In noisy environments or chaotic emergency situations, many struggle to understand announcements made over standard public address (PA) systems due to background noise, poor acoustics, or speaker clarity.
This can cause confusion, delayed evacuation, or even panic, putting lives at risk.
What Are Hearing Loops and Why Are They Essential?
A hearing loop system (also called an induction loop) transmits sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants equipped with a T-coil (telecoil). Instead of relying on hearing the speaker through ambient sound, users receive a clear, amplified audio signal that cuts through background noise.
In practice, this means:
- Emergency announcements become clear and intelligible.
- People with hearing loss receive vital safety instructions without delay or misunderstanding.
- Venues demonstrate commitment to inclusive safety, ensuring no one is left behind in a crisis.
How Martyn’s Law Supports the Case for Hearing Loops
Martyn’s Law requires venues and organisations to:
Conduct detailed risk assessments
Train staff on emergency response.
Ensure public safety measures are effective for all visitors
While the legislation doesn’t specifically mandate hearing loops, its emphasis on inclusive communication and public protection naturally aligns with the need for assistive listening technologies.
Furthermore, existing legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 requires venues to make reasonable adjustments for disabled visitors, including those with hearing impairments.
Installing hearing loops is therefore both a proactive safety measure and a legal compliance step.
Why Trust Runtech for Your Hearing Loop Installation?
At Runtech, we bring years of experience in delivering hearing loop solutions tailored to a wide variety of venues, from theatres and concert halls to stadiums, conference centres, shopping centres, and places of worship.
Our services include:
Expert site surveys to assess acoustic environments
Custom system design that maximises coverage and clarity
Professional installation and integration with existing AV and emergency systems
Comprehensive staff training to ensure your team knows how to operate and maintain the system
Ongoing support and maintenance to keep your system in top working order
We understand that safety isn’t just about equipment, it’s about people. Our team works closely with clients to ensure their hearing loop systems contribute to an accessible, safe environment for all.
Investing in Inclusive Safety
As venues adapt to meet Martyn’s Law requirements, hearing loops should be considered an essential component of emergency planning. The benefits extend beyond legal compliance:
Enhanced visitor confidence knowing their needs are considered
Demonstrating corporate social responsibility and community care
Potentially reducing liability risks through better communication
Get Ready with Runtech
If you are responsible for venue safety, accessibility, or AV infrastructure, don’t wait for compliance deadlines to catch you off guard. Let Runtech help you design and install hearing loop systems that make your venue safer and more inclusive, today.
📞 Contact us now to discuss your project and discover how we can support you through the implementation of Martyn’s Law and beyond.
sales@runtech.co
+44 (0) 203 640 6030