Hearing Loops in Israel: Where the Rules Require Them and What to Do When They Don't Work

Which regulations this is about

The Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities (Service Accessibility Adjustments) Regulations, 2013. They use a general term, an "assistive listening system". A hearing loop is one type. In some places the regulations require a hearing loop specifically; in others they require a "fixed assistive listening system" without naming the type (regulations, Nevo text).

Service counters (regulation 18)

• Open counters, or counters with a partial screen: at least one counter for each type of service must have a hearing loop with an external microphone and a headphone connection.
• Closed counters with a full screen (for example a glass window): at least one in every ten identical counters needs a two-way speech system with a microphone and a speaker on both sides, plus a hearing loop.
• Sign: a loop symbol visible from every direction, with the instruction to switch the hearing aid to the T setting. The regulation sets this wording.
• All service hours: at least one counter with the system must be in service whenever the service is open.
• Exemption: a shop or commercial service that is not a public authority and not a chain, with a service area under 150 square metres, is exempt from these counter rules.

Rooms and halls in new public buildings (regulation 16)

In a new public building, the entrance to a room or hall with a fixed assistive listening system must carry the international symbol for accessible service for people with hearing loss. So you can know before going in. More on the system itself: Telecoils and hearing loops.

Public events (regulation 54)

At a public event in a place that regularly uses sound amplification, the organiser must provide a fixed assistive listening system with receivers; the number depends on the seats or the venue's capacity. If the system is a hearing loop, headphone receivers must also be provided: at least 1% of the seats, and no fewer than two. So someone without a T setting can ask for one.

Places of worship (regulation 77)

A place of worship with more than 60 seats, or where at least 60 people regularly attend, must have a fixed assistive listening system, if it regularly uses amplification. Without regular amplification there is no such duty. The regulation does not say the system must be a loop.

Periodic check (regulation 28)

Whoever must make accessibility adjustments has to check their assistive means at least once every 5 years. The results must be available for the public to see at any time, at the place of service. Missing adjustments found in the check must be made within 6 months.

What to do when the loop is missing or not working

1. Ask on the spot. Say you use a hearing aid and ask which counter has the system. Under the regulations, one should be in service during all opening hours.
2. Write down the details: place, date, time, which counter or hall, whether there was a sign, and whether staff knew about the system.
3. Ask to see the periodic check. The results must be open to the public.
4. Contact the Commission. The Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities accepts complaints about accessibility provisions not being carried out (gov.il).
5. Personal advice: for your specific case, contact the Commission or a lawyer. This page is not legal advice.

Key takeaways

• At service counters, Israeli regulations require a hearing loop in at least one counter per type of service.
• The counter must have a loop sign with the instruction to switch to the T setting.
• Small private shops under 150 square metres are exempt from the counter rules.
• Events with regular amplification and places of worship over 60 seats need a fixed assistive listening system.
• If it doesn't work: ask staff, see the periodic check, contact the Commission.