Hearing Augmentation in Queensland DoE Facilities.
Queensland Education’s New Hearing Augmentation Requirements for Schools
The Queensland Department of Education (DoE) has released Version 1.0 of its Hearing Augmentation Technical Note (December 2025), providing a clear framework for inclusive audio access in new and refurbished education facilities. These requirements ensure that students who are Deaf or hard of hearing have equitable access to learning environments, in line with the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010.
Key Highlights of the Requirements
1. Consistent, Inclusive Standards
- All new and upgraded teaching spaces, halls, and resource areas must comply with NCC D1P9 and D4D8 provisions.
- Classrooms and learning areas are now required to include hearing augmentation systems compatible with current and future assistive technologies.
2. Tailored Solutions for Different School Types
- Primary and Early Childhood Centres: Phonak Roger Multimedia Hubs with heavy-duty enclosures, minimum two NeckLoop receivers, and Braille/tactile signage at entries.
- Special Schools: Enhanced Phonak setups including SoundField speakers, pass-around microphones, and touchscreens to support multiple assistive technologies.
- Secondary Schools: Adoption of Auracast™ wireless audio transmission for low-latency, high-quality broadcast, including Auracast™ receivers and neckloops to support personal devices.
- Halls and Multi-Purpose Spaces: Dedicated Roger Base Stations or Auracast™ transmitters in communication racks, with WallPilots or repeaters to ensure full coverage.
3. Installation, Commissioning, and Compliance
- Comprehensive testing, commissioning, and the provision of compliance documentation (Form 12 and Form 16) are mandatory before completion.
- School staff receive training prior to handover, and a six-month post-installation inspection ensures continued system performance.
Why Qualified Installation and Commissioning Matter
The new DoE requirements set high standards not only for the technologies used but also for proper implementation. Incorrect installation can lead to signal dropouts, poor audio clarity, or incompatibility with assistive devices, undermining the intent of the policy. By engaging suitably qualified AV specialists for installation and commissioning, schools can ensure:
- Systems function as designed across all learning spaces.
- Compliance with NCC and DoE performance standards.
- Students can reliably access audio information without disadvantage.
Commissioning
It is critical that the commissioning of hearing augmentation and related installations is carried out by suitably qualified professionals. Engaging experienced companies ensures compliance with relevant standards and guarantees the system performs as intended.
Specialist providers such as Hear Room exemplify best practice in this space. With over 20 years of audiology expertise and more than a decade of experience in delivering education hearing augmentation solutions, Hear Room brings both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of user needs. Their comprehensive commissioning process ensures that installations are optimised for performance, reliability, and accessibility.
Selecting the right partner for commissioning is not just a technical requirement—it is essential for delivering effective solutions that support inclusive learning environments and meet regulatory obligations.
In summary, Queensland Education's updated hearing augmentation requirements mark a significant step toward inclusive learning. Professional installation and rigorous commissioning are essential to unlock the full benefits of these systems, creating environments where every student can participate fully and confidently.
