top of page
Education
Support | Engage | Evolve

ADA Compliance

ADA Assisted Listening Systems (ALS) Requirements

The information below is provided as a general reference summary of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Sections 219 and 706). It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or regulatory advice.

​

When an Assisted Listening System is Required

An Assisted Listening System (ALS) is required in any assembly area where:

  • Audible communication is an integral part of the space, and

  • The space includes an audio amplification system (microphones, PA system, sound system, etc.)

This typically includes venues such as:

  • Event centers and rental halls

  • Conference and meeting spaces

  • Theaters and auditoriums

  • Houses of worship

  • Educational and civic assembly spaces

If a space does not use amplified audio, an ALS is generally not required under ADA standards.

​

Minimum Receiver Requirements

The number of required ALS receivers is determined by seating capacity. These requirements are based on the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (Section 219.3).

All assembly areas where audible communication is an integral part of the space and where an audio amplification system is provided are required to supply an ALS.

Receiver Requirements by Seating Capacity

1–25 seats

Minimum: 2 receivers

26–50 seats

Minimum: 2 receivers

51–100 seats

Minimum: 2 receivers plus 1 additional receiver per 25 seats over 50
Example: 75 seats = 3 receivers

101–200 seats

Minimum: approximately 4–6 receivers depending on seating distribution

201–500 seats

Minimum: 20 receivers plus 1 additional receiver per 25 seats over 200

501–1000 seats

Minimum: 36 receivers plus 1 additional receiver per 33 seats over 500

1000+ seats

Requirements continue to scale per ADA Table 219.3 based on seating capacity and occupancy load


Hearing-Aid Compatible Receiver Requirement

All ALS systems must include:

  • At least 25 percent of all receivers must be hearing-aid compatible

  • A minimum of 2 hearing-aid compatible receivers is always required

  • Hearing-aid compatible receivers must support:

    • ​Neck loops or direct audio coupling

    • Telecoil (T-coil) compatible hearing devices

​

Coverage Requirement

ALS systems must provide reliable coverage to:

  • A minimum of 25 percent of the total seating area

  • The primary audience area where communication is intended

Coverage must be consistent, intelligible, and free from significant dropouts or interference.

 

Receiver Availability and Use

Receivers must:

  • Be available to users upon request at no additional charge

  • Be maintained in fully operational condition at all times

  • Be compatible with the installed transmission system (FM, IR, or induction loop)

  • Be provided in sufficient quantity to accommodate peak occupancy

 

Multi-Space Facilities

For facilities with multiple assembly spaces:

  • Receiver requirements may be calculated based on combined seating capacity, depending on facility use and system design

  • Receivers must remain compatible across all ALS-equipped spaces within the facility

​

Potential Tax Benefits

When purchasing an assisted listening system, you may be eligible for the Disabled Access Credit. This is filed with your tax return on form 8826. HB Connects will provide you an itemized invoice for use with this form. This form is available at the bottom of this page. Please consult a tax professional for further information.

​

Important Notice

This information is provided as a general reference summary of commonly applied ADA requirements and interpretations.

  • We are not tax professionals or legal professional

  • This information is not consistently maintained or guaranteed to reflect the most current regulatory updates

  • Users should perform independent verification with the ADA Standards, local building officials, or qualified consultants

  • We are not representatives of the ADA, DOJ, or any governing authority

bottom of page