The Listen Technologies Philosophy: Innovation, Accessibility, and Customer-Centric Design
The Listen Technologies Philosophy: Innovation, Accessibility, and Customer-Centric Design Listen Technologies believes everyone deserves a…
Assistive Listening Systems
Create meaningful connections with the communities you serve when audio experiences are accessible to everyone
What Is Assistive Listening?
An assistive listening system (ALS) allows listeners to engage, connect, and feel included by delivering audio directly to their ears without amplifying ambient noise. Assistive listening is the use of technology designed to improve the experience for individuals who are hard of hearing by transmitting audio directly to the listener. This audio, which can originate from a microphone, auxiliary output, computer audio, or another audio source, is sent via a transmitter to a receiver, also known as an assistive listening device (ALD), that then delivers it directly to headphones, hearing aids, or cochlear implants, allowing the listener to hear with clarity.
Deliver an Awesome Experience
For an estimated 466 million people worldwide with hearing loss, traditional sound systems are not enough. Not being able to hear at live events, worship services, and other public gatherings can be frustrating, isolating, and leave guests feeling disconnected.
Provide an inclusive, accessible, and compliant assistive listening system to deliver an awesome experience to more of your guests.
Simplified Compliance
It can be complicated to navigate compliance laws. Listen Technologies has worked with thousands of venues to create compliant systems that help people engage and feel included.
Our experience spans:
- Across 80 countries
- In more than 20 languages
- For more than 25,000 customers
Do you want an estimate for the number of receivers you need to be compliant? Click here
Why Compliance Matters
In most countries, venues that broadcast audio must provide assistive listening systems to accommodate those with hearing loss.
Beyond achieving legislative compliance, you could be leaving money on the table if your venue is not accessible to 10% of guests that have hearing loss. Plus, it is the right thing to do, ensuring no one is left out. Providing assistive listening systems ensures that your venue is inclusive.
Our systems also allow you to engage your guests with things like self-guided tours, language translations, and large two-way communication for groups touring a location.
Let us show you how you can do more than just comply.
Assistive Listening Solutions
Find the best technology for assistive listening.
An Assistive Listening System (ALS) is a wireless system that includes transmitters and receivers, to improve the experience for a person who is hard of hearing, sending the audio directly to headphones, hearing aids, or cochlear implants without amplifying ambient noise.
How Assistive Listening Systems Work
- Take an Audio Source
- Broadcast to a Group
- Connect to Guests
- Promote Usage
An Assistive Listening System transmits audio directly from the source to the listener's ear without amplifying ambient noise.
The first step in creating a system is to consider the source of the audio you are transmitting. Is the audio source live (in-person), a recorded message, or both? Do you want listeners to go from room to room or be able to change what or the channel they are listening to?
Determining the experience you want your guests to have is the first step in deciding which type of assistive listening system is best for your venue.
Typically assistive listening systems use radio frequency, infrared, or Wi-Fi technology to transmit audio from the source to the listener.
Radio frequency is an industry-standard where the audio source is connected to a transmitter and broadcast via an installed antenna to listeners with system devices tuned to the proper frequency.
Infrared works in a similar way but the audio source and the listener must be within a line of site of the emitter. This line of sight requirement provides security by ensuring only those in the same room can access the audio.
With Wi-Fi, the audio source is streamed over a Wi-Fi signal allowing anyone in range to access the audio via a customizable app. These channels can be made secure and encrypted to achieve the same security of an infrared system with the reach of a radio frequency system while allowing guests to use their own devices.
With an assistive listening system, the audio source is transmitted directly to the listeners ear and does not amplify ambient background noise. Someone using just a hearing aid without an assistive listening system is going to have ALL sound around them amplified which can be loud and distracting.
By offering an assistive listening system, guests can more easily engage with the experience in your venue in more meaningful ways.
Depending on the type of system, guests can either check out a device or use their own device to connect to the audio source. When you provide devices, there are several available headset types.
Once you have an assistive listening system, you can promote the availability with signage. Listen Technologies can help with printable signage and other materials to promote the availability of the assistive listening system to your guests. What is the point of having an assistive listening system if your guests are not aware?
Flexible Solutions For Every Venue
Radio Frequency
ListenRF transmits audio directly to the listener’s ear without amplifying ambient noise for superior intelligibility. Audio sources are wired to a transmitter and guests use receiver units to tune in to a specific audio source. Applications range from college campuses to museums, anywhere you broadcast audio to a group.
Auracast™
Auri™ is the first fully integrated assistive listening system designed for professional installations, harnessing the power of Auracast™ broadcast audio. Auri™ provides tailored solutions for hearing assistance and personal audio preferences, perfect for public spaces. With Auri™, users can seamlessly enhance their listening experience using either their Auracast™-compatible device or a receiver provided by the venue.
Two-Way Communication
ListenTALK is a portable system used for two-way communication with a group while walking around. Group leaders are hands-free and participants simply push a button to talk back. Applications include facility tours, group training, language interpretation, and walking tours – anywhere you want to engage a group.
Audio Over Wi-Fi
ListenWIFI is a simple and cost-effective solution for assistive listening. Connect audio sources to a server to stream them over a wi-fi network. Guests use an app on their smartphones to access the channel of their choice, or by use of a dedicated receiver. Ideal for any venue looking for a cost-effective way to provide audio to a large group.
Infrared
ListenIR systems provide line-of-sight security for assistive listening needs. Infrared systems transmit audio to anyone with a receiver in the line of sight of the emitter. Infrared systems are most often used in courtrooms, medical settings, or for organizations where security is essential.
Induction Loop
Hearing loops, or induction loops, are an assistive listening system that provides access to audio for those with hearing loss via their hearing aid or cochlear implants. It takes the audio source and transfers it directly to a hearing aid without background noise, interference or acoustic distortion.
Everyone Deserves an Exceptional Listening Experience
House of Worship
House of Worship
Houses of worship are often beautiful structures, but do not always have the best acoustics. Make sure everyone can connect to inspirational messages and music by providing assistive listening solutions.
Solutions for Houses of WorshipArenas and Stadiums
Arenas and Stadiums
With fans cheering, music playing, and announcers calling every play of the game, enjoying a live event can be an incredibly exciting experience. Assistive listening systems enhance this experience for those with hearing loss.
Solutions for Arenas and StadiumsCourtrooms
Government and Courtrooms
Government buildings and courtrooms require that individuals hear every word. Assistive listening solutions from Listen Technologies deliver the clarity, precision, and reliability necessary in an environment where every word matters.
Solutions for Government and CourtroomsTheaters
Theaters
Sound has the power to inspire us and is integral in creating positive listening experiences, especially in entertainment venues. Listen Technologies has the perfect solutions for all types of entertainment and educational venues.
Solutions for TheatersEducation
K-12 to Higher Education
An exceptional education starts with great sound. Assistive listening systems help educators create enriched educational environments that improve students’ retention, focus, and imaginations with sound.
Solutions for EducationSee All Venues
Engaging Everyone
See a list of all the venues where engagement matters to see how you can make a difference in the listening experience of those with hearing loss.
See All VenuesIt's Easy to Get Started
1
Talk with Us
Let us know how you are planning to use an assistive listening system.
2
Get a Quote
We can design a technology system unique for your venue.
3
Engage Everyone
Engage everyone when your venue is inclusive and accessible.
Case Studies
Emanu-El Synagogue
Emanu-El Synagogue
San Francisco’s Congregation Emanu-El had its temple’s membership in mind with its installation of an assistive listening system from Listen Technologies. The synagogue had some assistive listening systems in place, but they weren’t compatible or effective for some members.
Full Case Study
Dallas Cowboys Stadium
Dallas Cowboys Stadium
With up to 100K crowd capacity, the Dallas Cowboys stadium is what you would call one of the largest, AV advanced sports and entertainment venues.
Listen Technologies was specified for the public auditory assistance system and a cueing / information monitoring system for the press (IEM).
Full Case Study
Good Shepherd Community Church
Good Shepherd Community Church
Listen EVERYWHERE broadcasts crystal-clear audio via Wi-Fi to the free Listen EVERYWHERE app on iOS and Android devices. Using the Listen EVERYWHERE system, the church can broadcast audio from worship services and classes to congregants’ and students’ own devices. They can also connect the audio to any Bluetooth device, including hearing aids.
Full Case StudyAssistive Listening Insights
ListenWIFI vs. Auri™: Choosing the Right Assistive Listening Solution
ListenWIFI vs. Auri™: Choosing the Right Assistive Listening Solution Selecting the right assistive listening solution…
Assistive Audio vs. Assistive Listening: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Assistive Audio vs. Assistive Listening: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters Clear sound is…
Assistive Listening Resources
If you or someone you love are living with hearing loss, want additional information on hearing loss advocacy, or need detailed information on legislative compliance, check out these additional resources.
