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Technology Spotlight: What You Need to Know About Assistive Listening Options

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Performing arts centers around the world—like the brand-new Hale Centre Theatre in Utah—turn to induction loop technology for assistive listening systems. But that’s probably not the right fit for a courtroom. And what works in a classroom might not work in a movie theater.

 

Technology for assistive listening isn’t one-type-fits-all. So, you need to consider all types of technology to find the right fit. There’s infrared, radio frequency, hearing loops, and Wi-Fi, along with their associated products. Here’s what you need to know about all of them:

Infrared

In this type of system, infrared light waves—like the technology in many TV remotes—transmit sound to an IR receiver and headphones. The system floods a room with infrared light using IR radiators. Users don’t need hearing aids. They get sound via a receiver and headphones or earpiece. So, it’s an excellent solution for classrooms, courtrooms, and corporate boardrooms. And it’s ideal for anywhere a private audio signal is necessary. That’s because the signal can’t pass through walls or be received outside a specific area. This system is relatively low-cost and can deliver multiple audio sources. One of the drawbacks of IR, though, is that it is traditionally dependent on line of sight in order to receive the light signal.

 

Listen Technologies offers ListenIR, which delivers higher-quality audio, with twice the power and coverage of other receivers. Listen’s receivers are IR transparent, allowing them to receive light waves from all angles, greatly reducing signal drop out. The system, which can have six simultaneous channels, is streamlined for better management with simple and smarter maintenance solutions. The receivers are easier to store, wear, and use because they’re half the size and weight of other listening devices. Our innovative battery technology saves money as well as the hassle of battery management and disposal. Plus, the integrated neck loop/lanyard delivers better audio to users with cochlear implants and telecoil hearing aids. If you’re looking for a private, lower cost, easy-to-use assistive listening solution, check into the ListenIR system.

Radio frequency

If you’ve listened to a radio or used a walkie-talkie, then you’re familiar with radio frequency. In an assistive listening system, sound is transmitted via radio frequency to a receiver and headphones. It also may deliver the sound directly to a receiver connected to a cochlear implant or telecoil hearing aid. Like the IR system, users don’t need hearing aids. This system can be used in small or large spaces, but it isn’t ideal in situations where privacy is necessary because the signal isn’t contained like an IR system. People often use this low-cost system in classrooms, public meeting spaces, churches, conference rooms, and nursing homes.

 

If you’re looking for a superior RF assistive listening product, Listen Technologies offers two options, with a maximum of 32 simultaneous channels. The 72 MHz system has a range of up to 1,000 feet, and is ideal for churches, performing arts centers, theaters, and more. We also have a 216 MHz system, with high-quality transmitters and receivers. The 216 MHz system is ideal for places where a larger RF signal is necessary, like at convention centers and stadiums. An RF system is perfect for everywhere from classrooms to concert halls. With an RF system from Listen Technologies, you’ll have a low-cost and high-quality assistive listening product.

Hearing loop

Many users consider the hearing loop the best option for assistive listening systems. Using an electromagnetic field, it sends sound to people with telecoil technology in their hearing aid or cochlear implant. When a person with a T-coil hearing aid or cochlear implant walks into a venue with a hearing loop, they set their T switch to on and instantly have audio streaming directly to their ears. Optionally, a hearing loop can also send the signal to a receiver connected to headphones or an earpiece, so people without hearing aids can use them. The drawback of this system is that it requires installation, so they’re usually more costly than IR and RF systems. That’s because a hearing loop requires the venue operator to install wire or flat copper tape loop on the floor of the entire venue. Also, like an RF signal, this system is not secure.

 

Listen Technology’s ListenLOOP is the leader in hearing loop technology. We help people with hearing loss have a superior listening experience without distracting background noise that can lessen hearing clarity. One of our latest installations was at the Hale Centre Theatre in Utah.

 

“The hearing loop is giving so many of our patrons an experience they have never before had,” said Quinn Dietlein, Hale Centre Theatre’s development director and annual giving manager.

 

A hearing loop is the most convenient assistive listening system for users. It delivers high-quality audio, and even people without hearing aids can use it.

Wi-Fi

The latest in assistive listening technology is Wi-Fi. It’s precisely the same system as you use for your phone, laptop and tablets at home and just about everywhere else. A Wi-Fi system uses radio waves to send information across a network. With a Wi-Fi signal, any smartphone or tablet can turn into an assistive listening product.

 

Listen Technologies always is looking for the best and latest tech for assistive listening. Now with Audio Everywhere from Listen Technologies, end users get best-in-class assistive listening and best-in-class Wi-Fi audio streaming. Users just need to connect to the Wi-Fi network, download the free app for iOS or Android devices and select a channel. Then the system will connect directly to Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids through the Wi-Fi-enabled device. It’s great for everywhere from churches to bars, universities to corporate centers.

 

Seventy-seven percent of Americans own a smartphone, and about 50 percent own a tablet computer, so it makes sense to turn to Wi-Fi for the latest in assistive listening technology.

With several types of assistive listening technologies, there is a right fit for everyone, everywhere. So, when you’re deciding on a system, consider the venue and whether IR, RF, loop, or Wi-Fi is best for the situation.

 

Experience More with Assistive Listening Systems

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When Hale Centre Theatre was planning its brand-new building in Sandy, Utah, leaders knew they wanted the space to be as inclusive as possible with the best assistive listening system available. That meant installing a state-of-the-art hearing loop in the theatre.

 

“We feel like theater, really well done, offers a much-needed escape in an ever-busier world,” said Quinn Dietlein, Hale Centre Theatre’s development director and annual giving manager. “We also feel that this opportunity should be available to as many people as possible. The hearing loop is giving so many of our patrons an experience they’ve never had before. We have had close friends with hearing loss literally in tears after enjoying a show and being included like never before.”

 

More Americans experience hearing loss than you might think. Hearing loss makes it difficult for people to fully experience something like a play at the Hale Centre Theatre, but assistive listening systems can help. So what are assistive listening systems, who needs them, and are they required?

 

What does assistive listening mean?

Assistive Listening Systems, also known as assistive listening devices, take sound from a source and transmit it to a receiver that delivers the sound to a user’s ear. The systems use one of several types of technology:

  • Infrared: IR is a great solution for classrooms, corporate boardrooms and courtrooms – basically anywhere a private audio signal is necessary. It uses infrared light to send audio to an IR receiver and earphones. No one can receive the signal outside of a specific area and it won’t pass through walls.
  • Radio Frequency: An RF signal doesn’t require line of sight, as IR does. Audio is transmitted via a radio frequency to a receiver and earphones.
  • Loop: Many people consider the loop to be the best all-around solution for assistive listening systems. Loop systems use an electromagnetic field to send sound to anyone with telecoil technology in their hearing aids or cochlear implants. Venues can also choose to transmit the signal to a receiver and earphones.
  • Wi-Fi: Systems like Audio Everywhere from Listen Technologies provide audio streaming solutions for churches, universities, bars and more. Wireless audio is available via a free downloadable app, enabling guests to use their own iOS and Android devices for assistive listening.

Assistive listening systems use a variety of technologies to deliver sound to hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other receivers.

 

Who needs assistive listening systems?

Approximately 48 million Americans, or 20 percent of the country’s population, have some degree of hearing loss. About 15 percent of school-aged children experience hearing loss and by age 65, one in three Americans has some hearing impairment. The degree of hearing loss within this group varies from minor to profound. But having an assistive listening system available will help them listen more clearly and understand more of what they hear.

 

Who must have an assistive listening system?

Luckily for Americans with hearing loss, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides some relief. The ADA requires that public spaces offer an assistive listening system unless the requirement is an undue burden. Theaters, courtrooms, lecture halls, legislative chambers, stadiums, and convention centers are some places that are required to have an assistive listening system by law. Public assembly areas where audible communication is integral to the space must be compatible with t-coil hearing aids, and the number of receivers required is based on the seating capacity of the space.

 

Hearing loss is a common condition in the United States. Assistive listening systems help people hear, ensuring that millions of people aren’t left out of essential experiences in public spaces and some workplaces.

Make a trip to the ENT one of your New Year’s resolutions

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Health-related New Year’s resolutions are always among the most popular — people resolve to lose weight, exercise more, cut unhealthy foods from their diets or add more healthy food, and take better care of themselves. But not many people resolve to make a hearing checkup with their ENT.

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions in the U.S, with 20 percent of all Americans experiencing some level of impairment and even higher percentages over age 65. But not many people take the time to see a hearing specialist. So what’s an ENT, when do you need to see one, and what happens next?

What’s an ENT?

An ENT physician is an otolaryngologist or a doctor who treats people with disorders and diseases affecting their ears, sinuses, nose, throat, larynx, mouth, neck and face. For the ear, these doctors are trained to treat a variety of problems via surgical and medical treatments. So if you are experiencing a problem with your ears or hearing, your primary care physician will likely recommend that you visit an otolaryngologist, aka an ENT doctor.

When to see an ENT

Hearing loss is a significant public health issue, with about 48 million Americans having some level of hearing difficulty. So if you’re experiencing trouble with your ears, it’s time for a hearing check-up. Some of the reasons to visit an ENT specialist include pain in your ears, balance issues, hearing loss, and tinnitus, or ringing in your ears. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
● Do you have to strain to hear what people are saying?
● Is it hard for you to hear when there’s background noise?
● Do you need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio?
● When people talk to you, does it sound like they’re mumbling?
● Do you regularly ask people to repeat themselves?

If you’re experiencing any ear or hearing problems, schedule an appointment with an ENT physician.

All hearing loss isn’t the same and may be caused by different factors. That’s why it’s important to understand the origin of hearing loss and the different types of hearing impairment. The three types of hearing loss are:

Conductive: In people with conductive hearing loss, sound can’t get through the outer and middle ear. It’s hard to hear soft sounds and loud noises sound muffled. An ear infection, fluid in the middle ear from a cold or allergy, a hole in the eardrum, ear wax, an object stuck in the ear, tumors, and outer or middle ear formation are some of the causes of conductive hearing loss.
Sensorineural: This type of hearing loss happens when the inner ear is damaged. People with this kind of hearing impairment have a hard time hearing soft sounds, and louder sounds also may be muffled. Medication, illness, genetics, aging, head trauma, and noise can cause sensorineural hearing loss.

Mixed: Damage to the outer or middle ear and inner ear causes this kind of hearing loss. The same factors that lead to conductive and sensorineural hearing loss cause mixed hearing loss.
Understanding the type and origin of hearing loss will determine the kind of treatment your physician prescribes.

What’s next?

So you’ve been to your ENT specialist and the doctor has diagnosed your type of hearing loss. If you have conductive hearing loss, your physician will recommend medicine or surgery — or both. For mixed hearing loss, medication or surgery may help with part of the problem, but it likely won’t cure your hearing problem. And with sensorineural hearing loss, medicine or surgery is unlikely to help. However, hearing aids probably will help you hear better and more clearly. Your ENT physician also may refer you to an audiologist, who will determine the degree of your hearing loss and the best type of hearing aid for you.

Millions of Americans experience hearing loss. But not enough of them are scheduling time with their ENT doctor. With a check of symptoms and diagnosis from a specialist, people with hearing loss will be back on the path to hearing more clearly.

Legislation Around the Nation

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So far 2017 has been a busy year for legislators and advocates who have diligently worked together to ensure equal access for the deaf and hard of hearing. For many, all that hard work culminated in March with the passing of legislation.

On March 17, 2017 Governor Herbert signed HB 60 into law. With this signing, the state of Utah has made history as the first state in the nation to replace the term “hearing impaired” with “deaf and hard of hearing” throughout all Utah code. This change shows that Utah acknowledges it’s DHoH community not as something in need of a fix, but rather a rich, diverse, and proud culture. This small change speaks volumes and is paving the way for many other states to follow suit.  At last count, four more states have put forth bills to strike the term “hearing impaired” from their codes and laws as well.  We may be a bit biased, but Listen Technologies has never been more proud to be headquartered in the great state of Utah!

In other good news, New York City has taken a giant leap towards accessibility and civic engagement with the passing of Intro-882-A.  Sponsored by Council Member Helen Rosenthal, Intro 882-A requires a hearing loop be installed in any city-funded building project with one or more public assembly areas. This legislation applies to all renovations or new construction with a cost of $950,000 or more.  With projects under current capital planning, this will include close to 300 venues across New York City!

“With this bill, the City of New York will ensure that more and more spaces every year will be truly accessible to those hard of hearing. Hearing loop technology makes such a radical difference in the ability of so many to participate fully in public life, and I’m proud that as a City we have moved to make it not just a priority but a requirement in our public investments. I want to thank the advocates whose hard work made this possible, educating me and other policymakers on the importance of this issue and helping us reach a path toward getting this landmark legislation passed,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal.

Other aspects of this bill were thoughtfully included to encourage the use and success of the newly installed hearing loops. Directional signage will be required in all public areas with loop technology installed.  Additionally, Intro 882-A requires that information, security, and reception areas in all newly looped venues be made accessible via micro-loops. By July 2018, the office of the New York City Mayor will be required to maintain an on-line list of city managed facilities with hearing loops, including those slated to receive them going forward.

New York City is the first major city in the United States to enact legislation of this kind.  In doing so, they demonstrated that they value the input of their deaf and hard of hearing community members and are actively working toward inclusivity. Way to go New York City!

Improve Your Tours by Using the Guided Tour “E” Principles

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While visiting Glacier National Park last summer, my wife and I booked a tour of the park on the Red Bus Jammer Tour. We decided that we wanted to let someone else drive the narrow, winding roads so we could enjoy the spectacular scenery and views.

In addition to riding in a vintage bus, which immediately captured my interest, our tour guide made the 6-hour tour exciting and interesting the whole time. She practiced and exhibited what I call the 3 E’s of Guided Tours.

  • Excited
  • Exciting
  • Experience

Excited

Our tour guide was excited to be there. She was excited for us to be there. She greeted us with an energetic smile, outlined what we would be doing and seeing, and asked if there was anyone that would like to ride co-pilot as this was her first day and she wanted someone to take over if needed.

As it turned out, of course, it wasn’t her first day. She and her husband had been driving Red Jammer Tour buses for several years and had been working at the park for 14 years! What was so amazing is that she maintained that excited attitude the whole day, as if it were her first day.

Exciting

Our Tour Guide made the entire day exciting. She was an encyclopedia of Glacier Park stories and facts like “National Parks are to Protect and Preserve”, how recent fires had destroyed so many acres, bear sightings, and the status of the remaining glaciers. She pointed out several features along the tour that were her favorites: waterfalls, stories of the Lodges, and the best photography locations.

Do you know how to tell when a canyon was created by a glacier? The canyon will have a distinctive “U” shape. (see photo above)

Experience

The tour was an enjoyable and memorable experience. We have told friends about our Glacier tour and have recommended it to many. Our tour guide made the Red Jammer Bus Tour of Glacier a complete experience, exceptionally packaged and presented. (Mother Nature did a great job too).

For excellent guided tours, try using the Guided Tour 3 “E’s” Principles.

Excited + Exciting + Experience = Excellence

Assistive Listening Technologies and Wi-Fi – How They Work Together

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For the more than 360 million people worldwide who suffer moderate to profound hearing loss, venues must create a listening experience that is equal to that available to the general public. It’s not only the right way to accommodate hearing-impaired parishioners, patrons, and customers—it’s the law.

 

Today we’re seeing public demand for listening solutions that extend beyond the traditional assistive listening market. Wi-Fi-based personal listening solutions, while delivering excellent sound quality, are designed for the convenience of the venue—owners and managers no longer need to purchase and maintain devices. Instead, users download an iPhone or Android app to their smartphone and then select the audio channel that corresponds with the video they want to watch in a multi-display setting.

 

While these types of solutions can be used by the general public as well as the hearing impaired, it’s important to note that they were not designed to meet the ADA standards for assistive listening or comparable laws outside of the U.S., which require venues to provide an equivalent listening experience for the hearing impaired. While the audio latency associated with Wi-Fi technology is negligible, it cannot provide an equal experience for people with hearing loss. This limitation combined with the requirement to provide a specific number of assistive listening devices means that Wi-Fi is not an ideal solution for compliance. That said, there are applications where Wi-Fi-based solutions can complement an existing assistive listening system (ALS) that uses RF, IR, or induction loop technologies, giving all patrons or customers the best possible listening experience.

 

How does that work? Let’s take a quick look at the best applications for Wi-Fi based solutions and then discuss when they make a great addition to your assistive listening solution.

 

Applications for Wi-Fi Based Solutions for Personal Listening

Wi-Fi for personal listening is an exciting, emerging area that has a growing list of applications and the potential for many more. We are seeing ListenWiFi being adopted in venues for:

  • Higher education, particularly in student unions, where multiple televisions are available and the student wants to select the audio channel for listening.
  • Corporate fitness centers or lobbies with video walls. Employees or visitors choose the audio channel for the video they want to watch.
  • Museums with multiple video displays throughout the exhibit. Visitors can select the audio channel that corresponds with the video that piques their interest.

 

The Right Listening Options for Any Audience

When you need to provide both hearing and hearing impaired audiences with audio options, adding a Wi-Fi personal listening solution to a venue with an existing ALS can be a cost-effective approach.

 

For example, a theater may offer a movie in multiple languages. As a theater, the venue is required to provide an assistive listening device to any hearing-impaired person. The ALS device provides equal access to the movie audio, but what about translations for the general public? Purchasing transmitters and receivers for the full audience that doesn’t need a device for assistive listening is quite an investment. But adding a Wi-Fi-based solution gives the ability to access different audio channels to anyone with an iPhone or Android device. This cost-effective strategy allows the venue to remain fully compliant and provides options that create exceptional—and equal—experiences for all moviegoers.

 

To learn more about ALS and Wi-Fi solutions and to determine which is appropriate for your venue, please contact us at Sales@listentech.com or by phone at +1.801.233.8992 or 1.800.330.0891 (toll-free in USA & Canada).

InfoComm 2016: And the Winner IS…

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Drumroll Please…. Listen Technologies!

 

We have had an exciting week at InfoComm 2016.  Listen Technologies is proud to have received not one, but TWO awards at this year’s show.

The first comes from our valued partner in distributing, Herman Pro AV who honored us with their “Vendor of the Year” award.  Looking forward to many more great things to come with Herman Pro AV!

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Listen’s Maile Keone, Chief Revenue Officer and Peter Papageorge, Vice President of Sales and Marketing accept the “Vendor of the Year ” award from Herman Pro AV.

 

ListenTechnologies is also thrilled to be voted rAVe Publications Reader’s Choice for “Favorite Assistive Listening Product”. Nominated and voted upon by the AV community itself, the rAVe Reader’s Choice Awards are the voice of the people in the know-and they LOVE Listen Technologies!

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Tracy Bathhurst, Listen’s Chief Technology Officer accepts the rAVe Reader’s Choice award for “Favorite Assistive Listening Device”.

 

InfoComm 2016: Who’s getting excited? We are!!!

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InfoComm 2016 is almost upon us and we are EXCITED! Listen Technologies Booth #C10519 is brand new this year and it is shaping up to be awesome! It takes a village to put together a show like InfoComm and our Listen village has been rocking it this year.

Cory Paxman, Ryan Paxman, Ryne Carrillo, and Riley Hendrickson-working hard to get us on our way!   Cory Paxman, Ryan Paxman, Ryne Carrillo, and Riley Hendrickson-Working hard to get us on our way.

From dreaming to planning, packing to set up……we are almost there and we CAN’T WAIT!  See you soon!

 

 

Be an Advocate for Yourself and Others

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Even though many countries have laws in place for mandatory assistive listening compliance, public awareness of these laws is inadequate. Many venues throughout the world still lack adequate systems to help the many people who have hearing loss. Here are some things you can do to build awareness and be an advocate.

So, how can you help?

  • There are many groups leading the charge to increased awareness, but they need your help. The Hearing Loss Association of America has a chapter in virtually every state and some states have several chapters. Find one in your area and get involved. They have incredible people and resources available to you. There are worldwide organizations, as well.
  • If you go to a venue where a public address (PA) system is being used, ask the facilities manager for an assistive listening device. If they don’t have one, make note of the facility’s address and fill out a complaint form. It’s only one page and only takes a minute. Here’s what can happen when people speak up.
  • Take some time to study your rights under the ADA. Knowledge is power, and being armed with information on your rights goes a long way, even if you only use it in casual conversation. It increases awareness; if people aren’t aware of a problem it can’t be fixed.

In closing, the biggest difference you can make is to speak up, don’t sit in silence, because you don’t have to. Be an advocate for yourself or for others who have hearing loss.

Do You Love Fireworks?

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Do you love fireworks? I do. The warm summer air, the quality time with family, the sense of community. Nothing feels more like summer than venturing out to the park to watch fireworks. Even though I love fireworks, it’s important to remember that they present more than just a fire hazard, they can also damage your hearing.

According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, the average adult has a peak hearing level of 140dB. Fireworks range from 150 – 175 dB, which means with each bang and sparkle, you could be hurting your ability to hear. Fireworks have even more of an impact on children. A child’s ear can only take 120 dB before their hearing can be impaired.

Of course you can still enjoy a fireworks show with your family and friends. I have five helpful tips to protect the ears of everyone:

1. Keep a safe distance

For children that is at least 50 meters, which is just over half the length of a football field.

2. Wear ear plugs

If you’re like me and you like to set off your own fireworks, your safest bet is to wear ear plugs. They will easily protect your hearing from whizzing, sizzling, and banging of your fireworks.

3. Light one firework at a time then quickly move away

This tip will not only save you from physical harm, it will also protect your hearing. It goes back to tip #1, keep a safe distance. You don’t want to be too close when the explosion takes place.

4. Always have an adult supervise firework activity

Accidents occur in seconds. Children don’t always recognize the dangers around them.

5. Make sure the area is safe for fireworks

Of course you want to be a safe distance from homes, trees, or anything that may easily catch fire, but you’ll also need to be aware of reverberation. The booms of fireworks can echo at dangerous decibels. 

Firework season can be a lot of fun, but remember to be safe. Protect yourself from the sun, the heat, and, as always, from hearing loss.

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