Assistive Listening: What You Need to Know

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What do you know about assistive listening and hearing loss? Did you know that about 48 million people in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss? Or that hearing loss is the third most common health problem in older Americans, with approximately 29 million people in the U.S. needing hearing aids?

So for those reasons and more, it’s critical that business owners, government officials, and others understand the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since 1990, the act has required accessibility accommodations for people with disabilities, including those with hearing loss.

Here’s what you need to know:

What’s an Assistive Listening System?

An assistive listening system isn’t a hearing aid. However, it’s not just an amplifier. It’s also not only for people who use hearing aids. An assistive listening system uses technology to deliver audio from the source to a provided assistive listening device, hearing aid or cochlear implant. It does amplify sound but also filters out ambient noise, so that anyone using the system can hear clearly.

Types of assistive listening systems include

  • Infrared, which uses infrared light to transmit sound
  • Radio Frequency, which delivers sound via radio frequency
  • Hearing loop, which uses an electromagnetic field to send audio. This system requires a flat copper tape loop or wire installed in the floor.

Who Must Comply?

Essentially, the ADA requires compliance in public facilities. These places include:

  • performing arts centers
  • courtrooms
  • movie theaters
  • auditoriums
  • classrooms
  • amphitheaters
  • stadiums
  • legislative chambers
  • convention centers.

These venues and facilities also must post signs advertising the assistive listening system.

Why Comply?

Millions of Americans experience hearing loss. So providing accommodations keeps these people—and their spending power—coming to your business or venue. Plus, the government offers tax benefits for compliance as well as penalties for violating the law.

Tax benefits: Small businesses may receive up to $5,000 in tax credits for an assistive listening system. Companies might also qualify for a tax deduction of up to $15,000. These tax benefits could cover most of the purchase of an assistive listening system, so the government makes compliance worth the cost.

Penalties: The ADA also makes non-compliance an expensive matter. A business that violates the law may be liable for a civil fine between $55,000 to $150,000.

What Do You Need?

The ADA doesn’t dictate what kind of assistive listening system a busAssistiev Listening: What You need to Knowiness or venue must provide. However, based on the capacity of the building or venue, it prescribes the number of receivers and hearing-aid compatible receivers. A hearing-aid compatible receiver works with t-coil hearing aids and cochlear implants. For example, in a venue with a seating capacity of 50 or less, it must provide two receivers plus one per 25 seats over 50 seats. It also must provide one hearing-aid compatible per four receivers. If you know you need to comply but don’t know what you need, we’d be happy to help. Go to our ADA calculator at https://www.listentech.com/support/ada-info/ada-tools-kits.

 

For nearly 30 years, the Americans With Disabilities Act has mandated necessary accessibility accommodations for people with all types of disabilities, including hearing loss. So it’s critical that business owners and government officials understand assistive listening systems, who must comply and why, and what equipment they must provide. If you’re interested in learning more about how Listen Technologies assists businesses in providing necessary accommodations, check out our website or call us at (800) 330-0891.

ListenTIPS: 7 Tips for Superior Wi-Fi Streaming

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Listen EVERYWHERE is the best-in-class, award-winning Wi-Fi streaming solution, allowing users to stream audio straight to their iOS or Android device. It’s also easy to set up—as simple as plug and play.

Here are seven tips to get the most from the Listen EVERYWHERE system.

1.    For cleaner sound, use 5 GHz with a 20 MHz wide channel.

The 5 GHz band is superior because it has more non-overlapping bands. It also doesn’t have as many devices using it as the 2.4 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band is used by

  • wireless phones
  • microwaves
  • garage door openers

Setting the 5GHz band to 20 MHz means less interference.

2.    Consider dual-band access points.

Though 5 GHz is superior, older phones can only handle 2.4 GHz. Having dual access points allows people with those older devices to use the system.

3.    Set an access point.

Advanced Wi-Fi access points will jump from frequency to frequency to find the clearest channel. That’s fine for an hour or so, but after that, it can be a problem with Wi-Fi streaming. You can remedy that by using a Wi-Fi scanner for a manual scan to find the clearest band. Then set the access point to that channel.

4.    Use a Wi-Fi scanner.

A Wi-Fi scanner also will help increase performance by finding a signal at least 20 dB higher than any interferer.

5.    Watch data limiting.

Most public Wi-Fi systems limit data per phone. However, this can be a problem for Wi-Fi streaming. We can help in these situations by customizing the compression for clearer audio.

6.    Don’t use Wi-Fi accessories.

Range extenders, multi-hop Wi-Fi systems and mesh networks increase lip-sync issues, variance and cause audio hiccups with Listen EVERYWHERE.

7.    Let Listen EVERYWHERE do its job.

In most cases, it’s best to let Listen EVERYWHERE run. It adapts to the network traffic characteristics and learns from it—minimizing the clicks and pops in the Wi-Fi streaming.

It’s easy to get the best performance from Listen EVERYWHERE. To get started with this unparalleled Wi-Fi streaming system, go to listeneverywhere.com or call (877) 760-9270 now!

 

 

 

 

Factory Tour Success with ListenTALK

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When you’re leading executives on a factory tour of a Blue Buffalo manufacturing facility, it is essential to keep their attention. The best way to do that is with a superior group communication system. That system is ListenTALK.

“With ListenTALK, visitors are able to fully immerse themselves in plant tours and hear speakers clearly. The wrap-around headset with boom mic helps block out peripheral visual and audio distractions, so listeners remain in the moment and focused on the speaker,” said Adam Wilson, IT infrastructure engineer at Heartland Pet Food Manufacturing—The Blue Buffalo Company.

ListenTALK is the group communication system with innovative technology. It delivers crystal-clear sound to attract and hold attention. Let us lead you through the how, where, and why of ListenTALK:

How it works

ListenTALK is easy to set up and use, making it ideal for any factory tour. Before the tour starts, tour leaders can pair transceivers into a group by using the docking station or on the go with a gentle tap. There’s no limit to group size, and up to 10 groups can operate in the same area.

Once you’re ready to go, you and your guests can choose how to hear. There are the wrap-around headsets with boom mics like the ones Blue Buffalo uses. Or guests can choose to use their iOS or Android earbuds, or some other kind of headset.

Then during the tour, the group leader only needs to speak normally, no matter how loud the environment is. That’s because ListenTALK has a sensitive internal mic—leaders won’t even have to hold it up to their mouths. The same is true for people in the group.

When they have something to say, all they need to do is push a single button, and the whole group will hear their comment or question.

Once the tour is over, place the transceivers back in the docking station and they’ll be charged and ready to go for the next tour.

Where it works

ListenTALK is at its best in the most challenging environments. It’s perfect for factory tours, warehouses and other facilities where the loud hum of ventilation systems and machinery makes it hard to hear—even if the speaker is standing next to you. It uses a 1.9 GHz frequency to reduce interference, so you won’t need to rely on fickle cell signals, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connections.

ListenTALK delivers crystal-clear audio while shutting out loud machinery and other background noise. That means you can quickly identify dangers to people in the group and know that they’ll hear you.

In addition, ListenTALK has excellent range, so group members can wander around corners or linger behind the group and keep their connection. This system also is encrypted for privacy and security, keeping sensitive or confidential information in the room.

Why it impresses

ListenTALK provides an enhanced factory tour experience that’s positive and personal. Because it shuts out background noise, factory tour participants become part of an immersive adventure. They hear every word clearly and can talk to the tour leader and each other.

Blue Buffalo started using ListenTALK at its Heartland Pet Food Manufacturing complex because officials there wanted to capture and hold the attention of company executives during their monthly visits.

“We also wanted to provide an immersive experience,” Wilson said. “To help executives understand what the manufacturing process is really like, we invited them to don hard hats and steel-toed boots and needed a communication system that would complement this approach and help keep them in the moment.

“The ListenTALK system really let us create a point of focus and capture executives’ attention during tours,” Wilson said. “The headphones helped block out distractions and enabled tour participants to hear speakers clearly.”

If you’re looking for a group communication system ideal for a factory tour, look no further than ListenTALK. This system delivers crystal-clear sound that will attract and hold the attention of everyone on a group tour. It’s easy to set up and use, works in the most challenging noise environments and impresses everyone by delivering an enhanced factory tour experience. If you’re ready to join Blue Buffalo and give ListenTALK a try, check out our website and get started with your free 30-day demo.

How to Make Great Artwork for Listen EVERYWHERE’s App

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Best in streaming audio? Check. Best personal listening experience? Check. Customizable app? Check. Now, what about the artwork?

One of the best features of Listen EVERYWHERE is the customizable app. Venues can use their own artwork and brand to add a welcome ad or video as well as sliding promotional banners. So where do you start?

Begin with the theme artwork

The theme is what customers see first when opening the app. You’ll need a 640×280-pixel image to represent the business. A 640×500-pixel image can be used for tablets, but the app can generate this size from the 640×280-pixel image.

The business website may have the right photo, but it’s not always the right size. If you’re a reseller and don’t have access to the graphic artist who made the image, try the business’s Facebook page. The social networking site has made uploading images so easy that there’s always a variety from which to choose.

Determine the right aspect ratio for the theme

The aspect ratio for artwork sounds like a complicated term, but computer programs make it easy. The aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of the screen or image. Try Photoshop, Canva or another photo-editing program to set the aspect ratio. What you should never do, though, is stretch the artwork to fit the box. If it’s too small, consider instead adding a color frame around it to fill the whitespace. If you need some theme art examples, check out our customer testimonial page.

Listen EVERYWHERE gives patrons the best personal listening experience, and the app is an essential part of that. Set the right artwork for the theme, get the proper aspect ratio and focus on signs inside the business to maximize the benefits of Listen EVERYWHERE.

How to make Listen EVERYWHERE ADA Compliant

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Listen EVERYWHERE is the preferred inclusive listening solution for houses of worship, hospitality, bars and more. This system broadcasts sound over Wi-Fi via a free app—transforming smartphones into personal listening devices perfect for everyone, whether they hear well or not. The law hasn’t caught up to technology, though, so on its own, it’s not ADA compliant.

So what is the ADA and what do you need to do to be compliant? President George H.W. Bush signed The Americans with Disabilities Act into law in 1990, requiring accessibility in public and private buildings for people with disabilities, including hearing loss. In a nutshell, owners of certain venues and buildings need to remove barriers and give people with disabilities accommodations similar to the general public. That includes providing assistive listening devices for people with hearing loss. If you’re not sure what you need to do to comply with the ADA, we can help. Check out our ADA calculator here.

We know that you and your patrons love the inclusive listening features of Listen EVERYWHERE. We can help you make it ADA compliant. Here’s how:

Pair it with an RF system

In this package, you’ll get all the benefits of our state-of-the-art Listen EVERYWHERE system plus ADA compliance. The ListenRF system broadcasts sound via radio frequency to venue-provided equipment, while Listen EVERYWHERE broadcasts audio via Wi-Fi to patrons’ smartphones. Everything is a snap to set up and easy to use, whether your a techie or a tech newbie.

With this package, everyone will have a choice on how they hear—at a cost that’s affordable for even the smallest venue, bar, house of worship or government building.

Add a more advanced RF system

If you’re looking for something that’s a little less basic but still ADA compliant and affordable, we have another option for you. Our ListenRF iDSP uses RF technology to broadcast sound via radio frequency to venue-provided equipment. It has more range than the basic ListenRF system and no need to replace batteries. Add Listen EVERYWHERE, and you have a perfect solution for venues from houses of worship to government buildings, and bars to schools. Like ListenRF + Listen EVERYWHERE, this package also is simple to set up and easy to use.

ListenRF iDSP and Listen EVERYWHERE work together as an ADA compliant, inclusive, and affordable solution.

Choose an IR solution

If you’d like a system that’s a little more advanced and secure than RF, then look no further than our Listen EVERYWHERE + ListenIR solution. ListenIR, which meets all ADA requirements, uses infrared light waves—like in TV remotes—to transmit sound. This signal can’t pass through walls, so it’s ideal for areas where security is essential. ListenIR’s integrated neck loop/lanyard delivers sound to users with cochlear implants and t-coil hearing aids. However, users don’t need a hearing aid or implant to use it. While the ListenIR system is more secure than RF solutions, it’s just as easy to set up and use.

When you combine it with Listen EVERYWHERE, you get the best listening solution on the market—secure, affordable, and compliant. Plus, you give everyone the opportunity to have a superior personal listening experience.

At Listen Technologies, we understand you want to give your patrons or parishioners the best possible personal listening experience. We also know you want to stay in compliance with ADA requirements. That’s why we offer Listen EVERYWHERE along with our most popular ADA-compliant systems. If you’re ready to try one of our inclusive and compliant solutions, give us a call now at (877) 760-9270 or check out our website.

 

What we Love About ListenTALK

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Not since the invention of the walkie-talkie in the 1930s has group communication been as simple to enjoy and deploy as ListenTALK.

ListenTALK stands a head above the rest of the hand-held, one- and two-way group communication systems (yes, it can be both). First of all, it’s simple to set up — either pair groups in the docking station or with a tap. After that, using the system is a cinch. With a push of a button, the group leader and members can communicate easily with each other. Plus, it’s lightweight and connects with a lanyard or clip.

Here are more reasons we love ListenTALK:

Crystal-clear Sound

The ListenTALK system uses 1.9 GHz frequency to reduce interference, so you won’t cut out or have static interrupting your audio. It also has a sensitive internal mic, which means you don’t even have to hold it up to your mouth. When you combine the right frequency with the best internal mic, you get crystal-clear audio for everyone.

It’s Secure

If you’re worried about privacy in a communication system, ListenTALK has your back. It’s encrypted to ensure security.

Group Size Doesn’t Matter

ListenTALK works perfectly, delivering high-quality, crystal-clear audio, no matter how big your group is or where it is. That means you could be in a group of five or 50, in a quiet museum or wandering around a campus of 30,000 students. The only limit is how many ListenTALK receivers you own. It can even have up to 10 simultaneous groups operating in the same space.

It’s Compliant

Are you worried about ADA and IBC requirements? Well, ListenTALK checks all those boxes, too. Unlike other compliant systems, users don’t need cochlear implants, hearing aids or other specialized equipment to use it. Plus, not only does it meet ADA and IBC rules—it’s inclusive for everyone, whether they have hearing loss or perfect hearing.

You’ve Got Choices

Do you want a communication system that has two-way communication functionality? Or is one-way communication more critical? ListenTALK has both options. With our combination transceiver/receivers, you’ll have the choice of one-way or two-way communication. Or you can choose our more affordable receiver-only units, for one-way communication.

Then there’s the choice of how to listen. You can use our headsets, provide your own, use noise-canceling headphones, or have your guests bring their own earbuds.

It’s Fun and Easy to Use

Maybe we’re biased, but ListenTALK is cool tech that’s fun to use. How many other group communication systems can you connect by tapping them together? You can personalize ListenTALK units with a specialty lanyard, and guests can choose how they look when using them by providing their own earbuds. Once you experience the cool tech of ListenTALK, you’ll never want to touch a walkie-talkie or other group communication system again.

No other group communication system compares to ListenTALK. This cool tech provides crystal-clear, secure sound to any group. Plus, it’s ADA and IBC compliant and gives you and your group members the choice of how to listen.

Are you ready to try ListenTALK? Call us now at (888) 296-1623 or request a demo.

 

 

 

 

 

What we love about Listen EVERYWHERE

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Audio streaming over Wi-Fi is the listening solution you need, whether your venue is a bar, house of worship, restaurant, airport, or large arena. So if you’re looking for the right streaming system, look no further than Listen EVERYWHERE.

Listen EVERYWHERE offers distinct advantages to venues and users. It’s easy to set up. All you need to do is plug it into your existing audio source and connect it to your existing Wi-Fi. Our app is completely customizable so you can add logos, links and more. Once you’re set up, your customers, guests, or parishioners only need to download a free app to their iOS or Android device. Then they choose the audio they want to hear. Plus, our complete solutions are affordable, starting at less than $800.

We have more reasons to love Listen EVERYWHERE.

Low latency (aka no lip sync issues)

Have you ever tried watching a video, live performance, or sermon with out-of-sync audio? It’s frustrating, and viewers quickly lose interest. That’s why we built ultra-low-latency into Listen EVERYWHERE. When the sound matches what people see, they pay more attention and connect with the message. They also retain the information more easily and are more likely to want to stay in their seats—whether the seat is in a bar or house of worship.

Choices

People want to choose what they watch and hear. In a venue, though, people often only get one audio choice because otherwise, the noise would be overwhelming. Imagine 10 TVs broadcasting audio at the same time in a gym, or the sound of five football games playing in a crowded sports bar. That’s where Listen EVERYWHERE steps in. With a 16-channel capacity, customers can pick their audio-streaming source, whether it’s a language interpretation in a house of worship or a football game in a sports bar.

Patrons also can choose how they listen. That’s because they use their own headphones, earbuds or headsets. That means they can go all in with the audio, or use one earbud so they can still socialize.

Works everywhere

There’s no limit to where Listen EVERYWHERE works. If there’s an audio source (even just a TV) and Wi-Fi, you can use Listen EVERYWHERE. Airports can broadcast information that’s streaming across screens or sound from TVs in VIP lounges and at gates. At sports bars, restaurants or other public venues, patrons can use the audio streaming over Wi-Fi to hear their game of choice or binge on their favorite TV show while out. At home, broadcast the audio to your iOS or Android so you can hear everything clearly without having to turn up the sound. In houses of worship, transmit different languages and send sound to cry rooms and overflow areas. The only limit is your Wi-Fi signal.

Make Money

First of all, when your customers are happy, they stay and spend more money. Clear audio without lip sync issues results in happier patrons, so Listen EVERYWHERE helps your bottom line there. It also provides even more money-making opportunities. In the customizable app, you can add 5-second ads, labels for TV channels, text banners, and custom sliding banners. You can use that space to advertise your venue. Or you can sell it to your affiliates and vendors, to promote their products or services.

Communicate

Whether your venue is a church or a bar, chances are you’ve got a way to make announcements—a cork board on the wall, social media, newsletters via email or snail mail, or reminders at the end of a service. With the customizable Listen EVERYWHERE app, you can use banner space to make those announcements or include social media links and website. Best of all, it’s up to you what you communicate and how you use the app space.

Assistive Listening

Listen EVERYWHERE does not meet regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act or International Building Code. However, it does provide hearing help via audio streaming to people with hearing loss, which may be up to 20 percent of your patrons or parishioners. Also, because Listen EVERYWHERE comes from Listen Technologies, you can get an affordable all-inclusive listening package, with Listen EVERYWHERE and an IBC- and ADA-compliant solution with RF or IR technology.

Listen EVERYWHERE gives your patrons and parishioners streaming audio choices without lip sync issues. It also has clear-cut advantages for any venue, with a customizable app that includes ad and announcement spaces and options for assistive listening.

If you’re ready to make your customers or guests happier with the best streaming audio solution, check out our website for more information or contact us today!

 

Holiday Traditions

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It’s the season of snow flurries, ice skating, gifts, and family. A season to come together as friends and family.

At Listen, our team has created numerous traditions, from a holiday potluck to cheeseball making competitions to the executive breakfast where the executive team dons on aprons and makes breakfast for the entire company!

We asked our Listen Employees to share some of their favorite holiday traditions and this is what some of them had to say:

“One of my favorite Christmas traditions is helping others. I am beyond blessed with a supportive family and more than I could ever hope for, I know there are so many families that don’t have anywhere to turn in times of need, even for basic necessities. We choose a family each year and buy groceries and a few ‘wanted’ items that are delivered on Christmas Eve, which is incredibly rewarding.”

“Driving around the valley to find Christmas lights & watching Christmas Movies, especially National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.”

“Harry Potter Marathon Every Christmas!”

“Staying downtown at the Grand America for the weekend before Christmas with my family and going ice skating, to the lights, and opening Christmas Pj’s at the hotel.”

“Time with my family, hands down. I’ve never understood the animosity towards kids being out of school for two weeks – I love having my children home for two weeks. The magic of the holidays in a child is unparalleled. Whether it’s taking the kids to the mountains to cut down a tree, the decorating, cooking, sharing holiday cheer with family and friends – it’s a time for memories to be made.”

“Overnight bubble bread on Christmas morning, caroling to neighbors in the cold, finding the coolest holiday lights (have you seen our very own Guy’s awesome display?)”

“Unwrapping one gift on Christmas Eve.”

“Watching Christmas Vacation with the family.”

 

We wish all a Happy Holiday Season.

 

 

 

Tool Spotlight: 3 Ways you can use the ALD Locator

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Tip 1: Find venues equipped with assistive listening devices near you

Wondering if your church has assistive listening technology? Simply search the name or address on the ALD Locator mobile app or www.aldlocator.com! If it’s listed, your church will show up in the results with the specific type of device available. You can also search by zip code for all the churches, theaters, schools, and more that are equipped with assistive listening devices around you.

Tip 2: Request devices be made available at your favorite venues

“The venue I’m looking for didn’t show up.” This is the beauty of the ALD Locator, there’s a way to make that happen! Simply click Request a Listing at the top of the page. Request a listing allows you to request that a specific venue install an assistive listening system, once the request has been submitted, the venue will be contacted. Make sure to enter the correct info for the venue and click needs devices before you submit. After all, public places where amplified audio is broadcast are required by law to provide assistive listening for their guests.

Tip 3: Submit a location

If you know of somewhere that has assistive listening available, but you don’t see it listed on the ALD Locator, you can submit the information so others can find it. Start by hitting the Request a Listing button at the top of the page, enter the correct information for the venue, click has devices, then submit.

Listen Technologies’ Combo Compliance Systems

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If you could increase your business up to 20% by doing one simple thing, would you do it?

Inclusion has become one of the major values in modern society. We provide drivers tests in multiple languages. There are buttons to automatically open doors. We even provide pet life insurance. Yet, there’s a very important accommodation many businesses are neglecting.

The US Census (census.gov) is an analysis of our population of over 300 million, and it gives statistics on different ethnic and minority groups to help us better understand the needs of our citizens. There is one group whose percentage of the population eclipses any “minority” group in the US, yet seldom are accommodations available for their needs. Not only that, this particular demographic will typically embrace any businesses who would include one simple and relatively inexpensive need.

Did you know that 1 in 5 people worldwide suffers from measurable hearing loss? 1 in 5. That’s 20%. Compare that to the approximately 0.17% of the population who have impaired mobility. Additionally, the needs of the hard-of-hearing are covered by Federal Law under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Fortunately, there is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to include your customers with hearing loss.

By law, any venue in which audio amplification is integral to the use of the space, assistive listening MUST be provided. That means if you are a convention center, sports arena, movie theater, or any public space that uses a public address system you need to provide assistive listening devices. The most common assistive listening systems use either radio frequency (RF) or infrared (IR) to broadcast audio to a receiver that your customer checks out during their visit. And although required by law for many venues, it can be cumbersome to use–no one knows where to check out receivers, and when they do find them, the receivers don’t work or have broken headsets.

A better, more inclusive system lets your customer decide how they utilize your assistive listening system. Modern hearing aids can pair to smartphones via Bluetooth allowing hard-of-hearing customers to listen to audio through their own phones. What if you could deliver your own, custom audio content directly to them, on a device they already have in hand?

Enter Listen Technologies’ Combo Compliance Systems. Combo Compliance systems include the federally mandated assistive listening solution of your choice, whether it’s RF, IR, or Hearing Loop, and combines it with a powerful WiFi system that streams audio directly to a person’s smartphone via a free app that you customize, and they download. Now, you can not only satisfy ADA assistive listening requirements, you can enhance your customer experience by providing high-quality audio content streamed directly to your customer anywhere in your business. And with approximately 2.5 billion smartphones in use today, you get a tremendous return on investment. Combo Compliance systems are easy to install, and the WiFi servers can be connected to your existing wireless network by your own IT professional.

With Listen Technologies’ Combo Compliance systems in place, you are actively inviting 1 in 5 people, 20% of the population, into your business with a simple and inexpensive solution.

Contact one of our assistive listening experts today at 1.800.330.0891.

Listen Technologies
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