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?
