Assistive Listening + Wi-Fi = The Perfect Combo

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Assistive listening and Wi-Fi streaming go hand in hand. Together, they create an inclusive personal listening experience for everyone—whether they have hearing loss or perfect hearing.

Listen Everywhere is the premier provider of high-quality streaming audio. This plug-and-play solution streams crystal-clear sound via free apps to Android and iOS devices. It creates a complete solution for personal listening when added to your listening menu.

Here are three ways to use the two systems together:

Translation services

Venues that offer translation services often need ADA- or IBC-compliant assistive listening devices, too. Buying assistive listening devices for everyone to hear translated audio would be a costly investment, though.

Instead, a venue could offer assistive listening devices to those with hearing loss. Then they could stream the translation over Wi-Fi to guests who’ve downloaded the free Listen Everywhere app.

TV and video viewing

Student unions, corporate fitness centers, bars, museums, restaurants, airport lounges. What do they have in common? They often use TVs to entertain and inform visitors and customers.

They’re also venues that need assistive listening systems. Using Listen Everywhere, they can stream audio from screens to guests who don’t need assistive listening. Then they can use their RF, IR or loop system to deliver sound to guests who need hearing help.

Theaters

While movie theaters blast surround sound, live theaters often have sound challenges. Venues like Hale Centre Theatre use Loop systems to deliver sound to guests with hearing loss. Others use RF or IR systems. With Listen Everywhere, theaters can stream sound to guests who don’t have hearing loss, ensuring everyone can hear the dialogue.

While Wi-Fi streaming systems aren’t ADA- or IBC-compliant, they’re the ideal complement to assistive listening systems. We package Listen Everywhere with our RF and IR systems to make affordable personal listening available to everyone. If you’re interested in a combo compliance system, or want to add Listen Everywhere to your existing assistive listening system, call (877) 760-9270 or go to listeneverywhere.com today!

InfoComm 2019: What to Expect from Listen Technologies

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We’re counting down the days to InfoComm! We’ll be showcasing our award-winning products in Booth 6153. There, we’ll have our experts ready to hear about your business needs. So whether you’re looking for an assistive listening system or tech to create superior listening experiences, come see how we can help you.

Here’s what you can expect from Listen Technologies at InfoComm 2019:

ListenTALK
Our award-winning ListenTALK system is the simplest, most reliable and flexible two-way wireless communication tool available. It ensures all guests can hear and engage, with hands-free functionality. It’s also wireless and completely portable, and your users can choose a headset or personal smartphone earbuds. In addition, it features simple push-to-talk communication, between the tour leader and guests, and guests and the tour leader.

Listen EVERYWHERE
Listen EVERYWHERE ensures none of your guests miss out because everyone deserves to hear the same great experience. It gives users high-quality audio delivered via free apps on iOS and Android devices. Listen EVERYWHERE features simple plug-and-play installation with no lip sync issues. It uses an existing Wi-Fi network and includes a customizable app experience, with custom channel labels, and links to events, the weekly program, hymnal, and more.

ListenLOOP
Using an electromagnetic field, ListenLOOP delivers clear sound to people with hearing loss, all without distracting background noise, distortions or vibrations. Because we’re the leader in hearing loop technology, our customers include CapitalOne to Bank of America, the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders to All Saints Church.

ListenIR
ListenIR delivers high-quality audio, with twice the power and coverage of other receivers. In this system, infrared light waves—like in TV remotes—transmit sound. This signal can’t pass through walls or be received outside of a specific area, so it’s ideal in spaces where a secure audio signal is necessary.

ListenRF
We offer two options for radio-frequency-based systems. With our 72 MHz system, you’ll get a range of up to 1,000 feet, so it’s 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.

Our Marketing Director and Director of Global Sales sat down with Katye Bennett to talk about what to expect at InfoComm this year as well, so click here to hear the podcast!

So stop by Booth 6153 at InfoComm to see everything Listen Technologies has to offer your guests. We’d love to help you become a sought-after venue in your industry. In the meantime, if you have any questions, check out our website and contact us if you have any questions.

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.

 

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.

7 Accessories to Boost Your ListenTALK Experience

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The best tech accessories compliment any environment by adding functionality to the wireless communication device, increasing engagement, or both. Here at Listen Technologies, we believe in offering accessories that make our wireless communication products better and more functional for you. Here are our latest offerings for ListenTALK:

1. AAA battery compartment

  • What it is: An additional AAA battery compartment to compliment the rechargeable battery that comes standard with every ListenTALK device.
  • How it makes the device better: Offers an additional power source in case the rechargeable battery runs out during use, away from the charger.
  • Who needs it: Anyone who uses ListenTALK out in the field, away from the charger for an extended period. This offers a backup for tour operators and others who spend a lot of time with their ListenTALK systems.

2. Protective case

  • What it is: A silicone-compound case that protects the device’s back, sides, top, and bottom against damage.
  • How it makes the device better: Users don’t have to worry about damaging parts of the device in the case of fall.
  • Who needs it: Anyone using a ListenTALK system who’s worried about damage. Falls are unusual because the device is usually attached to a lanyard or clip and headphones or headset. This case offers additional peace of mind to the ListenTALK systems’ owner and users.

3. Cable management pocket

  • What it is: A Velcro cable management sleeve that holds cords while worn with a lanyard or clipped to a belt.
  • How it makes the device better: This pocket keeps cords out of the way. That eliminates the chance for cords to catch on something and damage the equipment.
  • Who needs it: Anyone using a ListenTALK system who wants to keep the device as safe as possible.

4. Metal D-rings

  • What it is: A ring attachment that allows for users to attach a custom lanyard to the device.
  • How it makes the device better: The metal D-ring gives owners the opportunity to add a lanyard of their choice.
  • Who needs it: Anyone who wants to customize or brand the ListenTALK devices to their company. For example, Disney has its own branded lanyards and wants to use them with its ListenTALK devices.

5. Smartphone cable

  • What it is: This cable connects a ListenTALK device to any smartphone, allowing a remote presenter to use the system.
  • How it makes the device better: The smartphone cable gives the wireless communication system the ability to have two leaders. The remote presenter becomes the leader, and the on-site presenter becomes the sub-leader. Because of the crystal-clear sound quality, there’s no need to shout over anyone or into a speaker. Group members can ask questions and have discussions with the remote leader, providing them with valuable information or skills they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to gain.
  • Who needs it: The smartphone cable is especially useful for tour operators and anyone doing training. The tour group or class can add an expert to the group without needing the person to be on-site.

6. Mic input/headphone output cable

  • What it is: This cable splits the traditional receive/transmit function of a standard jack to use an independent mic and speaker.
  • How it makes the device better: Allows the system to transmit sound to a secondary room, not just to other ListenTALK devices.
  • Who needs it: Anyone doing training, translating or who needs to transmit audio to a secondary location. For example, a doctor performing surgery could use this cable to transmit crystal-clear audio to another room where medical students were observing the procedure. A translator could use this system to broadcast the translated proceedings of a courtroom or classroom.

7. Line/headset mix cable

  • What it is: A cable that allows the system to broadcast secondary pre-recorded audio or music to the devices.
  • How it makes the device better: Gives a ListenTALK system owner the opportunity to eliminate dead air. When group leaders or presenters aren’t speaking, they can switch over to music or another audio track.
  • Who needs it: Anyone who doesn’t like silence. Sometimes there’s a long pause between stops on a tour, and no one has a question, in training when class members are each given a chance to try a hands-on activity, or between translations. For example, Segway plans to use this new cable to play music and pre-recorded safety messages between tour stops.

 

We believe that the best tech accessories compliment any environment. That’s why we’re committed to offering wireless communication accessories that make ListenTALK better and more functional for you. If you’re ready to accessorize your ListenTALK system or want to give ListenTALK a try, call us today at (888) 296-1623 or go to listentalk.com!

ListenTALK in Action

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Last year, ListenTALK hit the shelves with a bang. One of ListenTALK’s first customers was Hale Center Theatre in Sandy, Utah. Here’s how it works, where Hale Center Theatre is using it and why they love it:

How ListenTALK works

This on-the-go two-way communication system was built with flexibility in mind. Each device is a transceiver—which means it both transmits and receives audio communication. Creating a group of transceivers is simple! With the tap of a button, ListenTALK devices can be paired on the fly and multiple groups can be created in a matter of seconds. While on a tour, all you have to do is press the Talk button if you want to…talk! If you’re a tour leader, the only reason you’ll need to press the Talk button is to mute yourself. Pretty easy, right?

With a simple setup, you get an innovative communication solution that ensures everyone can come on your adventure with you.

 

In action at Hale Center Theater

Backstage tours are nothing new at Hale Center Theatre, but you haven’t seen them like this before. Last year, Hale Center Theatre built a brand-new, state-of-the-art venue. This beautiful building is unlike anything else in the Salt Lake Valley, and officials needed a communication system that matched the impressive structure. Quinn Dietlein, Hale Center Theatre’s development director and annual giving manager, obtained ListenTALK specifically for backstage tours but has incorporated “all sorts of fun multimedia uses,” thanks to its versatility. Hundreds of people are going on these tours every week, and hundreds of people are walking away impressed with the new theater…and ListenTALK!

 

Why tour guides and participants LOVE it

Not only is Quinn a director, but he’s also a performer. Each tour he takes through the theater has a different flare. Upon meeting his tour group, he learns about participant’s interests and uses that information to tell a personalized story for each group as he takes them through the theater. His tours are as entertaining as the plays he acts in, but one thing is for sure: Quinn is talking all day long. The first time Quinn used ListenTALK for a tour, his excitement was palpable. No longer was he raising his voice, walking backward, or trying to reach every guest. With ListenTALK, guests are participating more, asking more questions, and staying engaged. Now, Quinn speaks normally, and his participants are able to catch the nuances of his personalized tours.

Hale Center Theatre discovered it last year: ListenTALK creates an environment of inclusion and is the perfect tour solution. It’s easy to use for every kind of tour and everyone who uses it loves it.

 

Are you ready to try ListenTALK? Call (888) 296-1623 or go to https://www.listentalk.com to get started with your free demo kit today.

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 online 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!

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