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.

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