Nearly all public places and businesses have modified their buildings for accessibility to wheelchairs, a highly visible challenge, but may be unaware of the less obvious challenges confronted by individuals who have difficulty hearing. Installing a hearing loop improves speech and other sound for patrons with telecoil compatible hearing aids, is less expensive than other modifications and will increase visitors or customers. If you or others notice that hearing the goings-on at venues you visit frequently is challenging, you can help instigate positive change.
Nearly all public places and businesses have modified their buildings for accessibility to wheelchairs, a highly visible challenge, but may be unaware of the less obvious challenges confronted by individuals who have difficulty hearing. Installing a hearing loop improves speech and other sound for patrons with telecoil compatible hearing aids, is less expensive than other modifications and will increase visitors or customers. If you or others notice that hearing the goings-on at venues you visit frequently is challenging, you can help instigate positive change.Places of worship. While many mosques, churches and synagogues already have some type of assistive hearing device, it might be difficult to use or out-of-date or the place you attend might not have one at all. If this is applicable to your favorite worship place, bring it to the attention of the leadership and be sure to mention how it will make listening to sermons easier for their members. You might try to gain popular support for the idea by submitting an article to the website or newsletter of the church.
Theaters, auditoriums and other public buildings. In the United States, it is a legal requirement for pubic assembly spaces to have audio amplification. A hearing loop is an easy way for a venue to comply with this law. To promote this need, you can write to or meet with the people in charge of these public spaces and business to explain the need and benefits. Installing a hearing loop can allow the business to tap into a new segment of the population which sometimes has limited entertainment options.
Be prepared to make your case. No matter how you choose to bring up the matter, create understanding by sharing facts, promoting awareness for the need and garnering understanding. You’ll probably need to start at the beginning by explaining what a hearing loop system is and how it works. You’ll want to have some estimated figures on cost. Have a prepare list of benefits from the patron’s perspective and the venue’s perspective. Explain to them the benefits of their increased business. Even if they do not engage in the idea the first time, be available as a resource for further information and inquire if you can check in with them every few months to continue the conversation.