The Better to Hear by Warren Brown

“I was able to hear everything. I didn’t have to see the speaker’s lips like I did in the past.” For years, Cheryl relied on lip reading to understand the Sunday morning service at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron. Despite the church’s public address system, Cheryl, who has severe hearing loss had trouble understanding the words even with the benefit of hearing aids. Then, everything changed. The church installed a new assistive system, a hearing loop that transmits the sound of the service right to Cheryl’s hearing aids. After the service, Cheryl was elated, “I could even understand the words the choir sang. I was never able to do that before!” What makes the sound she now hears so much clearer is that all the background noise is eliminated. The words from the pulpit microphone go directly into Cheryl’s ears.

The key to the system is a simple loop of wire that circles the room. That loop is connected to the sound system and produces a magnetic field which can be picked up by a T-coil (telecoil) within the hearing aid. By simply pressing a button that activates the T-coil the sound from the PA is reproduced into the wearer’s ear. Wireless headsets that work on the same system are available for those without t-coil hearing devices.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the number of Americans who suffer hearing loss is some 38 million and growing. As many as 30 to 40 percent of those over 65 have some impairment. That’s why more and more UU churches have been installing loop systems.

Recently, the American Academy of Audiology and the Hearing Loss Association of America have started the Get in the Hearing Loop campaign to help promote the installation and use of hearing loops in the United States. They advocate the widespread availability of loops, from airports to theaters, from banks to taxi cabs - just as they are in Europe. Loops can even be installed in people’s homes. A family room can be looped so that a hearing impaired person can hear the television or stereo without turning the volume way up, which even makes it more comfortable for non-hearing impaired family members.

Hearing Loops are not an expensive technology. For churches, depending on the size and construction of the building, one can be installed starting at less than $2000. Congregations can do simple installations themselves. However, it’s a good idea to seek the guidance of a certified supplier.

This year at General Assembly the EqUUal Access booth in the Exhibit Hall will feature a display on hearing loops from Brown Audio Service. For more information about hearing loops in general, visit Hearing Loop.org or contact EqUUal Access.