OUT AND ABOUT
Enjoy the show
There are times when additional technology is useful for an even more improved listening experience – at a performance, movie, museum exhibit, amusement park, or even to provide a quieter more personal hearing experience at home.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are hearing products that are designed to bring sound closer to the listener. They can be used with or without hearing devices (hearing aids, cochlear implants) to overcome certain effects that may compromise a listener’s experience – such as background noise, distance from the speaker, or poor room acoustics. ALDs can be used in theaters, classrooms, conference rooms, places of worship, museums, theme parks,
and even your own home. These devices can offer greater ease of hearing (and therefore reduced stress and fatigue) and provide an even more enjoyable listening experience.
Where to get your gear
Assistive devices are usually available at Guest or Customer Services, Box Office, Coat Check. If you are not sure where to obtain one, call the venue before event or check their website. Usually the website will provide information in their section devoted to patron accessibility.
Making sure it all works
Ask for a neckloop or at least, regular headphones - do not accept earbuds.
Venue staff may not be familiar with the devices -- so be patient and be prepared to explain in detail.
Make sure batteries are charged in the assistive listening device you are given.
Make sure it works and on the right “channel” before entering event. If your seats are a long distance from the area where you obtain the assistive device, ask to check it nearby before heading back to your seat.
Getting connected
Once you have your assistive listening device (ALD) and confirm it works, you can connect the following to the accessories to hear better:
Your own headphones. Many styles work well, especially the headphone with large, comfortable earcups that can fit over your ears and the processor(s).
A telecoil neckloop (be sure you have your remote or app to activate telecoil, if needed)
Audio cable (if you have your FM sleeve on your processor)
Roger Pen or AudioLink. This will require using the accessory cable to connect to the ALD's headphone jack and the Roger Pen/Select/AudioLink.
Captioning devices
Many venues offer caption devices for patrons with hearing loss. Movie listings will include a "CC" symbol on its showings to indicate that captioning is available. Performance theaters, museums, theme parks, etc. also may provide this technology so be sure check on their websites.
Simply check in with the Box Office or Guest Services to request a caption device.
The list below details some of the different caption devices that may be available to you.
A small box that sits in a cupholder or fastened to the armrest. The screen is positioned as needed in front of the viewer, but does not obstruct other's view.
Captioned Glasses feature captions that are shown on the inside of the glasses.
Some theaters provide their own hand-held device that displays captions/scripts of the performances.
Some movie and performance theaters offer "open captions" that are displayed directly on the screen or above the stage.
Reflective Captions - the patron is given a stand with a small plastic screen that reflects captions projected from a LED screen on the back wall.
New apps (i.e., GalaPro) are being developed to offer captions/scripts services from sponsored theaters streamed to smartphones.
Some venues (performance theaters) may offer printed scripts that you can follow along as you watch the show.
Have fun and enjoy the show!
Using Accessories to Maximize Your Success Hearing in Venues
A telecoil is a special circuit inside the audio processor designed to pick up electromagnetic signals. These magnetic signals – or induction signals – are wirelessly transmitted to the audio processor by using a telecoil accessory (neckloop or silouette) that is connected to the device you a listening to.
Wireless Digital Systems are great tools for learning to use the telephone because they minimize any background noise, helping you focus more on the sound streaming from you are listening to. Many of them utilize Bluetooth connectivity and are compatible with many devices.
Direct-Connect accessories are available for some hearing devices that stream sound directly to your instruments via cable or mini-receiver. This approach also can minimize any background noise, helping you focus more on the sounds from your audio device.
