The Biggest Little City in the world is renowned for splashy casinos and upscale restaurants, but many residents prefer the simpler pleasures of an old-fashioned night out at the movies. If you have hearing loss in Reno, the big-screen experience can be stressful, but don’t write off the latest Spielbergian blockbuster just yet: hearing loop technology means even those who suffer from impaired hearing can enjoy the full moviegoing experience.
What are Hearing Loops?
A hearing, or induction, loop is an audio system that uses electromagnetic energy to transmit sound directly to a person’s hearing aids. A complete system is comprised of a sound source, an amplifier, a loop of cable and a receiver. Most of today’s hearing aids contain a thin strand of copper wire called a telecoil (or t-coil for short); this serves as a receiver and is designed to pick up magnetic transmissions from public audio systems when the user is within close range of the hearing loop. Sound is clear and free of background noise.
Hearing loops provide the following:
- Easy, discreet, instantaneous communication access for hearing-impaired individuals.
- A simple, low-maintenance way for public venues to provide communication access to people with hearing loss.
- Universal hearing access for hearing aid users.
- Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other local or state laws for public venues needing improved communication access.
- An inclusive, welcoming and thriving hearing-friendly community for everybody.
Looping technology is becoming widespread at public venues in Reno and throughout Nevada. Hearing loops are available in arenas, classrooms, auditoriums, churches, shopping centers and movie theaters, to name just a few. Standardization of telecoil switches by the major players in the hearing aid manufacturing industry means the number of induction loop systems nationwide should continue to grow in the foreseeable future.
Your Ticket to a Positive Big Screen Experience
Individuals with hearing loss in Reno have other options to improve their moviegoing experience. Unfortunately, nobody has invented a way to prevent sticky shoes from spilled soda or quiet noisy patrons, but at least you’ll be able to hear the dialogue more easily by taking advantage of other hearing technologies.
Popular devices include FM systems, which amplify sound and send it directly to your hearing aids using radio waves; infrared systems, similar in concept but relying on infrared beams of light instead of radio signals; and personal amplifiers, which let users position microphones in the direction of an audio source to make it louder.
Call LeMay Hearing & Balance at (775) 323-5566 for more information or to schedule an appointment.