Local hearing center brings HEARING ACCESSiBILITY technology to FAUQUIER COMMUNITY THEATER
Fauquier Hearing Services is donating a Hearing Induction Loop System and installation to the Fauquier Community Theater. The plan for the donation began when one of Dr. Markva’s patients decided to stop frequenting the theater programs due to inability to hear and enjoy the theatrical production.
An induction loop system consists of a thin wire that is placed around the listening area. The wire is connected to a driver, or amplifier, which is in turn connected to the sound system of the theater.
The sound from the microphones over the stage is amplified and circulated through the loop wire. The resulting magnetic energy field is detected and amplified by the “telecoil” or telephone switch circuitry common to many hearing aids and cochlear implants. The end result is a high quality amplified reproduction of the original signal.
Intelligibility for members of the audience who have compatible hearing aids (approximately 70% of aids are compatible) is greatly increased because distance, reverberation and environmental noise are almost eliminated. It’s like having a direct wireless connection to the sound, amplified to each user’s individual needs.
Dr. Markva expects that installation of the induction loop at the theater will allow her patients and many more people with hearing loss to enjoy the theater again, or for the first time. “It’s critical for people to continue to get out, enjoy activities and share time with others as we age,” says Dr. Markva. “We expect this to be one of many looping projects in the area. Offering induction loops is a great way to help hearing impaired persons in our community continue to enjoy their favorite activities, stay active and be engaged”.
Unsure as to whether you have t-coils in your hearing aid(s) or unsure of how to activate them? We recommend that you contact your audiologist, or the friendly staff at Fauquier Hearing Services will be glad to help you. Fauquier Hearing Services wants to be sure you can take advantage of the hearing loop at FCT – they can be reached at 540-341-7112 or 877-423-0035. Headset receivers are also available.
For more information, please contact –
Diane Markva, Doctor of Audiology
Fauquier Hearing Services/Listening Loop Technologies
493 Blackwell Rd., Suite 311
Warrenton, VA 20186