Listen Technologies, a provider of assistive listening, multi-language audio transmission and live-streaming audio solutions, has provided its audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening system Listen EVERYWHERE to Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation (FVJC)-Emek Shalom, an intergenerational community of more than 250 families in Simsbury, Connecticut.
The system has now been installed in FVJC’s temple, where members regularly gather for worship services, Jewish learning, social events, and social action initiatives. The community just added a four-port audio output card to the sanctuary’s audio configurations. This expansion offered an output for an assistive listening system, to enable persons with hearing loss and other members of the FVJC community to take part more completely in services and gatherings.
Advocating for assistive listening solutions
Mark Orenstein is the temple’s IT volunteer and had previously been involved in audio system upgrades at the town’s Simsbury Library and the Eno Memorial Hall auditorium, where Listen EVERYWHERE servers for audio over Wi-Fi assistive listening has been integrated. As a result, Orenstein was familiar with the system’s performance. As a hearing aid user himself, Orenstein is an assistive listening technology advocate and is aware of the difference this technology can make.
To enable attendees to utilise their smartphones as assistive listening receivers, a Listen EVERYWHERE transmitter was put in the sanctuary. Users simply download the free Listen EVERYWHERE app, access the FVJC Wi-Fi network, and then they can stream recorded or live sanctuary audio to their smartphones, and listen to crystal-clear sound with headphones or earbuds.
In addition, attendees with cochlear implants or hearing aids that support Bluetooth can directly access the audio from their cell phones.
Helping everyone to feel included
“The new Listen EVERYWHERE assistive listening system was easy to install and has helped many FVJC members fully experience worship services and feel more included in their community,” says Orenstein. “We love the solution and continue to promote its use to ensure everyone knows they can access the audio and feel included and welcome in the FVJC worship services.”
All congregation members are able to download the app and access audio as needed, so the technology also benefits those who do not wear hearing aids. Although dedicated Listen EVERYWHERE Wi-Fi receivers are readily accessible for venues to purchase for users who do not have or would prefer not to utilise a personal smartphone, they are not required to borrow or return any equipment in order to use the system.
“Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation-Emek Shalom is deeply committed to inclusion and creating a community where all are actively engaged and inspired,” says Sam Nord, vice president of global sales at Listen Technologies. “Listen Technologies is proud to play a role in fostering connection within the community by making it easy for everyone to hear clearly and communicate in the sanctuary.”
Earlier this year, Listen Technologies also announced that its Listen EVERYWHERE and ListenRF assistive listening systems have been installed at The Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts in Orange, Texas, US.
