Listen Technologies, a provider of assistive listening, multi-language audio transmission and live-streaming audio solutions, has installed its ListenRF assistive listening system at the Beck Center for the Arts, a non-profit, performing arts and arts education organisation in Lakewood, Ohio.
The 484-seat Senney Theatre at Beck Center had an outdated assistive listening technology that was no longer providing for its audience. Due to the system’s subpar functioning, Beck Center observed that fewer customers would ask for assistive listening equipment. The centre chose the ListenRF assistive listening system from Listen Technologies because it is dedicated to providing accessibility for visitors and wants everyone to experience crystal-clear audio while seeing plays at the theatre.
Additionally, ListenRF was placed in the 96-seat Studio Theatre.
ListenRF enhances the experience
While using the ListenRF assistive listening system, guests wear a compact, unobtrusive, lightweight, and simple-to-use receiver on a lanyard around their necks or attached to their belts. Through headphones or earbuds linked to the receiver, customers can clearly hear the audio.
In order to replace the Center’s current system, Larry Goodpaster, director of finance and operations at Beck Center for the Arts, and other members of the Beck Centre evaluated several assistive listening technologies and manufacturers. Before deciding on ListenRF from Listen Technologies, they examined the installation and usability of several systems and took into account online reviews.
“One of the advantages of the ListenRF assistive listening system is that you can be up and running in minutes,” says Goodpaster. “The installation was simple. We hooked up the ListenRF system in the sound booths by connecting it to the audio sources. We determined the best location for the antenna in both theaters for the best coverage and reception and then played with the sound mix to ensure it sounded great. We tested the system from different seats in the theater, and the sound quality is excellent.”
Customers have provided excellent feedback regarding the new assistive listening system and have stated that the system improved their theatre experience, according to Lucinda (Cindy) Einhouse, president and CEO of Beck Center for the Arts.
“It makes such a difference for those with hearing loss,” says Einhouse of the ListenRF assistive listening system. “The crystal clear audio means better speech intelligibility. Better intelligibility means patrons with hearing loss enjoy the same great experience as their hearing peers. They are now able to fully engage with action on the stage.”
A commitment to accessibility
The Beck Center is dedicated to giving everyone an inclusive and accessible experience. For visitors with telecoil-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants, Beck Center also provides Listen Technologies neck loops in addition to assistive listening receivers. The audio signal from the receiver is wirelessly transmitted to the wearer’s telecoil-enabled hearing device using a neck loop, also known as an induction loop, which slips comfortably over the wearer’s neck.
“We are excited to offer the high-quality neck loops required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for use with hearing aids and cochlear implants,” says Goodpaster. “Additionally, having two theaters, it’s great to have the ability to use the [ListenRF] receivers in either of the theaters if the need arises. And it’s so easy to do! That’s a huge plus when you’re dealing with multiple spaces.”
Customers without hearing loss can also use assistive listening devices. Anyone who wishes to improve their listening experience while seeing a performance or event in the Studio or Senney theatres may do so with an assistive listening device.
Earlier this year, Listen Technologies was chosen by AVIXA for a second year running to provide its mobile group communication system for Show Floor tours and Integrated Experience tours at InfoComm 2023. The firm also launched ListenWIFI during the event, which is the next generation of its audio-over-Wi-Fi solution, Listen EVERYWHERE.
