The hearing loop system encompasses the entirety of the lower level seats, as well as the choir. Both systems connect at the second-floor audio booth.
First Universalist Church, located at the intersection of Hampden and Colorado in Denver, underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2017, which included an expansion of the circle-shaped sanctuary, additions in the form of solar panels and a geothermal energy system, and an induction hearing loop system.
A phased array design was implemented to ensure uniform sound wherever one sits in the sanctuary. During installation, the fixed seats, which were not secured prior to the loop installation, required the Assist2Hear team to be especially careful when it came to measurements and wire placement. Luckily, the team was up to the challenge – an incredible sounding hearing loop was the result!
Another noteworthy final product of the renovation was a solstice and equinoxal sundial, designed into the ceiling with the help of congregation member John Bringenberg.
Catholic churches are known for their beautiful décor, which typically include a multitude of tile, stone, and/or marble surfaces. Unfortunately, these surfaces also make it very difficult for Catholic parishioners to hear the sermons due to the echo and reverberation that go along with them. For persons with hearing loss, these surfaces make enjoying the Word especially difficult.
The Church of Saint Mary, located in Tulsa, was the first Catholic church in the state of Oklahoma to provide induction loop technology to its parishioners. The hearing loop system removes the echo and reverberation that one typically experiences in a Catholic church.
The hearing loop installation required a multi-system design to meet the needs of the Church during the concurrently running flooring remodel project. Assist2Hear worked both with a parishioner who served as their internal project manager and the construction company performing the remodel to ensure a smooth installation process.
Four separate hearing loop systems were installed in the final product – two phased array systems and two perimeter loops. In doing so, the Church was able to remain open for services with only a single section closed for renovation each week. Each hearing loop system involved flat copper wire installed underneath porcelain tile resulting in a stunning new sanctuary floor that includes an intricate mosaic tile design!
The church’s hearing loop installation was not without a bump or two….in one instance a wire was damaged during the tile installation. The expertise of the Assist2hear installation team allowed for the cut to be isolated and repaired with minimal damage to the Church’s newly installed flooring.
Upon completion of the hearing loop system, Assist2Hear and the Catholic Church of Saint Mary hosted informational sessions for the congregation members on how to use the new hearing loop technology installed in the sanctuary. To date, feedback has been tremendous, with many happy Catholics sharing their joy regarding their renewed ability to clearly hear the Word of God despite the many beautiful but hard surfaces in the sanctuary.
The Saint John Cathedral is a historical gem in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Built in 1903, the Episcopal cathedral spans a city block in downtown Denver and serves as a capstone for people in the neighborhood. It is well known for its intricate surfaces and stunning stained-glass windows, each of which tell a story about the Word of God, as well as pieces of Denver history, as most were donated by individual local parishioners over a century ago.
Characterized by the traditional architectural elements of cathedrals – high ceilings and stone surfaces – Saint John’s is an amazing place to hear a concert but poses challenges for speech. The new hearing loop system will allow attendees with hearing loss to easily overcome the acoustics of the Cathedral. Two separate systems were installed which encompass the entirety of the parishioner seating in the Cathedral.
The historic nature of the Cathedral required an experienced and careful installation team. Due to the wooden frame of the structure, Assist2Hear was able to use a simplified hearing loop design; however, the installation process required scoring and restoration of both the concrete and wood flooring throughout the space.
The historical Cathedral’s hearing loop installation was big news in Denver! The story was picked up by local media outlets Channel 9News and the Denver Post, issuing the following pieces on the hearing loop installation:
“I don’t know what you did or where the loop is, but I know the sound is unreal. It’s just unbelievable….”, is just one of the rave reviews that have been received to date regarding the installation.
Concerts and mass are held regularly at the Cathedral – please enjoy the hearing loop and share your feedback with us at info@assist2hear.com.