Church Introduces Hearing Loop Technology to Congregation for an Inclusive Worship Experience
Waco, TX — First Presbyterian Church in Waco has taken a step towards ensuring an inclusive worship experience for all its members by introducing a state-of-the-art hearing loop system to the worship experience. The hearing loop installation provides clear audibility of sermons, scripture readings, and music, benefiting all congregants with hearing loss.
With a strong commitment to embracing modern technology and prioritizing inclusivity, the church has created an environment where everyone can fully engage in the worship experience.
Merging History with Modern Technology
The hearing loop system is in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, a building that dates back to 1911. The hearing loops wiring discreetly integrates into the existing church decor and preserves the architectural integrity of the 112-year-old building. The installation of hearing loop technology provides an excellent example of the utilization of modern technology to enhance one’s experience in a historic venue.
“Churches often don’t realize that a hearing loop can be be integrated into a historic building relatively easily and generally without disrupting the existing décor. The architectural elements of historic churches – high ceilings, wood pews, hard surfaces – make it extremely difficult to hear, regardless of whether you wear a hearing aid or not. For people with hearing loss, it can make it virtually impossible to hear,” shares Erin Nichols, owner of Assist2Hear, whose company installed the hearing loop. “The good news is that this issue can be mitigated with the use of hearing assistive technology.”
Hearing Loops Foster Inclusivity in Worship
The new hearing loop installation not only increases inclusivity for worshipers at First Presbyterian Church, but it also enhances the sense of community within the church. When the congregation gathers to worship, they know that everyone can participate in the worship experience, regardless of their auditory capabilities.
“It is a delight to witness the positive impact of the hearing loop installation in each congregation that we install in,” says Ms. Nichols. “First Presbyterian Church’s dedication to inclusivity sets an inspiring example for other places of worship and the city of Waco.”
Come and Listen for Yourself!
First Presbyterian Church is located at 1100 Austin Avenue in Waco, TX. Join them in person for services at 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM each Sunday, or on their FirstPres Waco Youtube channel.
People with hearing loss have the best sound in the house at Parker Presbyterian!
Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Parker, Colorado recently installed a hearing loop, making it the most recent church in Colorado to “get in the loop”. Congregation members with hearing loss can now have the sermon broadcast directly to their ears via a hearing loop. Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church, located at 9030 Miller Road, Parker CO 80138, chose to install a hearing loop during a larger renovation of the sanctuary. The renovation included new carpet, a new seating arrangement, and a hearing loop. The hearing loop installation occurred immediately prior to the new carpet installation.
The Project
The idea for the hearing loop project initially came via a recommendation from a member of the congregation. It became evident to the building committee that many people in the congregation would benefit from a hearing loop. Moving forward, a member of the building project committee spearheaded the vendor search and selection process. The vetting process included speaking with other Presbyterian congregations that hearing loops. After speaking with several happy Assist2Hear customers, Assist2Hear was selected to design and install the hearing loop system at Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
There are always many moving parts during a renovation project, Parker Presbyterian being no exception. In this example, the hearing loop installation was to occur immediately prior to the new flooring installation. Material delays caused the project to be pushed back by several months. Once the material arrived, the church Facilities Manager, Cliff, performed the demolition of the existing carpet in the sanctuary. The demo turned out to be quite a task, involving a significant amount of scraping, sanding, and even an ATV! Finally, a last-minute change in the flooring finish underneath the pews required a modified materials approach by Assist2Hear.
How Does a Hearing Loop Work?
Hearing loops transmit sound directly to a user’s hearing aid, without the use of additional receivers or other equipment. Hearing aid wearers simply change their hearing device to the telecoil (t-coil) or M-1 program in order to do so. The telecoil program is very common in hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America cites that approximately 81% of hearing aids and 100% of Cochlear implants currently have the telecoil option available in them.
Each hearing loop system is designed specifically for the location in which it is to be installed. At Parker Presbyterian, a “phased array” design is being used to ensure a consistent sound for the user, regardless of their orientation in the sanctuary. A phased array design selection is also appropriate to limit the spill of the system onto the main worship platform, where a bevy of instrumentation is frequently used.
Other Parker Hearing Loops
Residents and visitors to Parker Colorado can enjoy hearing loops throughout Parker and the nearby South Denver communities. Most notably, the Parker Library, which has two hearing loops for public use in its upstairs community rooms. In fact, residents of Douglas County can enjoy hearing loops in every library within the Douglas County library system! Another nearby hearing loop is the Lone Tree Performing Arts Center, a state-of-the-art, 350-seat theater in nearby Lone Tree.
Assist2Hear is happy to help you learn more about the cost of a hearing loop installation in your church. Submit an inquiry online today at www.assist2hear.com
Round Rock citizens be sure and get your telecoils activated because the Round Rock City Council Chambers, located at 221 E. Main Street in downtown Round Rock, will the newest location in Texas to install an induction hearing loop system! In early January, the City of Round Rock Facilities team will begin pulling carpet tiles to allow for the hearing loop wiring to be ran. The wire will then be connected to the Round Rock City Council’s audio system. Round Rock City Council meeting attendees will be able to hear Round Rock council members’ voices as clearly as if their local representative was talking right into their ear!
Assist2Hear wants to give a sincere thank you on behalf of persons with hearing loss to the City of Round Rock, the Round Rock City Council, and the local Round Rock Sertoma Club, as each party worked together to make the hearing loop install a reality for Round Rock citizens!
Get ready, Dallas! Assist2Hear is so excited to expand to the Lone Star State and is starting by looping Dallas! Assist2Hear is proud to provide professional hearing loops and usher in more awareness for those who suffer from hearing loss. We are committed to helping the Midwest become more hearing accessible!
Our newest member of the Assist2Hear team is Andy Rivas who is a proud resident of Texas. Andy Rivas is passionate about helping the hard of hearing in the community and helping companies become more accessible for those who suffer from hearing loss. His background in architecture and design offers a knowledgeable prospective to the building community.
Assist2Hear is happy announce the Texas hearing loop initiative called “Let’s Loop Texas!” We hope to make people more aware of problems associated with hearing loss and also break the stigma of having a hearing disability.
How can you help?
• Join your local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America. Visit www.hearingloss.org for great information and support for hearing loss.
• Ask your house of worship to consider a hearing loop. Assist2Hear is happy to offer a free quote and demonstration.
• Call your local leaders to encourage them to be more aware of the need for hearing accessibility in public buildings.
• Support working professional loops. If you encounter a problem with a loop in your city, state or even while you are traveling, feel free to call us and we will do our best to help fix the hearing loop problem!
• Let’s change our communities! Simply let us know where you would like to hear better- church, sports arenas, theaters, offices, banks, or even your home!
• Please download the following flyer for your church or office and help us spread awareness about hearing loops.
Contact us today to find out more about hearing loops and the Let’s Loop Texas Hearing Loop Initiative!
info@assist2hear.com • (877) 338-1084 • www.Assist2Hear.com
see: Hearing Loops Texas
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