Large Facility equipment for use in auditoriums, theatres, and sanctuaries.

Personal Amplifiers that work best in situations such as doctor visits, talking in the car and other face to face situations.

Large facility systems are designed to connect directly to an existing public address system. Any voice or music picked up by the microphones in the room will be transmitted directly to the assistive listening receiver. The effect is to filter out the distractions of background noise and avoid the distortions caused by distance from the sound source.

Personal Amplifiers also act to filter out background noise. For best results, the speaker must talk into the small microphone attached to the amplifier. As a rule of thumb, the closer the microphone, the clearer the sound.

How can I hear better in meetings and small gatherings?
The most important thing you can do is plan ahead.

If the meetings are held in a quiet room where everyone takes turns speaking, the solution may be as simple as a PocketTalker used with the Triangle Conference microphone.

Conference room and classroom settings may require the use of the PFM 350 system. The presenter can wear the transmitter with lapel microphone while the receiver can be used with its own small microphone or a Triangle Conference Microphone to help follow questions and other comments from the audience.

People with hearing aids that are equipped with a telecoil (T-coil, T-switch) can use a neckloop in place of a headset or earphone. This combines the amplified audio signal from the assistive listening system with the clarity of the hearing aid for optimum results.

Once you have the proper equipment for your needs, there are a few things you can do to improve the listening environment and get the most out of any assistive listening device. First, think about closing doors and windows to cut down on noise from outside the room. Also, avoid placing the microphone(s) close to noisy equipment such as air conditioners, fans or copiers.

Second, ask the chairperson to control any side conversations that can interfere with hearing the main presentation. Asking the chair to repeat questions from the audience is another way to keep track of the discussion.

Third, consider a visual alternative. Ask ahead whether any of the video materials used in the presentation will be captioned. Also, Real Time Captioning services can be used alongside any assistive listening equipment. This live captioning display allows you to double check what you are hearing and can provide access to audience comments and video soundtracks. On-line captioning services are also available for conference calls and other professional meetings.

What can I do to hear better in large spaces?
The key to better hearing in large facilities or outdoor events is to have direct access to the voices on the stage or platform. If there is an existing public address system, then a Large Facility listening system can be attached to it in order to capture the audio signal directly from the microphones to your amplified receiver. These systems normally have a range of 300 to 500 feet.

It is always a good idea to call the facility ahead of time to find out if they have an Assistive Listening system. If not, request they get one for the event you will be attending. Many theatres and conference centers already have this kind of equipment, but may not think to set it up if you don't ask first. If they don't own a system, it is not difficult for them to obtain one from an audio/visual services contractor. Two to three weeks notice is standard practice. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require that facilities provide listening equipment at the last minute.

Many stage theaters use infrared listening systems. The receivers for these systems are often self-contained headsets. Combining the headsets with a hearing aid can be tricky. Most often you will need to remove your hearing aids in order to wear the headset. If you have telecoils installed in your aids, ask whether the theater provides neckloops with their receivers. These will allow you to wear your aids and access the amplified signal from the headset.

Movie theaters make use of infrared or FM listening systems. In either case, make sure to ask about a neckloop if you have hearing aids equipped with a telecoil.