Loop Technology Helps Omaha Hear

-

Have you ever missed a punchline during a play? Was everyone else laughing while you were asking the person next to you what was just said?

If you’ve ever missed part of a performance due to difficulty hearing, you are not alone. Nearly 15% of the US population suffers from hearing loss. While hearing aids fit by a skilled audiologist can help, many individuals still have difficulty hearing in playhouses, concert halls and auditoriums due to background noise, sound reverberation and the nature of a damaged auditory system.

Luckily, the Orpheum Theater in Omaha, NE has gone above and beyond to ensure those with hearing loss will have a much better chance of hearing and enjoying their performances with hearing loop system technology.

A hearing loop system is an assistive listening technology that enables speech and music from performances to be delivered directly to a listener’s ear.  A hearing loop consists of a physical loop cable or an array of loops of cable placed around a selected area, usually a room or a building. A magnetic field is generated in the cable throughout the looped area which is then detected by a hearing aid or cochlear implant processors that have telecoil (t-coil) compatibility.



T-coil technology picks up the induction signal produced by the loop system and delivers the signal to the listener. This technology significantly improves the signal to noise ratio, which is a key component in a listener’s ability to understand speech. For those without t-coil compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants, there are specialized hand-held hearing loop receivers that can be paired with headphones.

Omaha Performing Arts worked to update and refresh parts of the Orpheum Theater prior to its 90th anniversary season in 2017. The hearing loop installation in Slosburg Hall was included as part of the project that was funded from several donations by community members.

Joni Fuchs, the Front of House Manager for Omaha Performing Arts, is thrilled with the results of the loop installation. “It is truly remarkable! Parts of the Orpheum seating where patrons previously could have had difficulty hearing are now crystal clear.” Ms. Fuchs is pleased with how many people can benefit from the hearing assistance loop technology provides. “Even if they don’t have hearing aids or a cochlear implant with a t-coil, headsets with a small handheld receiver are available for use during performances.”

While many places in Omaha offer hearing assistive technology, loop systems that can sync with an individual’s prescription fit hearing aids offer an enhanced listening experience and reduce the fear of missing out on what is being said.

Hopefully more places will follow the great example of the Orpheum Theater in the future!

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, the first step is a diagnostic hearing evaluation from a trusted provider. Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha specializes in diagnosing and treating hearing loss with hearing aids and other assistive listening technologies.

Call to schedule a hearing evaluation and consult or to find out if your current hearing aids can be programmed to benefit from loop system technology.

Call 402-758-5327 to schedule an appointment today!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dementia & Hearing Loss: What Can We Do?

-
Image
  As we age, it's common to experience a decline in our hearing abilities. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Unfortunately, hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences beyond simply having difficulty hearing. Recent research has shown that there is a strong connection between hearing loss and dementia. In fact, studies have found that individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, while those with severe hearing loss are five times as likely. This is a concerning finding, as dementia is a debilitating condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life. So, why is there a link between hearing loss and dementia? One theory is that when an individual experiences hearing loss, their brain has to work harder to interpret sounds. This extra effort can lead to cognitive fatigue, which can impair memory and other cognitive abilities. Additionally, soci...
Read more

Conquering Vertigo: Regaining Balance and Reclaiming Your Life

-
Image
Conquering Vertigo: Regaining Balance and Reclaiming Your Life Vertigo, a common yet often misunderstood condition, can significantly impact one's quality of life. Characterized by a false sense of spinning or dizziness, vertigo can cause discomfort, anxiety, and even disrupt daily activities. However, with a better understanding of its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, you can take control of this condition and experience life to the fullest once again. Understanding Vertigo: Vertigo can stem from various underlying factors, the most common being an issue with the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. The inner ear houses tiny structures called semicircular canals, responsible for detecting rotational movements. When these delicate structures malfunction or get disrupted, they send conflicting signals to the brain, leading to the sensation of spinning or dizziness. Recognizing the Symptoms: Vertigo manifests differently in each individual, ...
Read more

4 Things to Know About Hearing Loss & Dementia

-
Image
Did you know that of the 9 lifestyle factors that could help prevent dementia, managing hearing loss during midlife is one of them? That's right! According to The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, dementia cases worldwide are expected to triple from 50 million to 150 million by the year 2050. The commission provided recommendations for prevention and management of dementia and concluded that 1 in 3 cases of dementia could be prevented if individuals managed 9 lifestyle factors. Managing hearing  (including the use of properly fit hearing aids)  at any age is important, but they specifically noted that managing hearing during midlife, between age 40-65, is of great importance.  Our knowledge of a connection between hearing loss and dementia has continued to increase seven years after an original study was published in 2011 by John Hopkins University, which indicated the probability of developing dementia increases as hearing declines.   Here are so...
Read more