People with hearing loss often face challenges at live performances and public events. Traditional solutions, such as sitting closer or increasing the volume, may not be effective. In Eugene, Oregon, the John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts installed hearing-loop technology in 2017. This has led to similar upgrades in other locations in the state.
Ginevra Ralph, co-founder of the Oregon Festival of American Music and director of education at the Shedd Institute, helped start the Loop Lane County Committee. This group promotes the use of hearing loops in public spaces. Sue Prichard, a retired real estate broker with hearing loss, joined the fundraising campaign after experiencing difficulties at live events.
Hearing-loop systems use a wire loop around a room, connected to an amplifier. Audio from microphones or sound systems is sent directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants with telecoils. This allows users to hear more clearly without using external headphones…