captioning , and American Sign Language interpretation .
But the HLAA says that induction looping , also known as ahearing loop , or just “ looping ,” is the most effective way toinclude people with hearing loss in settings like these .
HOWINDUCTION LOOPSWORK
The system consists of amicrophone and amplifier that can transmit signals through aset of wires , orloop , that are typically concealed in walls , ceiling tiles or floors . The signals can be picked up by asetting available on most hearing aids and cochlear implants .
The technology , indicated by ablue sign with an ear , has become common over the last 20 years in settings such as ticket booths in theaters and transportation hubs . It ’ salso in use at the U . S . Supreme Court , the Library of Congress , many legislative chambers and stadiums .
But it wasn ’ t available at Cedar Crest when O ’ Shea first arrived . During a three-day series of information sessions over the summer , she and fellow resident Richard Cohen demonstrated the benefits of the technology to other occupants .
Cohen used audio files to illustrate what gatherings were like with and without looping . The first clip he played for onlookers approximated audio clutter : No single sound was discernible . Asecond clip tamed the noise , giving people asense of what looping can provide . Voices and announcements were easier for people with hearing loss to pick out , he said .
The systems are also afavorite of Arlene Romoff , aHackensack resident who lost her hearing as an adult and who advocates for more accessibility in New Jersey .
“ There really is asolution that is available , not too expensive , easily accessed and no extra equipment needed ,” she says .“ It can be used by people using hearing aids and cochlear implants that are equipped with telecoils ( t-coils ). So it solves the hearing problem in most seniors without calling attention to themselves .”
But , it ’ srare tofind such an accommodation in senior living facilities around the state and country , local and
NOW HEAR THIS Catherine O ’ Shea demonstrates how an induction loop hearing device works with her husband , Art , at their Cedar Crest home in Pequannock .
“ THEY DON ’ TWANT TO FEEL LIKE THEY CAN ’ T GET INVOLVED . THEY GET ISOLATED . THEY GET DEPRESSED .”
LISE HAMLIN , HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION ’ S DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC POLICY
national advocates say .
“ There are very few places ,” Hamlin says .“ Hearing loss is not on the top of the list .” You ’ re more likely to find wheelchair ramps in facilities , she adds because mobility issues are more obvious and top-of-mind than “ invisible disabilities .”
The biggest obstacle to accessibility is often awareness , she added , onthe part of both home operators and residents themselves who don ’ t know about the available solutions . The next hurdle for alarge institution is often cost .
SENIOR LIVING AND ‘ HEARING SUPPORT ’
Cedar Crest installed induction looping in its 230-seat performing arts center in August and did the same for its chapel in October . Combined , the two projects cost approximately $ 80,000 , according to spokesperson Petra Shaw .
While the system isn ’ t in use yet at Cedar Crest , O ’ Shea already has even more ambitious plans . Cedar Crest is one of 22 locations managed by Erickson Senior Living nationwide . More than 28,000 people live in its homes across 11 states , according to Shaw .
O ’ Shea was invited to Erickson ’ s corporate headquarters earlier this month to discuss adding induction loops at the chain ’ s other communities .
“ They asked me to come to Erickson ’ s corporate headquarters to discuss how what wehave achieved here can most effectively be shared among all Erickson communities ,” O ’ Shea says , adding that the company told her it wanted tolead the way in “ hearing support .”
Hamlin would like tosee other senior living companies take the same step . Hearing should be framed as a “ quality of life ” issue , she says . More facilities need to have the revelation that investing inaccessibility isan investment in the well-being of their residents , she said . ■
@ waynemagazine WAYNE MAGAZINE HOLIDAY 2023
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