Do You Hear What I Hear?

You are invited to an Interactive Experience about Hearing Loss and Technology Assistance

On Saturday, March 3, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., join your community to learn about the benefits of hearing assistance and hearing loop technology. Join us at Messiah Church, 17805 County Road 6, Plymouth.  Whether you or a loved one use hearing aids or are beginning to experience hearing loss, or if you know of a venue considering adding hearing assistance, this event is for you! 

At 1 p.m., Dr. Juliette Sterkens, audiologist and nationally known speaker with the Hearing Loss Association of America will present on hearing loss, hearing assistance and current related legislation. Attendees will experience the benefits of the hearing loop - either through their own hearing devices or by using one of the “loop listeners” available for demonstration. 

Hearing loops create an inaudible signal that is received by telecoil (t-coil) equipped/enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants or hearing loop listeners. Messiah Church installed a hearing loop in 2017.  In services, all spoken word, music, and multi-media elements of the service are “broadcast” in the sanctuary via the loop.  This direct-to-the-ear method eliminates background noise and echo, and dramatically improves clarity. 

Retired Pastor Leland Eyres, whose hearing loss is described as “profound” by his audiologist, said “Even using my hearing aids, I used to get maybe 50 percent of the spoken words in the worship service. The first Sunday that the loop was operational, I was astonished by the clarity of every spoken voice and how the music was lifted out of the mud.  My hopes and expectations were far exceeded.” 

“Hearing loss isn’t just inconvenient,” said Dr. Juliette Sterkens, “it’s isolating and can have far-reaching health consequences.  And, hearing loss affects all ages.  Today, one in five people over age 12 are affected.” 

After the presentation, stay for refreshments and talk to the many organizations participating in the Information Fair. Service organizations, hearing professionals, and manufacturers will be available to help you explore the many technologies available to assist with hearing loss.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT LOOPS and the impact this user-friendly, universal, and user-preferred (but relatively unknown) technology could have on your life, or your business, by attending this free community event.  One CEU is offered for health professionals. 

For More Information, contact:
Barb Krause
Loopinfo@messiahchurch.org
(763)473-6968

Senior Center in Rochester now houses 15 hearing loops

One of the newest resources for senior living in Rochester is the 125 Live Senior Center. 125 Live provides new opportunities for adults to make connections and to, as they say, “age successfully.” Whether that is through the fitness amenities, an art class, or playing billiards, this program is dedicated to providing a community through shared experiences. This state-of-the-art facility opened November 2016, and Midwest Hearing Loops was proud to be present at the opening ceremony and dedication.

Executive Director Sally Gallagher took the time at the dedication to express her excitement about hearing loops being installed in the facility. “Others are going to be able to take advantage of the importance of allowing individuals to hear properly when they’re in an auditorium-style setting, a group setting, a small meeting space,” Gallagher said, “so we’re really excited that 125 Live has the technology and that everyone in the community can learn about the technology and bring it into their facilities as well.”

Hearing Loops Enhance User Experiences in Diverse Settings

We were happy enough to be part of the construction process, as we installed 15 hearing loops in different rooms throughout the center. Among the looped rooms are two art studios, the fitness studio, the billiards room, and the River Room. We also installed counter loops for the person-to-person interactions that take place at the two reception desks.

Hearing Loops Assist in Multiple Rooms for Various Uses

The River Room is one of the larger rooms that we looped on the premises, and one of the most well-used. It is a premiere gathering space and can be divided into four separate rooms. It is used for large presentations and can be rented by the public for wedding receptions, meetings, and events (such as dances). One regular use for that room is a weekly square-dance gathering.

Another loop that we installed is in conference room 207. The room seats up to 16, and is where many meetings are held, including management and board meetings. This hearing loop system includes an advanced microphone system which picks up the conversation of all participants, so a person who relies on the loop can hear the entire dialogue and fully participate.

We are excited to see how 125 Live moves forward with their exciting programming, and hope that more people will take advantage of the hearing loop technology to fully engage in what this center has to offer!