Equipment and Facilities

Loop System
A Loop System is invaluable for people using hearing aids with a 'T' switch. The speaker uses a microphone and people switch to the ‘T’ position on their hearing aid and the speaker's voice is heard directly in the ear. This method cuts out most of the background noise. Loop Systems are easy to install and the cost is reasonable.

A Portable Loop System is ideal for church meetings of any sort – parish council, home groups – it takes only a few minutes to set up and is fully portable in a briefcase-size holdall. The length of wire that comes with it will fit most rooms or several rows of pews. Extension wiring is available to increase the size of the effective area. The area covered by a loop system in a building should be large enough to enable all hard of hearing people to participate fully.

Overhead Projector
An invaluable aid for Hard of Hearing People. Hymns and prayers can be displayed on an overhead projector or by using a computer with a Power Point presentation on the screen. Both these methods enable people to read information and so participate more fully.

Written handouts
The sermon, prayers and readings can be printed out and given to those with a hearing loss, so they are able to follow proceedings. If the other facilites are not available or have not been helpful for whatever reason, then at least people can read what they missed!

Professional Lipspeakers
Another aid to help with communication is a Lipspeaker who will repeat clearly what has just been said, without using their voice.
A combination of Lipreading with some hearing is a good way to correct anything that has been missed.

Lighting
The church or any building needs to be well-lit, with appropriate lighting on the Lipspeaker and anyone Reading or leading the Service.

A combination of any of the above communication mediums will help hard of hearing people to participate fully.