A state-of-the-art assisted hearing system which will be on offer at Aberdeen’s newly transformed Music Hall is the latest in a series of investments designed to benefit visitors to the iconic building when it re-opens in December.
The Mobile Connect Sound Induction System, from Sennheiser, is a Wi-Fi based system that enables multi-channel audio to be streamed in real time to a smartphone or tablet.
To hear the streamed message, the user simply downloads the MobileConnect app onto their smartphone or tablet and then connects to the system as if connecting to a local Wi-Fi point - their smartphone or tablet then becomes the audio receiver.
The user can then select the audio source they wish to hear, connect some headphones, a neck loop, or switch hearing aids to “T-setting” and adjust their personal volume to a comfortable level.
Investment in the new system has been made possible by a generous donation from Apache North Sea Limited, who have gifted £14,000 towards the project.
Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive, Jane Spiers, commented: “We are very proud of our commitment to delivering a high quality, inclusive customer experience and we are excited to be embracing new technology that will significantly improve the experience of hearing impaired audience members. We are delighted that Apache share our vision, and are thrilled to receive this generous donation.”
Jon Graham, managing director of Apache North Sea Limited said: “Apache is delighted to be able to support the transformation of Aberdeen’s historic and much loved Music Hall by enabling an assisted hearing system to be installed. The Music Hall is the heart and soul of Aberdeen’s community and cultural life and it is essential that it can be enjoyed by all”.
APA customer services manager, Lynn Hackett said: “The system is currently being trialled at HMT and user feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The wifi-based system is a great improvement on the current hearing loop system which is based on infrared technology and suffers from signal interference. We can also offer equipment, such as ipods and earphones to users who do not have their own. The system is very intuitive and the app is not backlit, to ensure that it doesn’t distract other audience members. It is compatible with cochlear implants, hearing aids and earphones.”
