A pilot project to bring different assistive hearing devices to City of Nanaimo facilities was recently approved. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

for all to hear

Assistive hearing technology pilot project approved for Nanaimo facilities

Jan 16, 2024 | 4:22 PM

NANAIMO — A pilot project designed to bring assistive hearing technology to City buildings is moving ahead.

The project will see an audio loop system, or hearing loop, system installed at the front counters of two City-owned buildings, as well as install an adaptive sound field system in the Services and Resources Centre board room for meetings.

Both devices mirror ones Vancouver Island University currently uses, with University access specialist Mary Stasiuk saying they are thrilled to hear the City looking into different hearing technologies.

“These sound field systems are good for what we call in learning, classroom amplification. They are very good universal designs for learning because maybe not all students are being accommodated and coming to our office.”

She said having an entire meeting room where a speaker, or a variety of speakers, can be more easily heard can benefit more than just people with hearing challenges.

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VIU uses a variety of classroom amplification technology to assist those with mild to moderate hearing loss, with Stasiuk saying approximately 15 students with partial hearing loss registered this semester, while two have more severe or profound hearing loss.

In addition to widespread amplification systems, University presenters will also wear a more individualized loop, or microphone, which can transmit directly into some hearing aids.

Those systems also aid the speakers by helping to keep their voices from being strained and are commonly used in K-12 classrooms as well.

Stasiuk said they try to accommodate any student who registers with them as having a disability to ensure they have the fullest learning experience possible.

“Asking the instructor to face forward for students who are speech reading. And also closed captioning of audio/visuals, and sometimes they need small break-out rooms for small group work that are outside of the classroom because it’s actually the competitive sound of other people taking that can make it very difficult for somebody with a hearing aid or hearing loss.”

VIU has used amplification systems since before Stasiuk started at the University 12 years ago, and they are always looking for more ways to improve accessibility to further empower their students.

“It’s just a matter of figuring out the technology, how it all connects…that’s why we need universal design…the sound field systems are better universal design because maybe students don’t want to disclose their disability, and they are being accommodated by the sound field systems.”

The pilot project concept was approved during the Monday, Jan. 15 council meeting and will still need to go through various budget approvals before proceeding.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow