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Rockwell decks Halina's halls with hearing loop system

Hearing loop system makes it easier for those who are hard of hearing to not miss a thing when enjoying Halina Seniors' Centre events
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Thanks to the new Auris Hearing Loop System donated by Rockwell Audiology

Hearing aid wearers who attend events and classes at Halina Seniors’ Centre can now hear easier, thanks to a new Auris Hearing Loop System donated by Rockwell Audiology Inc.

Tosha Hodgson, audiologist and owner of Rockwell Audiology Inc., explains that she often fields complaints from hearing aid wearers struggling to hear well in public venues.

“I frequently hear clients express their frustrations about not being able to hear well in a variety of seniors’ centres, public venues, and places of worship, even when using optimized hearing aids,” she said.

Induction hearing loop systems significantly improve hearing aid wearers’ listening ease and enjoyment in adverse listening environments.  As part of Rockwell Audiology’s community outreach initiative to improve Vernon’s accessibility for those with hearing loss, Hodgson has donated hearing loop systems to The People Place, NexusBC, and Vernon Restholm Association.

“I am delighted to add Halina Seniors’ Centre to the list of hearing-accessible non-profit organizations in Vernon,” she said.

The new hearing loop system will help hearing aid wearers hear easier during various exercise classes, bingo games, live performances, and special events held at Halina.

“Bingo numbers, exercise instructors, and live music will be transmitted into the wire of the loop system via the facility’s microphones and sound system. Aid wears simply turn on the telecoil in their hearing aids to hear clear sound wirelessly transmitted straight into their ears.”

Beverley Bailey, the new manager of the Halina Centre, is thrilled about the new system being installed, especially just in time for several upcoming holiday events. She gives special thanks to Hodgson for her generosity in funding the new system. Bailey also wishes to express her gratitude to David Moore, owner of Auris Hearing Loop Systems, for installing the system and working seamlessly together with several Halina volunteers and city officials to ensure all were happy with the installation.

“I can now state that the Halina Seniors’ Centre is equipped with modern technology that puts the centre in a much better position to help ensure it provides an equal opportunity environment for those who are hard of hearing,” said Bailey.

Bailey, Hodgson and Moore all wish to extend their gratitude to Doug Ross, City of Vernon director of Recreation Services, and Jim Coughlin, Recreation Facilities coordinator, who quickly approved installation of the system in the city-owned facility.