Regulations pertaining to construction of schools relate to hearing augmentation, and additional policies talk about hearing access, inclusion and accessibility. It is very easy for educators to get lost in this sea of things we need to do, and things we should do. So where does this leave architects, IT designers and inclusion experts in making good decisions about creating best outcomes for teachers and children?
There is certainly a knowledge vacuum regarding hearing augmentation, and we argue that a wider view needs to be taken so tech can kill more than one bird with one stone. A NSW Catholic Diocese has just done that with Hear and Learn to advise on this issue for new buildings and refurbs. They not only want compliant outcomes, but tech that helps with getting bang for buck from their infrastructure spend.
A recent report sent to us from this Diocese states:
“This type of (Hear and Learn) system is considered appropriate to the classroom spaces as it provides the benefit of transmitting the signals to the whole of the space concerned. It improves the sound delivered to all occupants not just those with a hearing impairment. This is significant where the source of the sound is some distance from the listener and reduces strain on both vocals and hearing. The system is noted to also provided additionally functionalities to assist those with a hearing impairment by the use of personal devices such as iPod’s and the like.”
When it comes to hearing augmentation, we stand ready to help anyone hungry to get best results. Call us – it’s free!”