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Mar 21
1
AudioFetch Blog Header_ADA Compliance

ADA Compliance and Hearing Impairments: Everything Your Business Needs to Know

By | airports, Auction, Business, Casinos, Churches, Education, Government, Hearing Assistance, Hearing Loss, Stadiums, Theater, Tour Guides, Wireless Audio | No Comments

Every public business, organization, or venue should be thinking about how to improve accessibility at their establishment. Not only does it create a more welcoming environment for any and every-one that visits, but it can also be a legal requirement. 

Read on to learn more about how your business can (and must) improve accessibility through ADA compliance and other accessibility-friendly solutions.

What is ADA compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990. It prohibits discrimination and seeks to improve accessibility at public government entities and privately-owned “places of public accommodation,” and requires employers with 15+ employees to provide reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities.

What are ADA guidelines for hearing impairments?

The ADA requirements for hearing impairments vary by platform, business type, or entity. For example, all airlines within and into the United States must accommodate hearing loss, according to the Air Carriers Access Act (ACAA), which is typically accomplished by adding captions to airport TVs. 
 
Other public venues must provide assistive listening devices (ALDs) in each assembly area where audible communication is integral to the use of the space. These venues include movie theaters, concert and lecture halls, schools, museums, hospitals, stadiums and arenas, courtrooms, conference rooms, convention centers, nursing homes, community centers, and the list goes on and on. 
 
If your venue provides fixed seating (e.g., theater or stadium) for 50 or more people, ADA compliant receivers must be available for a percentage of seating capacity. Originally it was 4% of capacity, but that figure was updated in 2010 to give larger venues a bit of a break with a scaled quantity. Additionally, at least 25% or a minimum of two receivers must be hearing-aid compatible.

What is an ADA-compliant device?

ADA compliant products for hard-of-hearing individuals include assistive listening systems (ALS) or assistive listening devices (ALDs). An assistive listening system is defined as an amplification system utilizing transmitters, receivers, and coupling devices to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of induction loop, radio frequency, infrared, direct-wired equipment or wireless connection.

Who enforces ADA compliance?

Several agencies play a role in enforcing or investigating ADA compliance claims, including The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Labor, and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB).

What are the consequences of not following the ADA guidelines?

Failing to comply with ADA guidelines can result in both financial and reputation repercussions. 
 
On a purely financial basis, your business or organization can be fined by the federal government up to $75,000 for the first violation and $150,000 for additional ADA violations, and state or local governments may tack on additional fines. Additionally, you open yourself up to lawsuits, personal injury claims, and legal or civil penalties from disabled individuals with legitimate complaints or ambulance-chasing entities looking to make an easy buck. 
 
From a reputation perspective, your brand name can also be dragged through the mud for non-compliance, which can also severely affect your business financially in both the short and long term.

What businesses or organizations are exempt from ADA compliance?

The ADA does not apply to places of worship, religious organizations/schools, private clubs, or any other venue historically excluded from federal civil rights laws. However, many of these organizations decide to provide some type of assistive listening option to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all of their members and patrons. 
 
Learn more about our assistive listening solutions for churches and houses of worship.

Does AudioFetch work with ADA-compliant receivers?

Yes, AudioFetch is compatible with ADA-compliant receivers. AudioFetch can be used to broadcast the audio source live, and then businesses can use a regulation ADA-compliant device to receive that audio. 
 
AudioFetch also integrates seamlessly with hearing aids; listeners connect the hearing aid to their smartphone via Bluetooth and are able to listen in real-time.

AudioFetch works with businesses and organizations of all sizes to help you create a more accessible and welcoming environment for your guests, customers, and employees. If you’re ready to get started, contact us or schedule an appointment to learn more and request a free demo. 

Jan 10
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AudioFetch Blog Header - 2022 Wireless Audio Streaming Predictions

5 Predictions for Wireless Audio Streaming in 2022

By | Education, Food for thought, Hearing Assistance, Home Audio, Wireless Audio | No Comments

As A/V technologies grow more advanced and consumers become more reliant on their smartphone devices, we expect the field of local audio over WiFi to continue growing in the new year. Below are our 5 predictions for wireless audio streaming in 2022.

1. Increased Focus on Accessibility 

If there is one positive thing to come out of the past two years it’s that we have all become more aware of the health challenges and disabilities of others. That includes individuals with hearing impairments. 

This spotlight on hearing has lead to a focus on providing more and better accessibility options in theaters and churches. We predict this focus will continue to grow in 2022, with even more businesses and organizations using audio over WiFi for hearing assistance. The venues we anticipate will grow the most are schools and universities, hospitals and conferences and convention centers.

2. Social Distancing Will Still Be Important

No, unfortunately, we are not yet done with social distancing. As new variants continue to spread throughout the word (and there will be more no doubt, Omicron is not the final one), we’re going to have to continue maintaining safer distances in certain public establishments and spaces.

Wireless audio streaming is a simple, flexible and affordable way to permit social distancing, while allowing businesses to stay open and provide entrainment options. Expect this to continue throughout most if not all of 2022.

3. New Applications Will Be Discovered

We get calls from folks all the time that want to know, “Will AudioFetch work for X?” or “Can I use AudioFetch for Y?” And 99.9% of the time, our answer is yes! 

AudioFetch is so flexible, so simple and so affordable, there are near-infinite uses. We could never rattled them all off or list them all on our site. Heck, we haven’t even thought of some of them! But if it has to do with helping people hear better in public venues or at home, AudioFetch can probably help! 

Take Itchy-O for example, a 57-member avant-garde marching band and performance music group based in Denver, CO. The Itchy-O band leader uses AudioFetch to communicate with the other members as they dance throughout the crowd during their performances. We certainly couldn’t have imagined this application, but what a cool use and perfectly suited use for AudioFetch! 

4. More Businesses Using Wireless Audio Distribution

Interest in using AudioFetch for wireless audio distribution has grow significantly in the past couple years as businesses look for more flexible and affordable audio solutions that meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy consumer. AudioFetch has replaced the existing wireless audio distribution system for a music festival and race track, and we expect to see even more businesses using AudioFetch in this way in 2022. 

5. Continued Interest in Home Entertainment Options

We’ve all spent a lot of time at home these past couple years. And while there were certainly times when the cabin fever seemed unbearable and we would have rather been ANYWHERE else on the planet, collectively, we have all learned how to be at home more, and some folks even now prefer it.

Just because we’re staying home more, however, doesn’t mean we don’t want to be entertained. This is clear when you look at all the home-focused technology to come out of CES this year. We especially loved Samsung’s The FreeStyle projector that would be perfect for hosting outdoor movie nights with AudioFetch Home as the audio solution! 

We are choosing to stay positive and have an optimistic outlook for 2022. We look forward to working with even more large franchises, mom and pop businesses and individuals to help more people hear better in both commercial and residential spaces. 

Jul 13
0
AudioFetch-Blog-Header-World-Lutheran-Deaf-Outreach-Ministry

World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry Provides Hearing Assistance with AudioFetch

By | AudioFetch News, Churches, Hearing Assistance | No Comments

We’re proud to work with businesses and organizations that help to bring communities together and raise awareness about hearing health around the world. We wanted to highlight a commendable organization that we’ve recently had the pleasure of working with to provide an assistive listening solution–World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry.

Meet World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry

World Lutheran Deaf Ministry Logo

World Lutheran Deaf Outreach Ministry (WLDO) seeks to connect with the 98% of deaf and hard of hearing individuals who do not attend church because of hearing concerns. Various factors–sentence structure, passive voice, inefficient hearing assistance devices–have historically made attending services a challenge, but WLDO is changing that! Through resources, training, worship, and small group study, WLDO is helping deaf and hard of hearing people come together where they previously couldn’t. 

WLDO has deaf ministries in locations around the country, including Emmanuel Lutheran Church of the Deaf in Milwaukee, WI, Our Savior Deaf Lutheran Church in Madison, WI, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Delavan, WI, Life in Christ Church in Peoria, AZ, Trinity Lutheran Church in Litchfield Park, AZ, Holy-Three-In-One Lutheran Deaf Church in Houston, TX, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, MS. 

How WLDO Discovered AudioFetch for Assistive Listening

We were introduced to WLDO through a customer that had previously purchased our home audio streaming solution, AudioFetch Home. “My hearing is significantly impaired (60% loss) and I really can’t understand TV programs,” says Galen Stanely, who purchased AudioFetch Home in November 2020. “With AudioFetch Home streaming to my Bluetooth hearing aids via my iPhone, the audio is crystal clear. I use it every day.” 

After having such a positive experience with Home, Galen recommended AudioFetch to his pastor. “Our WLDO pastor ministers full time to hearing impaired and deaf people in our area and all across the US,” Galen added. “He uses the highly mobile AudioFetch Express for both worship and small group study while visiting many churches and congregations.”

The Most Affordable Assistive Listening Solution for Churches

Houses of worship around the world use AudioFetch Express as simple, affordable, and flexible assistive listening devices for churches, as well as to provide real-time translation services. AudioFetch eliminates the need for maintenance-intensive and unhygienic assistive listening devices or expensive and complex hearing loop systems. It’s simple to install and easy for listeners to use via the free AudioFetch app on their smartphone or tablet. 

If you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient way to provide accessibility for your hearing-impaired members, AudioFetch is the ideal solution! Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your house of worship application and free get a quote. 

Jun 07
0
AudioFetch Blog Header - Theater Assistive Listening

Performing Arts Centers Use AudioFetch for Assistive Listening Solution

By | Hearing Assistance, Theater | No Comments

As theaters and performing arts centers around the globe begin to reopen, one key thing is on their mind–how can we provide a safe yet entertaining experience for guests? This question has led many to reconsider their accessibility solutions for guests with hearing impairments. 

How have theaters traditionally provided hearing assistance? 

There were two key methods for providing assistive listening solutions–shared hearing devices and hearing loops. 

Handing out hearing devices is no longer acceptable–these shared devices have always been a headache to clean and maintain, but now the stakes are much higher than a little headache. 

Hearing loops have been used for decades, but they can be complex, inconvenient and expensive, and after many theaters had to close their doors for the better part of a year, every penny matters.

Enter AudioFetch. Theaters and performing arts centers around the world are turning to AudioFetch as their assistive listening solution for three key reasons:

  • Simplicity – Plug AudioFetch in, connect to WiFi and start broadcasting immediately.
  • Affordability – At just $549 and no monthly fees, AudioFetch Express is a fraction of the cost of other assistive listening solutions.
  • Convenience – No more keeping track of clunky, finicky and unhygienic assistive listening devices. Listeners use their own smartphones.

Check out these three performing arts centers that recently tapped AudioFetch to provide assistive listening. 

The Star Performing Arts Center

The Star Centre - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

The Star Performing Arts Center is a Civic and Cultural Zone in Singapore. The Center comprises many elements: The Star Terrace, an airy outdoor theater; The Star Loft, an exclusive event space and rooftop terrace; The Star Gallery, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose hall; and The Star Theatre, Singapore’s first 5,000 seat theater. The Star Theater is the key venue in the Center and is fitted with a high-end audio, video and production lighting system, providing an exceptional audio-visual experience. And with the addition of AudioFetch, they’re also able to provide next-gen assistive listening capabilities for their diverse audiences.

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

GoggleWorks Arts Center - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania is focused on transforming lives through unique interactions with art. Since 2005, GoggleWorks has encouraged their community to develop skills, ask questions, experiment freely and investigate the human spirit through workshops, classes, visiting artists, community outreach programs, summer residency, youth programs and camps, on-site studio artists, film screenings, art exhibitions and communal maker studios. The building is a former goggle factory, hence the name, and is composed of 145,000 square feet of creative and community space. 

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre front FB - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

Metropolis Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization based in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Their theater houses 329 seats and hosts hundreds of performances each year, including concerts, comedy and cabarets. Through the Metropolis School of Performing Arts, they provide students of all ages with private lessons, group classes, workshops, camps, productions and community engagement. 

If you’re looking for an effective and cost-efficient way to provide accessibility for your hearing-impaired patrons, AudioFetch is the ideal solution! Contact us by calling 844-HI-FETCH or scheduling an appointment to discuss your theater application and get a quote. 

Apr 19
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AudioFetch Blog Header - Legislative Hearing Assistance

How to Provide Hearing Assistance in Courtrooms & Legislative Proceedings

By | Government | No Comments

For decades, courtrooms and government meeting rooms have used hearing loop technology to allow participants to hear better during hearings and legislative procedures. While hearing loops are an effective way to provide this hearing accessibility, they present a few problems:

  1. Hearing loops are expensive
  2. Listeners must use a hearing aid
  3. The installation process can be complex
  4. Metal in walls and floors can cause interference 

Today, courts and legislative bodies that are looking for a more affordable, efficient, flexible and modern solution are turning to AudioFetch audio over WiFi streaming. Following are five benefits that AudioFetch provides for hearing assistance in court and legislative settings:

1. Secure One-Way Communications

Security is of the utmost importance in legal and legislative proceedings. AudioFetch technology uses the local wireless network to stream audio. When that network is password protected, you can limit who can listen to only those approved individuals.

2. No Hearing Aid Required

People don’t always wear hearing aids when they should. Maybe they forgot it, maybe it’s too uncomfortable, maybe it creates too much feedback, or maybe it simply makes them feel old. Whatever the reasons, not using a hearing aid when you need one can cause you to miss important information, and in a legal setting, it’s imperative that every word can be heard. 

Even when someone doesn’t need a hearing aid, they could still benefit from hearing better. As quiet as legal proceedings can be, there can also be loud, distracting background noise that makes the main speaker difficult to hear. 

With wireless audio streaming, all the listener needs is a smartphone or mobile device, which nearly everyone has already and never leaves home without, and headphones. 

3. Lower Installation Cost

The fees associated with installing a hearing loop are just for the system. Depending on the size and construction of the courtroom, you may need to pull up carpeting, tiles or baseboards and replace any damaged items. Additionally, metal in walls and floors can create interference, limiting the capabilities of the loop system. Installation requires a specialist, can be messy and takes some time.

Installing wireless audio streaming is so simple, it’s nearly plug-and-play. Your hearing assistance solution can be up and running the day you receive it, and you won’t have to touch an inch of flooring or walls. 

4. No Monthly Fees

Other hearing assistance solutions require ongoing monthly fees and/or charge extra when you hit a usage limit or each additional listener. With AudioFetch, you pay for the equipment and it’s yours to use as much you need for as long as you need. And we never charge for support either. 

5. Minimal Equipment

A single piece of equipment is all that’s required for local audio streaming. If you’d like to expand coverage or connect with other audio sources, you can add a transmitter and receiver, but these are entirely optional. 

Save time, money and hassle, and make it easier for participants to hear during legislative proceedings. Contact us today to request a quote or schedule an appointment at your convenience.   

Mar 15
0
AudioFetch Blog Headers - Hearing Impaired Accessibility

How AudioFetch Creates a Welcoming Environment with Assistive Listening Solutions

By | Hearing Assistance | No Comments

Whether you’re a restaurant serving food to guests, a travel group providing tours, a church serving your members, or an organization hosting an event, you have one universal goal in mind–you want every person to have a positive experience so they’ll come back again and/or tell their friends about it. 

Businesses and organizations go to great lengths to provide this positive experience, but there’s one area they often overlook–accessibility. 

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), some 38 million American adults over the age of 18 report some trouble hearing. That’s approximately 15% of people that could be struggling to hear when they’re at your establishment. 

You can make your establishment more accessible to those with hearing impairments by using our next-gen assistive listening solutions. Following are three ways AudioFetch can help your business or organization create a more welcoming environment for customers and guests:

1. No Hearing Aids Required

Lots of people don’t wear hearing aids when they need them. In fact, according to the  International Journal of Audiology, a whopping 80% of 55-74 year olds 55-74 don’t. That’s a lot of people who’ve made a conscious decision to go without a device that could benefit their lives. 

Why would they do such a thing, you ask? Well, there are numerous reasons people don’t wear hearing aids when they should. For some, they find hearing aids bulky or uncomfortable. For others, it makes them feel old or embarrassed. And for still more, they simply forget to bring it out with them. Whatever the reasons, not wearing a hearing aid when someone needs one can leave them feeling left out and isolated, a negative experience you don’t want them to have at your business.

Our assistive listening solutions eliminate all of those reasons. All the listener needs is their smartphone (which we all know no one ever forgets to bring out!) and headphones. 

2. No Asking to Use a Shared Device

Even when an establishment provides assistive listening devices, people oftentimes won’t ask for one. Again, the reasons here can be myriad–they don’t want to call attention to themselves and their hearing loss, they don’t know the devices are available, or, more common these days, they don’t want to use a device that may have been touched by others. 

AudioFetch solves this problem. Since listeners use their own smartphone and headphones to hear the audio, they don’t need to ask for or handle any additional devices. AudioFetch is ideal as an assistive listening system for churches, theaters, and schools and educational facilities. Travel and tourism businesses also benefit from replacing their shared hearing devices with our wireless tour guide system.

3. No Tech Skills Needed

If you know how to download and open an app, you know how to use AudioFetch. 

Listeners simply search for AudioFetch in the app store (or scan the QR code on signage we provide), download the app, and then open it. If there’s only a single audio channel, they’ll hear it immediately. If there are multiple channels, they simply select the one they want (which is easy to determine with the signage we also provide!) and listen in. 

Listeners will never be asked to enter any personal information. They’ll never be asked to create an account. They’ll never be asked to do anything but sit back and enjoy the sound! 

At AudioFetch, we’re devoted to helping people with hearing loss or impairment stay connected with the world around them, and helping businesses create a more welcoming environment for these individuals.  If you have questions about how AudioFetch can be used for assistive listening at your establishment, do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping your business create a more welcoming environment for everyone. 

Jan 11
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AudioFetch On-Demand Product Overview Webinar

AudioFetch On-Demand Product Overview Webinar

By | Business | No Comments

Want to better understand the features and benefits of wireless audio streaming for your business? Unsure which AudioFetch solution is right for you? Then you need to check out our Product Overview webinar.

AudioFetch Webinar Thumbnail - AudioFetch Audio Over WiFi

In this brief webinar video, AudioFetch CEO Tim Depumpo walks you through the numerous features and benefits of our technology and discusses how various businesses are using AudioFetch to improve guest experience. Tim also talks about each of the AudioFetch wireless audio streaming solutions in detail, pointing out the unique capabilities and which businesses and organizations find them most useful.

Click the link below to access the video and learn more about our commercial wireless audio streaming solutions.

Watch the On-Demand Webinar

If you have specific questions or are ready to get started now, call us at 1-844-HI-FETCH (1-844-443-3824) or schedule an appointment with our team.

Apr 22
0
AudioFetch App Stadium Listening - Audio Over WiFi Streaming

How Assistive Listening Devices Improve Your Entertainment Experience

By | Hearing Assistance, Sports Bars, Stadiums, Theater, Tour Guides | No Comments

Have you ever had a bad entertainment experience because of a noisy environment? Assistive listening devices can help. AudioFetch listening assist technology gives users a more comfortable, enjoyable listening experience in loud venues. 

Our assistive listening devices broadcast audio over wifi and provide easy access to clear, live audio streaming in theaters, stadiums, sports bars, museums, or other crowded entertainment venues. 

With AudioFetch, you and your customers can enjoy a perfect entertainment experience without missing out due to environmental noise. You can also use assistive listening devices to improve the experience for people with impaired hearing.

Here’s how popular entertainment venues can use AudioFetch assistive listening devices:

1. Theaters

Assistive listening devices for theaters help patrons enjoy the arts without being disrupted by anyone who may be making noise around them. Users can connect to a direct audio live stream for perfect sound. Theaters like New York Live Arts also use AudioFetch to make their shows more accessible to the hearing impaired.

2. Stadiums

Nothing beats the feeling of cheering for your favorite team with a crowd of other fans, but the volume can make it difficult to hear the play-by-play. Adding assistive listening devices to a stadium sound system lets fans tune in to a direct live stream over wifi. The Halifax Thunderbirds use AudioFetch for stadium hearing assistance at their games to improve the experience for all fans.

3. Sports Bars

Fans who prefer to watch sports at their local bar face a different challenge than stadium listening. Along with ambient sound from conversations or music, many sports bars often play multiple games at once on different screens. Our sports bar audio solution allows customers to enjoy a drink and connect to a direct audio feed for their specific game so they don’t miss any action.

4. Museums & Cultural Exhibits

Museums and cultural exhibitors like NY See Tours use AudioFetch devices as tour guide amplifiers. Tourists can enjoy their guided experience with optimal sound because our wireless tour guide system make it easier than ever to connect to an audio broadcast. 

Use AudioFetch for the Best Entertainment Experience

When social gatherings and events resume in the coming weeks and months, you want to be ready with unique entertainment options for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about our listening assistive devices.

Mar 11
0

Top Reasons Why People Don’t Wear Hearing Aids [Infographic]

By | Hearing Assistance, Food for thought | No Comments

80% of people between the ages of 55 and 74 who could benefit from hearing aids don’t wear them, according to a study published in the International Journal of Audiology.

The reasons for not wearing hearing aids are many–they’re uncomfortable or even painful, they’re too expensive, they no longer work like they did at first, they make them feel old or embarrassed. These are real and valid reasons, but the consequences of not using them are not just a few missed sentences here and there. It could result in a decline in cognitive function, further reduction of hearing ability, even increased risk of slips and falls.  

Check out the infographic below with important facts and stats about hearing aids, and alternative hearing assistive devices. 

AudioFetch Infographic - World Hearing Day - Why People Don't Wear Hearing AidsSources:

 

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Feb 24
0
AudioFetch Blog Header - Hearing Protection Infographic

6 Ways to Protect Your Hearing [Infographic]

By | Hearing Assistance, Food for thought | No Comments

Once your hearing is gone, there’s no getting it back. 

Damage to your hearing–whether due to prolonged exposure to loud noises, an infection or illness, or medications–is irreparable. While somethings can’t be prevented, like the normal hearing loss that occurs with age, there are plenty of things you can do to Listen Responsibly and prevent or reduce hearing loss.

As part of our Happy New Ear campaign, we created the infographic below with important tips on protecting your hearing today, tomorrow and every day!

We’re also offering 20% off all AudioFetch products for February 2020. Just enter code HAPPYNEWEAR20 at checkout when purchasing a FetchExpress portable PA system online, or ask for the discount when speaking with us.*

6 Ways to Protect your Ears Infographic (1)

Sources:

https://www.earq.com/hearing-health/articles/9-ways-to-protect-your-ears 

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/infographic/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/top-10-tips-to-help-protect-your-hearing/

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*Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts