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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. 

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.   

AudioFetch Blog Header - Global Audio Over WiFi Solutions

AudioFetch Provides Better Hearing in 23 Countries

By | AudioFetch News, Hearing Assistance | No Comments

We started AudioFetch with one goal in mind–to help people hear better. 

Having worked in the fitness industry for several years through our sister companies Broadcastvision Entertainment and Waio, Inc., we saw an opportunity to build a platform that would empower anyone with a smartphone to hear what they were watching in real-time, no matter the location. 

And now, nearly two decades later, those locations can be found in 23 countries around the world!
In addition to the hundreds of businesses in the United States, we ship to and support businesses in Australia, Norway, Europe and the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Italy, Singapore, France and many more! Check out the map below to see where AudioFetch is being used.

We’ve been honored to provide hearing assistance and audio entertainment options to all different types of businesses and organizations. Fitness centers, houses of worship, museums, farms, drive-in movie theaters, amusement parks, warehouses, hospitals, airports, universities and K-12 schools, sports bars, railroad tours, casinos and resorts, apartment complexes, country clubs, retirement communities, local news stations, film festivals–we could write three more paragraphs listing the various types of businesses and organizations that are leveraging AudioFetch! That’s because our wireless audio streaming technology is so flexible, efficient and affordable, and because every venue wants their guests to have a better experience.

If you’d like to know if AudioFetch supports your type of business or location, well, the answer is almost always YES! Contact us today or schedule an appointment to discuss your application.

Please note: While many of our customers are public venues, we also work with private businesses to provide services for their internal staff. If you’d like to test our AudioFetch technology in the wild, please be sure to check that the business is a public venue before visiting.

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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World Hearing Day - AudioFetch - Audio Over WiFi Streaming

Celebrate World Hearing Day

By | General, Hearing Loss | No Comments

March 3, 2020 is World Hearing Day. World Hearing Day is about raising global awareness for the importance of hearing. This day encourages people to protect their hearing while spreading the word about new solutions for the hearing impaired.

Being able to hear is part of a healthy, happy life. World Hearing Day invites us to reach out to the deaf and hearing impaired members of our community.

Hearing For Life

For many people, hearing is something we take for granted. We may not realize how hearing enriches our daily lives and helps us with everything from work to family life. Often, people are also unaware of the causes of hearing loss and may not be taking the necessary steps to protect their hearing.

Protecting your hearing includes basic lifestyle changes, such as wearing earplugs in noisy environments, limiting your exposure to loud music and noises, and resting your ears after noise exposure. These small steps can go a long way to preserve the lifespan of your ears.

Hearing damage is usually permanent and irreversible. However, if you or someone you love is already experiencing hearing loss or impairment, it’s not too late to seek out treatment options and interventions like hearing aids and discreet assistive listening devices.

Hearing Brings Us Together

According to the World Health Organization, it’s estimated that 6.1% of the world’s population is living with some form of hearing loss. That’s 466 million people! Sadly, many of these individuals don’t have adequate access to hearing aids or other accessibility tools. This can be isolating and contribute to health problems.

But you can help! Along with educating your friends and family about ways to protect your hearing, you can encourage your local business and community spaces to install assistive listening devices.

Businesses like Club de Golf Mexico, Hummingbird Wine Bar, and teb Interiors Inc. use listening assistive devices from AudioFetch to make their spaces welcoming and accessible to people with hearing issues.

Celebrate with AudioFetch

We actually treat every day like World Hearing Day — but we’re still celebrating!

In honor of World Hearing Day, we’re offering 25% off* MSRP on all hearing assistive applications for the month of March 2020. To take advantage of this special offer, contact us today and mention “World Hearing Day.”

*Offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. One discount per customer. Must contact AudioFetch to see if your application is eligible.

Woman with Headphones - Audio Over WiFi Streaming

Top 4 Questions About Hearing Loss

By | Hearing Loss | No Comments

Hearing loss affects 48 million people in the United States, with 14% of adults ages 45 to 64 experiencing some type of hearing impairment. Whether mild or severe, untreated hearing loss can be difficult. It can lead to social isolation and even contribute to health problems.

The good news is that there are many types of hearing assistance, from hearing aids to listening assistance devices. These accessibility tools can help people with hearing loss experience a full life. But before seeking treatment for hearing loss, it’s important to educate yourself.

If you or someone you love is experiencing hearing issues, we’ve got answers to some common questions for you.

1. What Causes Hearing Loss?

There are multiple causes of hearing loss, as well as different types of hearing loss and different levels of severity. Each case is unique. However, the most common causes of hearing loss are aging, damage caused by exposure to loud noises, injury, and illness.

2. How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Tested?

Often, hearing loss happens so slowly that people don’t notice they have a problem until it’s very severe and more difficult to treat. For adults, experts recommend a hearing test every three to five years, or whenever you have an annual physical checkup.

3. When Do You Need Hearing Aids?

Every person is different. However, hearing aids are recommended as soon as hearing loss begins to negatively impact someone’s day-to-day life. For example, if you regularly experience difficulty hearing conversations at normal volume, it may be time for hearing aids.

4. Besides Hearing Aids, Are There Other Options for Hearing Loss?

In addition to hearing aids, people who suffer from hearing loss can improve their lives with listening assistive devices such as AudioFetch products. These technological tools offer powerful hearing assistance for impaired individuals, especially in public spaces such as houses of worship, community centers, lecture halls, stadiums and arenas, theaters, and sports bars.

Treat Hearing Loss for a Healthier, Happier Life

At AudioFetch, we believe it’s important to spread the word about hearing problems — and hearing solutions. That’s why we’ve launched our Happy New Ear campaign to offer 20% off all AudioFetch products in February 2020.

Use code HAPPYNEWEAR20 at checkout when purchasing a FetchExpress online, or ask for the discount when speaking with us (offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts).

If you’d like to learn more about how AudioFetch can help you or your customers hear better, contact us today.

Woman Using AudioFetch App in Restaurant

Protect Your Hearing for a Healthier Brain

By | Hearing Loss | No Comments

There are many reasons to protect your hearing. By taking steps to avoid hearing loss, you can remain engaged in your community and continue living life to the fullest as you age. But did you know that protecting your hearing also leads to a healthier brain?

According to a recent Lancet study cited by the The New York Times, untreated hearing loss is the largest preventable risk factor for developing dementia. Protecting your hearing — or treating your hearing loss, if you already have it — can reduce incidences of dementia by 9%.

That’s higher than other common risk factors for dementia, like smoking and high blood pressure. So how exactly does hearing loss affect your brain as you age?

How Hearing Loss Affects Your Brain

Researchers believe that untreated hearing loss can contribute to dementia for several reasons.

First, untreated hearing loss causes the brain to work much harder to process sound. In other words, the brain becomes fatigued. It can’t perform other cognitive functions at the same level it used to.

Additionally, untreated hearing loss can negatively impact memory. When someone can’t hear clearly, it’s more difficult for them to retain new information. This leads to an under-stimulated memory, which can then “atrophy.”

Finally, untreated hearing loss often leads to social isolation. As people age, a sense of community is very important to overall health and well-being. Community helps people stay active, both physically and mentally.

Let AudioFetch Help You Hear Clearly

At AudioFetch, we’re devoted to helping people with hearing loss or impairment stay connected with the world around them. To help improve your brain health as you age, avoid hearing loss by using hearing protection and AudioFetch assistive listening devices to promote clear sound in your community.

As part of our Happy New Ear campaign, we’re offering 20% off all AudioFetch products for February 2020. Just enter code HAPPYNEWEAR20 at checkout when purchasing a FetchExpress online, or ask for the discount when speaking with us (offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts).

If you’d like to learn more about how AudioFetch can help you or your customers hear better, contact us today.