Information on the use of the wireless personal hearing assistance receiver for
persons in the congregation having moderate hearing impairment
Hearing Assistance System
The Hearing Assistance System (H.A.S.) is owned by First United Methodist Church
Pensacola FL and is
installed in the Sanctuary sound system. The H.A.S. consists of a radio transmitter
and small personal receivers that are carried by the users.
Transmitter
The transmitter sends the same sound to the personal receiver that is sent over the sound
system and is being tape recorded. The transmitter contains an automatic volume control
that raises low level sounds and lowers the high level sounds. This feature helps even-out
the volume and protects the listener from sudden loud noises. This transmitter does not
broadcast on standard radio frequencies, so a regular radio cannot be used to receive the
signal.
Personal Receiver
The personal receiver is about the size of a deck of cards and has a simple on-off volume
control knob. It has been tested in all areas of the Sanctuary, including the balcony and
can even receive the signal in the basement, the church office, and The Wright Place
Activity Center. The personal receiver is powered by a 9-volt battery that lasts several
months when used properly. Headphones or ear buds plug into the receiver
and are replaceable. A single ear bud comes with the new receivers.
Headphones
Many different types of headphones can be used with the system. The large, black-banded
type are inexpensive and work well. More attractive and less visible
types are available in most department and drug stores. For hearing aid wearers, the
external type is probably the best. Other types that insert in the ear are available. The
choice of available sizes, colors, comfort, and cost varies widely.
Cost
The personal receiver can be purchased from the church office for
a nominal fee. The church has
purchased the transmitter and a limited number of personal receivers that may be used to
try out the system. If most of our members who use the system would buy their own personal
receiver, those receivers owned by the church could be used for visitors.
Questions and Answers
Q. Do I have to sit in a particular area or pew?
A. No. As stated, the H.A.S. has a range of about 300 feet and works well
anywhere inside the sanctuary building.
Q. Can I use the personal receiver at home for listening to the television or
other uses?
A. No. This particular transmitter and the personal receiver is for the
use at the church, only. The H.A.S. broadcasts on unique radio frequencies to avoid
interference. (No ball games and news programs can be picked up; the preachers insisted on
this limitation!) It only works within several hundred feet of the Sanctuary building.
Q. How many people can use the Hearing Assistance System?
A. There is no limit to the number of personal receivers that can be used
at one time.
Q. How does H.A.S. work?
A. The microphone (mic) on the pulpit, the wireless mic that the minister
wears, the mic that is used for the children's sermon, the overhead mics, and the piano
are all mixed together to produce the P.A. sound in the Sanctuary and to make an audio
tape. The same mixed sound is sent to the transmitter of the H.A.S. and is sent to the
receivers. The noise surrounding the pew is omitted (air conditioner, coughing, talking,
etc.) and the sound is heard in close proximity to the listener's ear. The sound is very
clear and at a pleasant listening level. Several users say that, for the first time, they
can distinctly hear everything that is being said, and they can even clearly hear the
children when their choir sings.
Q. Why is this system available?
A. When the sound system was installed, it was envisioned that the
church should offer this feature. The Americans With Disability Act requires most public
assembly buildings (theaters, etc.) be equipped with hearing assistance. Since our
membership includes a number of persons with hearing impairment, the leadership wanted to
offer all those who attend church the benefit of fully participating in the worship
services. The response from those using the units is that the system's a great benefit.
Q. What costs are involved?
A. The transmitter is fully paid for. Repairs are the only cost the
church will incur. If a member purchases a receiver, the expense to that member will be
the initial unit cost, the cost of the particular headphones the member wants,
and a few batteries each year. The receivers have a 3-year warranty and can be repaired
locally.
Q. Can I try out a personal receiver?
A. Yes. There are several receivers available for trying out and for
visitors use. The selection of headphones is limited, but the basic operation can be
experienced. The Hearing Assistance System receivers are available from the usher's
stations at the Sanctuary entrance. The ushers can give instructions on the operation of
the receivers.
Q. Is the personal receiver complicated to use?
A. No. The personal receiver has a simple on-off volume control wheel. An
indicator light lets the operator know if the receiver is on and if the battery is
working. The headphone plugs into a small hole on the top of the unit. As previously
stated, batteries will need to be replaced a few times a year.
Headphone wiring may
break or the plug may not make good contact causing an intermittent reception problem.
Both of these problems are easily diagnosed and repaired. No complaints have been
received from those using the system.
Q. Is the use of the personal receiver distracting to those around the user?
A. No comments or complaints have been heard. Generally, those around the
user are curious for a few moments, then their attention is otherwise directed.
Q. Aren't users uncomfortable or self conscious when using the receiver?
A. It's a personal preference whether the benefit outweighs the
appearance. Moderate Hearing impairment has been compared to missing one of every three
words spoken. The joy of hearing all the words is now available to those needing
assistance.
First United Methodist Church Pensacola
FL
E-mail
Phone:
850.432.1434 Fax: 850.432.5749
| 
