The Belcourt Theatre - Nashville Installs Hearing Loops

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - June 8, 2016 - PRLog -- People with hearing aids or cochlear implants who visit the Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, TN can expect much clearer and enhanced sound when the Theatre reopens this summer.

The technology, which has been widely adopted in Northern Europe, has the potential to transform the lives of tens of millions of Americans, according to national advocacy groups. As loops are installed in stores, banks, museums, subway stations and other public spaces, people who have felt excluded are suddenly back in the conversation.

Just as WiFi connects people to the Web in wired places, hearing loops - simple wires that circle a room or part of a room - can connect many hearing aids and cochlear implants directly to sound systems. Bypassing ambient noise, this wireless connection lets users clearly hear actors on stage, the person in the subway information booth, their ministers or rabbis, announcements at an airport, even their own television sets.

A hearing loop is a thin strand of copper wire radiating electromagnetic signals that can be picked up by a tiny receiver already built into most hearing aids and cochlear implants. When the receiver is turned on, the hearing aid receives only the sounds coming directly from a microphone, not the background cacophony.

"We're thrilled to be installing hearing loops to our assistive listening systems in both the 1925 and 1966 Halls, the new Manzler/Webb Screening Room, and our new education and engagement space.

(Hearing loops transfer sound signals directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants with t-coil receivers-a wonderful addition for film fans with hearing loss.)"-Stefanie Silverman-Executive Director

The Belcourt Theatre's mission is to engage, enrich, and educate through innovative film programming in our historic theatre, our community, and beyond.

The Belcourt Theatre is a unique Nashville treasure with a vibrant historic past and deep roots in the community. Today, the Belcourt is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to presenting the best of independent, documentary, world, repertory and classic cinema. The Belcourt provides opportunities for people of all ages to discover, explore and learn through the power of film. We cultivate and build on the powerful sense of shared experience that audiences can achieve - taking advantage of our building's physical character and location in the heart of a lively Nashville neighborhood. At the same time, we work with community partners throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee to bring inspiring films to children and young people with our Mobile Movie Theatre.

Today, the Belcourt Theatre thrives. It's recognized as one of Nashville's most vibrant arts organizations and as a leader among the country's art houses regionally and nationally. The Belcourt attracts audiences from throughout Middle Tennessee and the Southeast region, as well as visitors from more than 40 states and from other countries - a total of approximately 160,000 visitors annually. Over 11,000 people participate in our yearly in-theatre engagement programs, including Q&As with filmmakers and conversations with experts, scholars and community commentators. More than 1,200 students in our community benefit from film programming and visual literacy activities through one of our partner schools or organizations.

As of Dec 24, 2015, the Belcourt is closed for 5-6 months for essential renovation, construction and preservation - the first major work on the 90-year-old building in 50 years.

The Hearing Loops were designed and installed by Hearing Technologies, LLC using Contacta Drivers.

Hearing Technologies, LLC was pleased to be a part of this important installation!

For more information on Hearing Loops or to schedule a free site survey visit us at http://www.hearingtechnologies.net  or http://www.letsloopnashville.com