Hearing-Impaired Audiences to Benefit From Sound Upgrades at 10 Theaters

Ten performing arts theaters will be equipped with a high-tech system to improve the sound quality for audience members with hearing aids.

The Selby Foundation announced Tuesday that it is providing the grant to allow for the so-called "Hearing Loop" systems to be installed at performing arts venues in Sarasota, Venice and Brandenton.

The $72,457 grant proposal was submitted by the Hearing Loss Association of Sarasota.

Supporters say that the upgrades to sound systems will make the three Florida cities among the most friendly in America to people who are hearing-impaired.

The performance halls that will receive the "Hearing Loop" systems are:

1. Asolo Theatre
2. Florida Studio Theatre
3. Manatee Playerʼs Theatre
4. Neel Performing Arts Center
5. Sarasota Opera
6. Sarasota  Orchestra
7. The Playerʼs Theatre
8. Venice Community Center
9. Venice Theatre
10. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

There already is a "Hearing Loop" at the Van Wezel, where the Sertoma Club underwrote the first loop in Sarasota. The "Hearing Loop" is the only system to send clear, clean sound from a theaterʼs microphones directly into hearing aid or cochlear implants worn by audience members.

Supporters say that audiences in Sarasota and Manatee counties are considered ideal for the heightened sound systems, in order to enjoy arts events, because the areas have the highest percentage of the population, or 16.1 percent, with hearing loss.

That statistic translates into 110,000 people, who may not go to the theater as often as they like because they cannot hear the performance.