ESM installs assistive-listening system

The Eastman School recently completed the installation of a state-of-the-art assistive-listening system in its Eastman Theatre, totally replacing the aging system that had been in use since 1984. The new system, funded in part by a grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation, will benefit the many individuals who require hearing assistance to fully enjoy concerts and events presented in the theater.

The Sennheiser Infrared System that was installed is considered to be the highest-quality hearing-impaired system available. It uses infrared light to transmit sound signals to individual receivers, each of which are about the size of a personal pager. The receiver comes with either a small set of earphones or a silhouette earpiece that plugs directly into hearing aids with T-coils. Theater patrons may request a receiver from an usher prior to the beginning of a performance.

With the installation of the new system, every concert, performance, and event in the Eastman Theatre now will be more accessible for members of the hearing-impaired community, noted James Undercofler, ESM director.