The VSBA are at the forefront of inclusion for all Learners by offering clarity about what hearing augmentation actually is. Consistent with advice we continually procure from Access and Disability Consultants, and Audiologists, it is progressive to define what Education Architects, Electrical Consultants and Electricians need to work to when designing and building new Schools.
From page 127 of the 2022 VSBA Building Quality Standards Handbook:
“Hearing augmentation is the process of collecting audio from amplification systems such as public address or audio-visual systems for transmission to receivers built into the personal hearing devices worn by hard of hearing or deaf learners, teachers and visitors.”
Very often Hearing Augmentation is thought of as capturing voice and transmitting voice only to one type of Hearing Aid receiver.
We are advised:
Hearing Augmentation is TRANSMITTING audio of devices with speakers to receivers in aids.
It’s not about transmitting voice or making audio louder.
Hear and Learn’s UConnect SoundHouse and UConnect Mini are at the forefront of innovation in capturing in-built amplified audio, transforming and balancing this audio, and making it available for transmission to all brands and types of receivers in hearing aids.