access to theatres

South African legislation supports the human rights of all citizens, including those with impairments, to access all aspects of society, including cultural activities.

Accessibility has traditionally been regarded as simply a matter of a venue being wheelchair accessible, but accessibility is more far-reaching than that, and includes access to programmes, services and facilities.  Any facility that provides a service must ensure that the service is accessible to the greatest number of people possible.  In the case of a performance venue, the performances and concerts themselves must be accessible to persons with hearing impairments.

NCPD Council has advocated for some years for accessible theatres for persons with disabilities, particularly the 4 million South Africans who experience substantial hearing loss who don’t use a signed language, and for whom theatres are isolating exclusionary spaces. In order to attend and receive the full benefit of a theatrical performance, suitable hearing augmentation is required.

Our advocacy has successfully achieved the successful installation of induction loop systems at various theatres in South Africa, a step which has opened the performing arts to this large group of people who have previously been excluded; a wider audience, one that is eager to experience live performances once more.

What is an induction loop system?

An induction loop system is a special type of sound system for use by people using hearing devices.  The loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to ‘T’ (Telecoil) setting.

It consists of a microphone to pick up the spoken word; an amplifier which processes the signal which is then sent through the final piece; the loop cable, a wire placed around the perimeter of a specific area i.e. a meeting room, a church, a service counter etc to act as an antenna that radiates the magnetic signal to the hearing aid.

How does an induction loop work?

1. Person speaks into a microphone
2. Current is amplified and sent to a magnetic cable loop surrounding the listeners, creating a zone.
3. A magnetic field delivers the amplified, high-quality signal to the listener’s hearing aid.

What are the benefits of audio augmentation

Loop systems, also known as hearing loops or induction loops, are important for theatres and concert halls as they provide a vital service for audience members with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Clearer sound : Loop systems transmit sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants, reducing background noise and echo. Loop systems improve speech clarity, making conversations, announcements, and other audio signals easier to understand.

Reduced background noise : Loop systems provide a direct audio signal, reducing background noise and interference and making it easier to focus on the desired audio.

Improved accessibility : They enable people with hearing loss to fully engage with performances, ensuring an inclusive experience.

Compatibility with hearing aids, cochlear implants or loop receivers : Loop systems are designed to work with hearing aids, cochlear implants or loop receivers making them a convenient and effective solution.

Convenience : No need for special receivers or headsets; hearing aids or cochlear implants can pick up the signal directly.

Discreetness : Audience members can use their own devices without drawing attention to themselves.

Enhanced enjoyment : By providing a clearer and more direct sound, loop systems enhance the overall theatre experience for those with hearing loss.

Increased independence : Loop systems enable individuals with hearing loss to rely less on others for repetition or rephrasing, promoting greater independence and confidence in public settings.

Why not a Bluetooth system?

With the rise of the digital movement and wireless/FM/Bluetooth transmission of sound, many role-players are concerned that the telecoil facility might in the future be phased out, making telecoil/induction loop technology obsolete. The South African Association of Audiologists (SAAA) was asked in 2015 to give their opinion on the future availability of telecoil/induction loop technology systems in hearing aids in South Africa, and after consultation with a group of hearing aid manufacturers, responded with a unified position as follows:

“Telecoil/induction loop technology is still widely used worldwide. Thousands of locations worldwide have telecoil/induction loop systems installed. Many FM/DM systems still use induction and depend on telecoil/induction loop systems. Telecoil is the only universal system that is intercompany-compatible. Telecoil/induction loop systems are unlikely to be phased out for many, many years.”

We believe that there is no known replacement technology that can, at the moment, replace telecoil/induction loops in large venues and other public spaces in SA.

access to faith communities

Faith communities, by nature, aim to reach as many people as possible.

Since language plays such a central role in humankind’s emotional and intellectual development and social interaction, various degrees of hearing loss or total deafness invariably leads to the exclusion of such individuals. It is therefore of cardinal importance that faith communities be aware of these key aspects in order to make meetings, spaces, services, programmes and other faith-related functions inclusive.

Practical tips to make your faith community more inclusive and open for members with hearing impairments includes –

• Use a quality sound system
• Project text & announcements on screen
• Provide hard copy notes
• Optimise acoustics
• Eliminate background noise
• Provide favourable seating
• Consider lip-speaking practitioners
• Caption video material

FInd out more

Accessible faith communities

access to newborn screening

Newborn hearing screening is crucial in order to ensure babies with hearing loss are identified early, allowing for timely audiological follow-up and management like assistive devices.  It is also important to screen all newborns, not just those with known risk factors, as many babies with hearing loss have no family history or obvious indicators.

This early intervention supports normal or near-normal speech and language development, and allows families to receive early information and support, reducing anxiety.

By identifying hearing loss early, the authorities are able to monitor the prevalence of hearing loss, take steps to prevent the loss where possible, and improve the quality of care and services.

How prevalent is newborn hearing loss?

Hearing loss affects between 4–6 out of every 1 000 babies.  Approximately 1 million babies are born in South Africa every year, which means there are potentially between 4 000 and 6 000 babies born with hearing loss annually in SA.

What causes hearing loss in newborns?

Hearing loss in infants can be caused in several ways –

• Infection during pregnancy, like German measles (Rubella) OR after birth, like meningitis, repeated ear infections, measles, mumps and so on
• Genetics or family history
• Antibiotics and strong medication
• Inner ear malformations – some people are born with absent auditory nerves, or incomplete cochlear partitions
• Prematurity & low birth weight

How are newborns screened?

Hearing loss can be identified at or soon after birth using a simple and pain-free test.  Babies should be screened within the first few weeks of life, so that early intervention can be arranged by the time they are six months old.

While some major private hospital groups have implemented national newborn hearing screening programmes, and there are some Primary Health Clinics who provide screening, universal screening is not yet mandatory across all state and private hospitals.

We recommend asking for a hearing test before leaving the hospital after birth, or to schedule one with an audiologist shortly after birth.