Hi Karen, We just implemented a new system for the exact reasons you listed: for patrons with hearing loss who would not benefit from sign language interpreters. Our lecture hall is newly equipped with a Williams Assistive Listening System. Visitors who require the amenity are given a receiver that connects to the sound system via an FM channel. Visitors have the choice to use headphones we provide or their own to connect to the receivers. Signs are posted at every public event promoting the service. So far we have had great success with the system. Sound is audible through the receivers only if the sound system is in use, so the point must be made that all questions and additional conversations be repeated into the sound system so the entire group can hear. I hope this is helpful. Feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to speak in more detail. Cheers from the Windy City! *Rebecca Millham*, Education Facilitator *Chicago Architecture Foundation* 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago 60604 312.561.2142 | architecture.org <http://www.architecture.org/> [log in to unmask] | [log in to unmask] On Wed, Nov 30, 2016 at 3:32 PM, Karen Christianson < [log in to unmask]> wrote: > I am interested in exploring systems to provide assistance to public > programs audience members who are hard of hearing. Most of our patrons who > ask have age-related hearing loss, and would not be helped by sign language > interpreters. They need either audio-boosting headphones or some kind of > closed captioning. I would appreciate hearing about others' experiences. > > > > ________ > > Karen Christianson > > *Director of Public Engagement* (312) 255-3539 > Newberry Library > 60 West Walton Street, Chicago, IL 60610-7324 > > twitter: KACNewberry > [log in to unmask] > www.newberry.org > > The Newberry, an independent research library open to the public without > charge since 1887, serves thousands of readers each year. > Help support our work: http://www.newberry.org/donate-now, or support us > at http://smile.amazon.com. > > > > ------------------------------ > > To unsubscribe from the MUSEUM-L list, click the following link: > http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?SUBED1=MUSEUM-L&A=1 > ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).