When Shedd Aquarium reopened its doors to the public with new safety precautions in place, it also installed a new hearing loop at the membership desk and ticketing counter in the Accessible Entrance, to expand access to guests with hearing loss. A hearing loop is a sound system that provides a wireless signal picked up when any hearing device is set to ‘T’ Telecoil setting. With new plexiglass barriers for interactions like ticket purchasing, where social distancing might not be possible and a face covering requirement, the hearing loop is especially valuable to ensure guests with hearing aids or cochlear implants can seamlessly interact with Shedd’s staff.

Improving clarity and understanding by bringing sound directly to a listener’s hearing aid, the hearing loop is compatible and universal. Further, it can help cut out unwanted background noise that even a reduced crowd size can sometimes create at the aquarium.

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