Slowly the members of our congregation have been updating their hearing aids and [in four months] we’ve gone from one user originally to over 10 now. Several members have commented on the clarity and ease of use.
Churches, mosques, and synagogues are an ideal site for loop systems. “Few hard of hearing people elect the hassle and embarrassment of special receivers and headsets. They prefer what’s now available in most British and Scandinavian places of worship—having customized sound broadcast directly through their hearing aids…” For more about looping worship spaces, see this recent interview, and visit here and here (or see here for an earlier article). Read one worshiper’s response published in The Banner, January, 2004, with permission.
Loop systems are preferred for houses of worship because personal receivers and especially headphones are often a problem. There is good evidence that many people do not extend themselves to identify their need, collect personal receivers ahead of time, and wear rather noticeable headsets. Such receivers are always required for FM and infrared systems.
Below are a few examples of successfully looped facilities. See lists of looped churches in Holland and adjacent Zeeland, Michigan. British houses of worship--including British cathedrals (see here)--are extensively looped.
Here are sample ways to introduce loop systems in a church bulletin or newsletter. Read a one-page synopsis from Reformed Worship.
Westminster Abbey
The whole of the church is served by a hearing loop. Users should turn their hearing aid to the setting marked T.