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| Hearing Devices | |
| Posted by: SpeechTeacher (TwoinNYandFL@aol.com) 05:59 pm EDT 06/18/18 | |
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| I have recently decided that I can only fully enjoy shows in Broadway theatres if I use the infra-red hearing devices available in all Broadway houses. I have no reason to use a hearing aid under normal circumstances, but I found I was having to strain to hear what was spoken from the stage and was often missing key words in a delivered line. The infra-red devices opened up a whole new world; I could hear absolutely everything and there was a very live presence that made me feel a part of the performance. Here's the question: Would it be possible to buy my own personal device and would that device work in every theatre? I know the devices are free with the exception of the willing tip, but it would save time waiting on line to get the device and to return it after the performance. They are certainly all the same technology, but do they work on the same frequency? Also, where would I buy such a device? Thanks in advance for your help. | |
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| A number of theatres are adopting assisted listening via a smartphone app | |
| Posted by: MockingbirdGirl 06:55 am EDT 06/19/18 | |
| In reply to: Hearing Devices - SpeechTeacher 05:59 pm EDT 06/18/18 | |
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| I don't know much about the techie end, but it might be something to look into before you splash out on an expensive device, especially if venues are moving away from them. | |
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| Why aren't straight plays mic-ed on Broadway? ... | |
| Last Edit: flaguy 04:39 pm EDT 06/19/18 | |
| Posted by: flaguy (flaguy) 04:38 pm EDT 06/19/18 | |
| In reply to: A number of theatres are adopting assisted listening via a smartphone app - MockingbirdGirl 06:55 am EDT 06/19/18 | |
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| Funny how it always comes as a shock to me when I see a straight play on Broadway and realize the cast is not body mic-ed. Everyone's always mic-ed for musicals, but what is it? "Tradition" that plays go unmic-ed? I believe 'HARRY POTTER' is mic-ed. But of course that's practically a musical, with 40 people running around on the stage, in that very large theatre. And yes, I saw it, from a seat rather far back, and I could hear everything perfectly. But after sitting through two parts of 'ANGELS IN AMERICA' recently, and also 'THE BOYS IN THE BAND,' both from front-row mezzanine seats, I do wonder how long this tradition will last. I have pretty good hearing (especially for my age), but the actors who appear on Broadway today (many from television backgrounds) don't seem to project their voices like they were trained to do years ago. And then there are great stage actors, like Cherry Jones, who I remember having difficulty hearing in some scenes of 'DOUBT' a while back. But, again, I was rather deep in the mezzanine, as I recall, at the Walter Kerr (945 seats.) I don't think this hearing thing is necessarily an "age" problem, though, for aren't younger people today going deaf from the loud music they plug into their ears? Anyway, I had difficulty hearing some lines spoken in the plays mentioned above recently, yet - to the good - it does require the audience to focus and pay close attention to everything being said. Still, some of these theatres aren't that small, like the Neil Simon where 'ANGELS' is playing and where musicals often play and, according to IBDB, seats 1,467. It's fine for 300-seat regional theatres to present plays un-miced, I think. But isn't it time Broadway houses mic-ed their straight plays, too? Maybe it's just me, in my old age. |
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| re: Hearing Devices | |
| Posted by: BillEadie 10:35 pm EDT 06/18/18 | |
| In reply to: Hearing Devices - SpeechTeacher 05:59 pm EDT 06/18/18 | |
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| If you ever decide to get hearing aids, be sure to have your provider give you a “theater” setting. If the theater transmits its sound, your aids will pick it up. I find that the sound I get on this setting is true and well balanced. I went to a performance of Momma Mia recently, and even the rock music was loud enough to energize but didn’t hurt my ears. All best, Bill, in San Diego |
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| re: Hearing Devices | |
| Posted by: Ann 07:02 am EDT 06/19/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Hearing Devices - BillEadie 10:35 pm EDT 06/18/18 | |
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| I think the T setting stands for t-coil/tecoil or telecoil. If your aid has it, hearing can be enhanced for many situations and devices. | |
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| re: Hearing Devices | |
| Posted by: BillEadie 01:19 pm EDT 06/19/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Hearing Devices - Ann 07:02 am EDT 06/19/18 | |
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| Yes, that’s correct. My setting combines picking up a T-coil (which not all venues have, as it’s expensive to install) with picking up transmitted sound. Works very well in many places (I was especially happy that West End theatres in London I visited on my recent trip made it easy to hear speech from the stage). Bill, in San Diego |
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| re: Hearing Devices London, no problem! | |
| Posted by: SpeechTeacher 11:23 am EDT 06/20/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Hearing Devices - BillEadie 01:19 pm EDT 06/19/18 | |
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| Bill in San Diego. I find it interesting that I never have trouble hearing the actors in London theatres (which are often larger than NY theatres) and I do not have a hearing aid. My problem with hearing actors is limited to the US. | |
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