World Hearing Day: Making Mass more accessible

Today is World Hearing Day.

Here, Minna from our accessibility service, tells us more about how true inclusion can begin with small, faithful actions…

One in every six people in the UK has some degree of hearing loss.

Less than one percent of these use British Sign Language – rather, they rely on technology to support access.

For many parishioners, a working hearing-loop in church can be the difference between participating fully in the Mass and feeling invisible and excluded. Worse still, some people have reported a feeling of rejection.

A loop system is a type of assistive listening technology.

It transmits sound through an installed loop of wires. This can be heard through a hearing aid or cochlear implant (activated to the appropriate setting as some hearing aids need to be pre-activated by an audiologist).

A well-maintained, properly used loop system can also provide an input direct from the church’s microphone system. No background noise, no echo and thus no straining to hear the voice of the priest or reader and, if it is connected accordingly, music. In short, it allows better access and participation to the Mass for people.

When loop systems work well, they are transformative, when they don’t, either because of disrepair or not being turned on, the frustration can be just as powerful.

Often issues go unreported, simply because people are unsure who to tell.  In many cases, it has just been turned off (without knowledge).

In several parishes, people have spoken about how the loop restored their confidence to attend church regularly. For some, it has even been a spiritual lifeline. Some of our Caritas accessibility advocates use hearing aids and always try and support parishes to understand more about how their hearing loop is operating.

As a result, changes have been made to the position of the loop within many churches, parishes have considered how their microphone systems can be better used and have even had systems repaired or enhanced. Sometimes, however, the experience is not positive. The most common problems are surprisingly simple to remedy:

The loop isn’t switched on:
Many churches have the equipment installed, but unless the priest, sacristan or sound operator activates it before Mass, it is useless.

A major issue is that the access it gives is ‘invisible’ – on or off – so to most people nothing is perceived. Parishioners I’ve spoken to say they often feel embarrassed to mention it or unsure who to tell. Or, that they didn’t want to interrupt Mass, so afterwards, there seemed to be little point in raising the issue. Clergy want to know that people can access the Mass – don’t be shy to let them know.

Poor sound quality:
Buzzing, crackling, or weak signal strength can make the loop unusable.

Sometimes the microphone is too far from the receiver, or the sound desk settings have been changed without anyone realising the impact. There should also be some indication as to ideal seats for hearing aid users to sit if they want to utilise the hearing loop. Correct position can impact on the quality of input.

Lack of training:
Volunteers and clergy are often unaware of how the system works. A simple misunderstanding, such as incorrect microphone use, can break the entire chain. Using the microphone correctly will help everyone, whether they are using the loop system or not.

We can support with understanding of how hearing loops work, and microphone use for optimum listening – as can the system providers. If your parish needs support with this, do get in touch with our accessibility service.

Maintenance:
A hearing loop can too often be a ‘fit-and-forget’ installation. Like any piece of audio equipment, it needs:

• regular testing (ideally weekly)
• clear responsibility assigned to a named person
• annual servicing by a qualified technician
• signage so parishioners know it exists
• feedback channels so users can report problems

At its heart, a hearing loop is more than technology — it is part of the Church’s ministry of welcome and inclusion. It’s a way of saying to parishioners: “You belong here. Your presence matters. Your ability to hear the Word of God matters.”

A working loop opens the doors of the Church more widely. A neglected one can silently close them again.

With modest attention, training and shared responsibility, our parishes can ensure that those people who use hearing aids/loop system can access speech.

What can your parish do now?

Before next Sunday, ask one simple question: Is our hearing loop working?

If you are unsure, check it. If it needs attention, address it. If you need support, contact me.

Inclusion begins with small, faithful actions.

Read about ways our accessibility service can support you and your parish now.