Read the full story on our blog here.
Question 1
Have you ever been to a theatre or concert hall and had a poor experience because of your hearing ability? | |
No | Yes |
6.3% (9) | 93.7% (134) |
N = 143
Question 2
Have you been to a theatre or concert hall and been disappointed because they didn’t have the right provision to allow you to access and enjoy the performance? | |
No | Yes |
17.5% (25) | 82.5% (118) |
N = 143
Question 3
When watching a show or concert, what makes it comfortable and accessible for you? | ||||||
Volume up | Volume down | A hearing loop or infrared system or FM system | Captions | Sign language | Clear speech | Less background sound when speaking takes place |
24.5% (35) | 9.1% (13) | 66.4% (95) | 64.3% (92) | 2.8% (4) | 65.7% (94) | 73.4% (105) |
N = 143
Question 4
Assistive listening systems direct sound straight into your ears, either by ending it direct into your hearing aids or CI or into a head set you are wearing. What assistive listening system do you prefer to use? (If you haven’t used one, just tell us which one you feel you would be most likely to use) | |||
Headset without hearing aid or implant | Neckloop that directs sound to hearing aid or implant | Headset over hearing aid or implant | Direct to hearing aid without use of any other equipment |
5.7% (7) | 11.4% (14) | 5.7% (7) | 77.2% (95) |
N = 123
Question 5A
Do you ever use the headset and receivers that theatres sometimes make available? | |
No | Yes |
48.6% (68) | 51.4% (72) |
N = 140
Question 5B
If not, why not? | ||||
Makes me feel conspicuous | Do not like people knowing I have hearing loss | Hassle to collect and return the equipment | Does not seem hygienic | Cannot use with my hearing aid(s) or implant |
16.1% (10) | 8.1% (5) | 14.5% (9) | 19.4% (12) | 41.9% (26) |
N = 62 (people who said ‘no’ to 5A
Question 5C
If you have used headsets and receivers, what have your experiences been? | ||||
Very poor | Poor | Okay | Good | Very good |
13.8% (10) | 41.7% (26) | 23.6% (17) | 11.1% (7) | 1.4% (1) |
N = 66 (people who said ‘yes’ to 5A)
Question 6
Other places or points within a theatre or concert hall that you feel need to accommodate your hearing needs – Ticket office. | ||||||
Reduced background noise | Quiet zone | Assistive listening system (loop, infrared, FM) | Staff who are aware of hearing loss and who try to meet my needs | Staff who look at me and speak clearly | A text screen so I can read the information | BSL video relay service |
47.6% (68) | 21% (30) | 45.5% (65) | 58% (83) | 71% (102) | 31.5% (45) | 2.1% (3) |
N = 143
Other places or points within a theatre or concert hall that you feel need to accommodate your hearing needs – Bar area. | ||||||
Reduced background noise | Quiet zone | Assistive listening system (loop, infrared, FM) | Staff who are aware of hearing loss and who try to meet my needs | Staff who look at me and speak clearly | A text screen so I can read the information | BSL video relay service |
45.5% (65) | 32.9% (47) | 17.5% (25) | 47.6% (68) | 58.7% (84) | 10.5% (15) | 1.4% (2) |
N = 143
Other places or points within a theatre or concert hall that you feel need to accommodate your hearing needs – Eating area. | ||||||
Reduced background noise | Quiet zone | Assistive listening system (loop, infrared, FM) | Staff who are aware of hearing loss and who try to meet my needs | Staff who look at me and speak clearly | A text screen so I can read the information | BSL video relay service |
51% (73) | 39.2% (56) | 10.5% (15) | 41.3% (59) | 56.6% (81) | 8.4% (12) | 1.4% (2) |
N = 143
Other places or points within a theatre or concert hall that you feel need to accommodate your hearing needs – Ushers. | ||||||
Reduced background noise | Quiet zone | Assistive listening system (loop, infrared, FM) | Staff who are aware of hearing loss and who try to meet my needs | Staff who look at me and speak clearly | A text screen so I can read the information | BSL video relay service |
17.5% (25) | 8.4% (12) | 8.4% (12) | 51% (73) | 67.1% (96) | 4.9% (7) | 2.8% (4) |
N = 143