Sanctuary Listening Assist System available at Our Lady of Hope Parish

It will be soon easier for parishioners to hear Mass at Portland’s St. Pius X Church. Our Lady of Hope Parish in Portland has installed a Sanctuary Listening Assist System, which will be available in early spring.

 This system allows listeners to use a personal audio device to listen to the mix from a sound reinforcement system. This can be used by members of the congregation that are hard of hearing, require hearing aid technology, or simply want more control over the volume level of the sound in their ears.

Hearing assist systems consist of a wireless transmitter that connects to a mixing console or digital signal processor and wireless receivers that pick up the signal. The user can then connect to the receiver with personal headphones, earbuds, or inductive neck loops that are compatible with telecoil-equipped hearing aids.

Using a personal listening device provides an audio signal directly from the sound system that is free from the acoustic interference that can happen in some churches. The ultimate benefit is clear sound that cuts through the noise and other acoustic artifacts.

“Our parish welcomes all people,” Fr. Paul Sullivan, S.J., pastor of Our Lady of Hope noted. “The St. Pius X Church building is already accessible to most people with mobility issues, and it is easy to see from every seat. I believe this hearing assistance system will now make it easier for some of our members and friends to hear the services with greater clarity and ease.”

He continued, “We are very grateful to several parishioners whose gifts have made this installation possible. It's another way of broadening the welcome to increase participation with our church.”

The devices will only be available at St. Pius X Church for now but may be offered at the parish’s other church, St. Joseph, in the future.