“The worship service begins with singing, but I’m not sure of the tones and tempo…”

“Someone stands to announce something, but it sounds like they are mumbling…”

“The Responsive Reading begins, but I do not know when it is time for the congregation to respond…”

“The pastor stands at the pulpit to deliver the sermon, but I cannot hear what is said…”

“A drama is being used to interpret the Good News, but I cannot hear the dialogue…”

“The person beside me chuckles, but I do not know what is humorous…”

“A choir of children sings; I enjoy looking at their smiling faces, but I cannot hear their message…”

“Someone stands during Joys and Concerns, but I cannot hear their request for prayer…”

“The pastor asks that we greet each other in a special way following the service, but I do not participate because I could not clearly hear the directions…”

Churches can be unwelcoming places for people whose hearing has diminished. Unintentionally a congregation can appear to be uncaring because little concern is given to ensuring that everyone present can hear what is going on and participate.

Individuals may have been born with hearing impairment or they may suffer varying degrees of deafness due to illness, accident, environmental problems as well as losses that may accompany aging. One of the overwhelming needs of the senior adult population and increasingly the general population, is that of being able to hear what is being communicated.

Some folks are content to attend activities even though they miss out on most of what is going on. Other folks choose to stay at home rather than experience boredom, disorientation or embarrassment.

The Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren, Glen Arm, Md., provided a way for accessibility when it installed a Hearing Induction Loop, which is connected to the public address system and can be personally accessed by any person using a hearing aid with a T (for telephone) switch. The sound, which goes into the microphone(s), is transmitted directly into the person’s ears and is clearly heard without interference. What a blessing!

The Hearing Induction Loop is installed in the sanctuary and the fellowship hall of our church. The system includes a thin wire, about the size of a telephone wire, which is placed where the wall meets the ceiling, encircling the room, with supporting controls in an appropriate location.

Printed information in our worship service bulletin and other types of program notices alert people concerning the Loop. "This room is equipped with a sound loop for the hearing impaired.” appears at the top of the page, following the time of the service. Information included later states, “Our Sound Loop makes it possible for those with hearing aids that have a “telephone switch” to hear. To access it, your hearing aid “telephone switch” must be turned on. When sharing an announcement, a prayer request or a joy, remember to speak directly into the microphone.” When activities are held in the fellowship hall, printed notices on the entrance doors to that area state, “This room is equipped with a Sound Loop.” and includes similar information as the bulletin.

By accessing the Loop through their T-switch hearing aid(s), individuals can clearly hear the spoken word as well as vocal and instrumental music delivered through any of the microphones.

Various types of microphones are used so that all sound is on the system. The Long Green Valley pastor is equipped with a lapel mic. The worship leader podium includes a cordless mic that fits into a fixed stand. Another cordless mic which fits into a moveable floor stand serves choir and other needs. During the worship service two of the cordless mics are removed from the stands and are passed by the ushers to those who want to express joys or concerns. Face mics are used by the main characters for dramas.

During feet washing, love feast and communion services, which are held in the fellowship hall, microphones are used by those who lead singing and prayer, read scripture and share devotions. The hearing induction loop is also used during other corporate worship experiences and communication opportunities that include: special services of dedication/commitment, weddings, funerals, celebrations, vocal music of individuals and choirs, scripture, prayer, joys and concerns, sermons, congregational singing, announcements, instrumental music… dramas, and business meetings.

The Americans with Disabilities Act specifies that public meeting places be equipped to provide for the hearing impaired. Individuals who are experiencing various degrees of hearing loss can participate fully when they access the hearing induction loop.

In addition to using the loop, our congregation is learning other ways to be a welcoming place. In the past, an interest group was formed by those interested in learning and practicing American Sign Language. Signing, led by an individual or small group of signing singers, is included with some of our congregational singing.

Our congregation has welcomed a hearing-alert service dog which attends all church activities, accompanying one of our members who participates fully in our teaching, worship and leadership ministries. Prior to the service dog joining her family, our member educated the congregation concerning appropriate behavior toward the dog when it is working to interpret the environment.

Churches can be welcoming places for people whose hearing has diminished. Let us meet the challenge -- that all might hear the Good News!


Written by Teresa M. Albright, a member of the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren, Glen Arm, Md.