Appleton International Airport offers hearing loops at every gate for individuals with hearing loss. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — New technology is getting rave reviews at Appleton International Airport. In fact, Appleton’s airport is the first in the state to implement what’s called a “hearing loop.”
Traveling, even through smaller, regional airports, can cause anxiety. But when you have hearing loss, like Michelle Frisbie, of Greenville, the challenges are very real.
“Because it’s really hard to hear in a very loud environment, or something where there is a lot of reverberation, especially a P-A system in an airport, that’s very hard to hear,” said Frisbie.
Hearing loss experts agree.
“People struggle. And they are sitting here, and they may know there’s an announcement being made, but they can’t understand the words. Hearing loss is really about a lack of understanding words,” said Juliette Sterkens, a national voice for people with hearing loss based in the Fox Valley.
Sherkens helped helping bring new technology to Appleton’s airport, called a “hearing loop.”
“A hearing loop essentially broadcasts the audio from a microphone to hearing aids with a tele-coil,” Sterkens explained.
When connected, the announcement goes directly into their device, without distortion or background noise.
“It is like ear buds. It brings the technology the sound comes direct into my ears and it’s amazing,” added Frisbie.
Hearing loops have been installed every gate in the facility, which is a first for Wisconsin.
Abe Weber is the Appleton airport director.
“So it’s been just over a year that the equipment has been installed. And we’ve had very positive reviews,” said Weber. “It’s exciting to see more and more people that need it are able to use it.”
Airport visitors should just look for the signs alerting them that the technology is available.
“But a lot of people who wear hearing aids, don’t know about the technology. That’s why it’s important to have good signage. And the signage here is just beautiful,” said Sterkens.
And utilizing the technology is easy. With the click of a button, the device is connected.
For travelers like Michelle Frisbie, the hearing loop is a life-saver and takes the headaches out of her traveling.
“It just relieves a lot of stress and anxiety,” said Frisbie.
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