Assistive Listening
Information Services are working with the Disability and Inclusion team to install Assistive Listening technologies in teaching spaces across the University to aid hearing impaired users.
The technologies are being rolled out to 25 rooms across all 3 campuses, and will enable students to listen via a “Sennheiser MobileConnect” app.
What is Assistive Listening?
Assistive Listening technology helps hearing impaired users hear audio in noisy environments.
Edinburgh Napier historically provided an assistive listening service to hearing-impaired users via the use of induction hearing loops. These are now being replaced by a more technologically advanced smartphone-based audio accessibility system, via a “Sennheiser MobileConnect” app. This allows users to listen to audio streams in real time from a presenter or other source.
Which rooms will the new Assistive Listening technology be installed in?
The technology has already been installed in:
- Craiglockhart 1/17 - Riady Lecture Theatre
- Craiglockhart 1/07 – Active Learning Space
It is scheduled to be installed in the following rooms over the coming months (dates are to be confirmed):
- Craiglockhart: 1/10, 2/10, 2/17 (Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre)
- Merchiston: A17, A55, A70, B2, B32, B55, E17, F10, F12, G24, H5
- Sighthill: 1.D.02, 1.D.04, 1.D.05, 2.D.04, 2.D.05, 2.D.07, 3.D.04, 3.D.05, 3.D.07
What needs to be done to set up Assistive Listening before teaching?
Assistive Listening is turned on automatically when the Audio Visual (AV) control panel is switched on, however it is recommended that a lapel microphone must be worn and switched on if available, some rooms will have a ceiling microphone which will capture the audio for assistive listening to work.
Other key points to remember are:
- When you mute your microphone, this will also mute assistive listening – the mute button can be found on the lectern touch or button panel.
- Be cautious when talking near the microphone – your live microphone may be heard by students / participants.
How do students use Assistive Listening?
To use Assistive Listening, the students will need:
- A mobile device
- A headset (please note: if listening via a Bluetooth headset there may be a slight delay, due to Bluetooth limitations).
To set up Assistive Listening, students need to:
- Install the Sennheiser MobileConnect app on to their mobile device which can be downloaded from the Apple store or Google Play store.
- Once the app is downloaded and the student is ready to connect to Active Listening, they need to ensure they are connected to eduroam Wi-Fi - instructions for students can be found on the Wi-Fi My Napier page.
- Once connected to eduroam, a list of rooms with Active Listening set up will be displayed on the app. The student should select the room that they’re in.
- They can tap Listen and adjust the audio settings to suit their preferences:
- They will then be able to listen through their headset, please note: if listening via a Bluetooth headset there may be a slight delay, due to Bluetooth limitations.
Are there any constraints with the service?
The main constraints to be aware of are:
- There are currently a maximum of 100 Assistive Listening connections per room.
- The talking functionality is not enabled on the app, so although students can listen via the app, they cannot talk to the lecturer via the app.
Where can I find further help and information?
Information for students can be found on My Napier.