Hearing Loop - Pilot Project 2022

The Regina Folk Festival is excited to announce a new accessibility initiative called the “Hearing Loop.” 

Through a partnership with Hearing Loops Canada and generous funding from the City of Regina, this project is coming to life after many years of research and collaboration. This year’s summer festival will be piloting this initiative. 

“Hearing loss is often considered an invisible condition, even though 4.6 million Canadians have hearing loss. There are also many folks with hyper-sensitivities (over-responsiveness) to stimuli such as loud sounds. This initiative provides space and tools for individuals to enjoy the music comfortably while controlling the volume and frequency themselves.” – Josh Haugerud – ED 

"Hearing Loops" are wires that are buried in the ground in a circular or squared configuration.  These wires are then connected to the Festival's soundboard via a receiver.  Those who use the system can sit inside the perimeter of the wires; use their cochlear implant’s telecoil to function as an antenna that will pick up the signal directly from the soundboard. Those using the loop can adjust to their own desired volume and frequency without the need for additional headsets.   

For those attendees whose hearing aids do not have the proper requirements to link into the hearing loops, or do not have hearing aids at all, additional receiver units (headsets) will be available, but limited.   

This allows for a better sound quality experience for festival attendees who require this service. It will cut out external noise, as they're only picking up the sound board's signal, as well as have a more discreet experience without the need of a headset.  

The hearing loop will also help anyone with sensory issues who may need to control the volume of their surroundings. This will ensure they get to be a part of the festival without being overwhelmed by the higher decibels typically heard at our festival. 

“I am so happy to share this initiative as it continues our commitment to ensure that all can attend and enjoy Regina Folk Festival events”. – Haugerud