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September 21, 2021We need to be able to hear the word of God. Then we need to be able to profess that word with our lips. Finally, we need to put it into practice in our lives.
The word of God, when heard and acted on, is like the seed falling on good soil. It makes our lives fruitful.
In light of this beautiful Gospel, in August technicians from My Hearing Loop LLC of Sherrill, Iowa installed a hearing loop system here at St. Bernard parish.
Hearing loops deliver intelligible, distortion-free speech and sound wirelessly to T-coil equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants by using a safe magnetic field, according to information provided by the company.
“The hearing loop is an increasingly widespread technology that piggybacks onto our existing sound system to broadcast wirelessly to suitably equipped hearing aids and stand-alone earpieces to provide extra help for those who have trouble hearing in the church,” said Fr. Brian Wilk.
This type of hearing assistance is the best solution in places where distance, ambient noise and challenging acoustics otherwise make listening and understanding with hearing aids and cochlear implants virtually impossible.
Hearing loops consist of a special amplifier and a hidden copper wire that transmits sound via magnetic field.
The hidden loop wire creates a “looped zone” in any size venue from a large auditorium to a taxi.
The loop wire sends the magnetic signal to any hearing aid equipped with a telecoil within the looped area.
A telecoil or T-coil is a small, inexpensive coil of wire inside a hearing aid that allows it to become a wireless receiver of audio.
“Most hearing aid models--more than 70 percent--either come with a telecoil or offer it as an option. All cochlear implant processors made today have a telecoil,” according to the Hearing Loss Association of America.
“When buying a hearing aid, consumers should always ask that a telecoil be included and that the audiologist or dispenser activates the telecoil program at the time of fitting.
“The consumer should also master the simple procedure for turning on the correct hearing air or cochlear program to use the telecoil when needed.”
So far, the reviews of the new loop here at St. Bernard have been positive.
“Since my hearing loss began I’ve struggled with hearing in church,” said parishioner Jane Maly. “Depending on who was speaking, I would hear bits and pieces. I had to read along with the readings and Gospel, and the homily was always hit or miss.
“To say the least, it was not a rewarding or satisfying experience.
“On Sunday, I clicked my hearing aid and heard EVERYTHING that was said and sung. I can’t remember the last time I felt so included in the Mass.”
The hearing loop installation was made possible by a generous grant from the Diocese of Madison Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
In 2013, the apostolate developed a program “to provide financial grants to parishes, schools and agencies in the Diocese of Madison to help ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in the life of the Church,” according to the APD website.
“Grants have been used to make buildings more accessible to persons with disabilities and to help fund programs that benefit persons with disabilities and their families.”
“We are extremely grateful for their help,” said Fr. Brian. “This is a wonderful addition to our liturgical experiences.”
