Challenge

The World Expo in Zaragoza 2008 should be accessible not only to people in wheel chairs but also to hearing impaired people. With many visitors it was impossible to use infrared or FM systems as the lending out of receivers should be too time consuming.

Solution

Univox Spanish distributor had at an early stage discussions with the architects and project managers. The discussions resulted in Univox hearing loops installed in ticket office, scenic areas and thematic plazas such as Aragon Pavilion, Spanish Pavilion, Aquarium (auditorium) and in an amphi theatre at the World Expo.

It was important to get involved in the discussions right from the beginning to make the installation of the loop cable to work smoothly. As there were many different types of activities it was also important to plan what type of amplifiers to use. It resulted in smaller amplifiers for the ticket offices and some installations with standard loop amplifiers. In some areas Univox SLS Super Loop Systems were used to avoid overspill and to overcome heavy influence from metallic structure.

Conclusion

Hundred of thousands of hard of hearing people visiting the World Expo could enjoy listening to many interesting concerts and take part of the information with no extra effort. They used their hearing aids in T-position to get the sound wirelessly to their hearing aids. Furthermore the organizers could focus on the activities as they did not need to handle any extra receivers for the visitors with hard of hearing aid. The organizers got much positive feedback from the visitors.

Products used

• Univox SLS-100 Super Loop System
• Univox PLS-700 Professional Loop System
• Univox PLS-300 Professional Loop System
• Univox PLS-100 Professional Loop System
• Univox CTC-121 Cross the Counter System

Responsible company in Spain

Centro Audioprotésico Aragon, Zaragoza

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