Accessibility
The Savoy Theatre is committed to being a place where all people can gather. To that end, a ramp in the front of the building leads to the main doors, some of which are automated. The theatre itself has wheelchair-designated areas on the main floor, and there is an elevator for those who need help accessing the balcony level. If you need assistance with accessibility, please let us know when you’re coming so we can do our best to serve you!
New Hearing Loop System for Patrons with Hearing Loss
The Savoy Theatre, a treasured Victorian-style venue in Cape Breton, is proud to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art hearing loop system. This innovative system offers improved accessibility for patrons with hearing loss and works seamlessly with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants, enhancing the theatre experience for those who rely on these devices.
The Savoy Theatre, set to celebrate its 100th year in operation in 2027, has a long history of serving the community with world-class performances. However, accessibility for patrons with hearing loss has been a challenge since the former assistive listening system became obsolete a decade ago. The new induction loop system marks a significant step forward in the theatre’s commitment to inclusivity and audience engagement.
The hearing loop system transmits sound directly to the listener’s hearing aid or cochlear implant, offering clear and amplified audio without background noise or distortion. This ensures that patrons with hearing loss can fully immerse themselves in the performances, just as they would have in the past, but now with cutting-edge technology.
“We are thrilled to bring this new hearing loop system to the Savoy Theatre, enhancing the experience for our patrons with hearing loss,” said Pam Leader, Executive Director of the Savoy Theatre. “As we approach our centennial, we are committed to preserving the rich history of the Savoy while embracing modern advancements that make our performances more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”
The Savoy Theatre, with its classic Victorian architecture and rich cultural history, continues to be a beacon of the performing arts in Cape Breton. With the new hearing loop system in place, the theatre is ensuring that all community members, regardless of hearing ability, can participate in and enjoy its vibrant performances.
Patrons with telecoil-equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants can now utilize the system during all upcoming performances. For more information about the hearing loop system or the theatre’s accessibility features, please visit www.savoytheatre.com or contact the Savoy Theatre at 902-842-1599.
INFORMATION ON THE ACCESSIBLE HEARING SYSTEM
Common Questions and Answers about the Phonak Roger Sound Field System
Who is the Phonak Roger Sound Field system for?
People living with any degree of hearing loss or who have difficulty hearing in background noise can benefit from using the system in the theatre area. The system is used to help connect directly to the sound coming from the microphones on stage which helps to overcome the background noise in the theatre such as coughing, laughing, and talking.
- How can I use the system if I don’t wear hearing aids?
You can use a Phonak Roger assistive listening device called a ‘Roger Neckloop’ with headphones. You can use headphones provided by the Savoy Theatre or you can use your own headphones (as long it is wired with a 3.5 mm plug). Simply put the assistive listener around your neck, put the headphones on, and turn the volume up or down to your liking on the side. You need to click the volume button each time you want it changed and you can see what the volume is on the front display area.
- How do I connect my hearing aids/cochlear implant directly with the Phonak Roger Sound Field system?
There are several different ways to connect your hearing aids/cochlear implants with the Phonak Roger Sound Field System:
- Telecoil: All cochlear implants and some hearing aids have telecoil programs. A telecoil is a small coil inside hearing devices that can connect to assistive listening systems through electromagnetic energy. To do this, you wear the ‘Roger Neckloop’ assistive listener (without headphones) and switch your hearing device to the telecoil program. The hearing device connects to the sound system on stage through the hearing neck loop on the assistive listener. This is not Bluetooth. You cannot tell just by looking at a hearing device if it has a telecoil inside or not. Sometimes people may have one, but it is not activated to use. If you are not sure if you have a telecoil or need it activated, consult with your audiologist.
- Phonak Wall Pilot: If you wear a Phonak Marvel hearing aid, have an integrated Phonak receiver, or an attached Phonak Roger X02 universal receiver you can connect directly to the Sound Field system by standing within 10 cm of the Phonak wall pilot – this is installed on the wall near the coat check area. It is automatic, so if you have any of these devices, you will automatically connect to the sound system in the theatre without the need to borrow an assistive listening device. Please note: If you are unsure if you have any of these devices to connect automatically, check with your audiologist.
Not all hearing aids can connect to the Phonak Roger Sound Field System. If you can not directly connect by using a telecoil or by directly connecting through the Wall Pilot, try using an assistive listener with headphones placed over your hearing aids or try taking out your hearing aids and using headphones only. Each person prefers what they would prefer.
- What do I do when the event is over?
Remember to return the assistive listener and headphones to where you borrowed them. If you used your hearing aid or cochlear implant to connect directly with the system, set them back to their regular ‘everyday’ program setting after the event.
This project was made possible by the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH) through a successful application to their Access-ABILITY Fund.
