The Genting Arena in Birmingham has introduced its new hearing assistance system based on radio rather than infra-red or an induction loop. Meanwhile, Sunderland’s Stadium of Light has built a sensory room for supporters that have sensory needs.

Guy Dunstan, General Manager of the Genting Arena said:

Using a radio frequency rather than infra-red or an induction loop, will provide our hard of hearing customers with an enriched sound quality, allowing them to fully enjoy their event wherever they are in the arena bowl.

This is the latest in a long line of improvements we have made to ensure all our customers have the best possible experience at the venue including a Changing Places toilet our refurbished Amplify hospitality restaurant, more food and beverage options in Forum Live and our new online booking facility for Access Card holders.

The new licensed radio frequency analogue hearing system installed within the arena bowl, offers 100% coverage of all seating areas rather than just a few blocks. This means hard of hearing customers can now book any seat they wish within the arena and still receive great sound quality.

Unlike older infra-red or induction loop systems that use numerous emitters on the roofs of venues, this works off one antenna to deliver exceptional coverage to the 15,685 capacity venue.

Customers wishing to use the system will be able to book out a receiver pack with lanyard when they arrive on site; they can then use a supplied earphone headset which plugs into the receiver. Alternatively, if they use a telecoil hearing aid, they can be supplied with a personal neck loop which also plugs into the receiver to enhancing the sound through their own hearing aid.

Sensory room at Stadium of Light

Chris Waters, Supporter Liaison Officer at Sunderland AFC (SAFC) has given an interview to the SGSA about his role and the Nathan Shippey Sensory room, which is a purpose built area inside the Stadium of Light for supporters that that have sensory needs.