Assistive listening for theatres
Help every audience member hear the show. Patrons borrow a receiver and listen directly from your sound system — sized to your seat count.
Choose by venue size
Small Venue
50–150 seats.
- 6 receivers, 2 neckloops
- FM transmitter
- Charging and signage
Medium Venue
150–400 seats.
- 16 receivers, 4 neckloops
- FM transmitter
- Charging, storage and signage
Large Venue
400–1,000 seats — consultative.
- 36 receivers, 9 neckloops
- FM transmitter
- Charging, storage and signage
How many receivers do you need?
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design require an assistive listening system in assembly areas where audio amplification is provided, with a minimum number of receivers based on seating (Table 219.3). At least 25% of receivers — and never fewer than two — must be hearing-aid compatible (neckloops).
| Seating capacity | Minimum receivers | Hearing-aid compatible |
|---|---|---|
| 50 or less | 2 | 2 |
| 51 to 200 | 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 | 2 |
| 201 to 500 | 2, plus 1 per 25 seats over 50 | 1 per 4 receivers |
| 501 to 1,000 | 20, plus 1 per 33 seats over 500 | 1 per 4 receivers |
| 1,001 to 2,000 | 35, plus 1 per 50 seats over 1,000 | 1 per 4 receivers |
| 2,001 and over | 55, plus 1 per 100 seats over 2,000 | 1 per 4 receivers |
Fractions round up. Source: 2010 ADA Standards, §219 and Table 219.3. Signage is also required (§216.10). This is general guidance, not legal advice — state and local codes (for example California) can differ, so confirm with your code official.
Which technology?
FM (recommended)
Simple to run, works anywhere in the house and the lobby. Our standard packages use FM.
Infrared
Keeps audio inside the room for privacy, but needs line of sight and can be affected by stage lighting.
Wi-Fi streaming
Lets patrons listen on their own phones — best as an add-on to FM, not a replacement for venue-provided receivers.
Request an Assistive Listening System
Tell us your seat count and sound system, and we will size and quote the package.
