Struggling to catch prayers or hymns at church? You’re not alone—but the right assistive listening device can help. Here are the top 5 tools for clear sound in sanctuaries, ranked by ease of use, affordability, and compatibility with hearing aids.
Top 5 Picks for Churches
- Hearing Loops
- Best for: Traditional churches with installed systems.
- How it works: Uses T-coil in hearing aids (no extra gear!).
- Cost: Free if your church has a loop.
- FM Systems
- Best for: Outdoor services or small chapels.
- Top Pick: Williams Sound Pocketalker Ultra.
- Real-Time Captioning
- Best for: Tech-friendly congregations.
- Top Pick: Otter.ai (free app).
- WiFi Streaming
- Best for: Modern churches with apps.
- Top Pick: Whichever links your church provides (but listen from your smartphone as you usually would while you are there)
- External Hearing Aid Mics
- Best for: Podium use.
- Top Pick: Phonak Roger Pen (It’s a Bit Pricey!).
Key Features to Prioritize
- Speech Clarity: Hearing loops or WiFi streaming for reducing echoes.
- Portability: FM systems let you roam (bible studies hall).
- Discreetness: Captioning apps avoid drawing attention.
3 Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Acoustics: Test devices during choir rehearsals (echoes matter!).
- Overcomplicating Tech: Start with simple FM systems before WiFi setups.
- Skipping Advocacy: Most churches don’t know ALDs exist—speak up!
How to Get Your Church on Board
Highlight Inclusivity: ALDs help families, seniors, and veterans—not just the deaf.
Bottom Line
Hearing loops are the gold standard for installed churches, while FM systems offer flexibility for smaller or outdoor services. For tech-savvy congregations, real-time captioning ensures no one misses a verse.
Pro Tip: Pair these tools with a front-row seat for maximum impact.