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Community
September 8, 2023
6 Min

Advances in Assistive Listening Technology for Movie Theaters

Movie theaters are adopting new technology to become an option for the deaf and hard-of-hearing population, promoting inclusivity. Read more!

Author:
Nicole Brener
Advances in Assistive Listening Technology for Movie Theaters
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Just when older adults older have adapted to streaming, and the future of movie-going appeared uncertain due to platforms like Netflix and Apple TV, theaters survived disruption.

The resurgence of hot ticket sales shows us that movie theatres are back, and people are loving it! However, returning to the glory days of cinema is one thing, but ensuring a lasting and inclusive experience is another. 

Here, you’ll find a range of available assistive listening technology for movie theaters (plus our two cents!) and the best cinemas equipped to support your movie-going experience.

The Evolution of Inclusive Movie-Going Experiences

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires movie theaters to provide people who are deaf or hard of hearing assistive listening devices that allow them to enjoy a film. 

Although prompted by legal obligations, we've witnessed progress in awareness and proactive measures to ensure everyone can enjoy movies to the fullest. 

While some movie theaters meet the minimum requirements, others have taken it further. There’s still a way to go, but we believe in the power of advocacy, and together, we can drive advancements further to enhance our community's movie-going experiences.

Top Assistive Listening Devices for Theaters

Open Captions 

With open captions, the text appears on the screen for everyone to see, similar to subtitles. This is the most convenient, seamless, and universally accessible technology. However, only a few theaters offer open captions screenings. 

Most theaters offer open captions viewings for large groups of people who request in advance, and most foreign films screened in the US are subtitled in English.

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Sound Systems 

With high-end surround sound systems and IMAX experiences, movie theaters audio ranges from 74 to 104 decibels, which is louder than a normal conversation (60–70 decibels). So, people using hearing aids due to hearing loss, might not need additional assistive listening devices for theaters. 

Closed Captions

This assistive hearing technology device transmits captions via a personal device, shifting the view from the big screen to the small display on the armrest. From limited availability to missing out on music or sound effects to running out of battery, these devices have their downside.

FM Systems

Personal FM systems are compatible with hearing aids and cochlear implants using a neck loop or direct audio input. They help reduce background noise, improve clarity and decrease listening fatigue. However, they often require a staff member to assist with the setup, and have issues with cleanliness, battery life, or technical malfunctions. Not fun. 

Induction Loops

This assistive listening device for theaters transmits sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with telecoils (T-coils). However, the sound quality can vary depending on the theaters setup and the condition of the equipment. Also, induction loops typically have a limited range, meaning users must sit within a specific area to use the system.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are an excellent option for those with hearing loss to filter out background noise and experience better, clearer sound at the movies. 

MobileConnect App

This personal and assistive listening app connects headphones to smartphones for improved audio quality. However, the system relies on smartphone compatibility, battery life, and internet connectivity.

Infrared Technology

Infrared (IR) assistive listening technology uses infrared light to transmit audio signals to receivers worn by users. The equipment tends to be bulky and uncomfortable to wear for an extended period. Additionally, it demands a clear line of sight to the transmitter for a reliable signal. It can be problematic if you have specific seating preferences or someone obstructs your line of sight during the movie.

Infrared Captioning Device
Infrared Captioning Device

3 Theaters with Assistive Listening Technology

AMC Theaters

AMC theaters have made great strides in ensuring that assistive technology is available at most locations. They offer:

  • Open Captions to provide on-screen text captions visible to the entire audience that display spoken dialogue, sound effects, and other auditory information. Available at select US locations. 
  • Assistive Listening Devices adaptable to any auditorium amplify the audio from the movie with adjustable volume settings.
  • Wireless Audio Description and Listening Devices that provide narration from any seat in the room with adjustable volume settings using headsets, neck loops or compatible headphones.
  • Closed Captioning presents the movie dialogue in text on your personal screen using a secure device that fits in the cup holder with a flexible arm to adjust to the right angle.

Regal Cinemas

Regal Cinemas offer assistive listening devices for theaters, such as:

  • Assistive Listening Devices that amplify the audio from the movie.
  • Audio Description Devices that offer a spoken narration to describe important details.
  • Closed Captioning Devices that privately display closed caption text directly in the line of sight for both 2D and 3D movies.

Available technologies are listed online below the screening times of each movie, and groups of ten or more can request an open captioned showing in advance. 

Closed Captioning Assistive Device for Theaters
Closed Captioning Assistive Device for Theaters

Landmark Theaters

Landmark Theaters provides assistive listening devices for theaters, such as:

  • Hearing Loops that link the theater sound system directly to hearing aids with T-coils.
  • Closed Captioning using CaptiView as a personal content screen display.
  • Wireless Audio Description and Listening Device delivering descriptive narration. 
  • Infrared (IR) Assistive Listening Technology receives and displays captions via infrared energy into the device that fits in the seat's cupholder.
  • IRH-280 or IRH-281 Headphone Receiver is a two-channel Infrared headphone with volume control that delivers descriptive narration, known as Descriptive Video Services, that can also enhance dialogue for hard of hearing individuals. 
Wireless Audio Description and Assistive Listening Device
Wireless Audio Description and Assistive Listening Device

Conclusion

As theaters continue to captivate moviegoers, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, assistive listening devices are advancing to enable everyone to enjoy the experience. And as more theater chains continue to embrace and readily make assistive listening technologies available, more people can come together to experience movie theater entertainment.

However, one solution stands out as the most practical and universally agreeable: open captions. Unlike other assistive listening technologies requiring specialized equipment or limitations, open captions provide a seamless experience for all viewers without additional devices.

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Nicole Brener

Copywriter based in Miami, FL. Leads copywriting workshops and mentors women entrepreneurs at the Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. 
‍Read the announcement

Advances in Assistive Listening Technology for Movie Theaters

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.