Assistive listening
Assistive Listening technology is being installed in teaching spaces across the University to aid deaf/hard of hearing users. The technology will be available in 25 rooms across all three campuses, allowing students to listen via a "Sennheiser MobileConnect" app.
What is assistive listening?
Assistive listening technology helps hearing deaf and hard of hearing users hear audio in noisy environments.
Edinburgh Napier historically provided an assistive listening service to deaf and hard of hearing users via the use of induction hearing loops. These are now being replaced by a more technologically advanced audio accessibility system via a “Sennheiser MobileConnect” app available on smartphones, iPads, and Android tablets. This allows users to listen to audio streams in real time from a presenter or other source.
Which rooms will the new assistive listening technology be installed in?
The technology has already been installed in:
- Craiglockhart 1/17 - Riady lecture theatre
- Craiglockhart 1/07 – Active learning space
It is scheduled to be installed in the following rooms over the coming months (dates are to be confirmed):
- Craiglockhart: 1/10, 2/10, 2/17 (Lindsay Stewart lecture theatre)
- Merchiston: A17, A55, A70, B2, B32, B55, E17, F10, F12, G24, H5
- Sighthill: 1.D.02, 1.D.04, 1.D.05, 2.D.04, 2.D.05, 2.D.07, 3.D.04, 3.D.05, 3.D.07
Assistive listening FAQs
How do I use assistive listening?
To use assistive listening, you will need:
- A mobile device that can download apps - smartphones, iPads, Android tablets.
- A headset (please note: if listening via a Bluetooth headset there may be a slight delay, due to Bluetooth limitations).
To set up Assistive Listening, you need to:
- Install the Sennheiser MobileConnect app on to your mobile device which can be downloaded from the Apple store or Google Play store.
- Once the app is downloaded and you are ready to connect to Active Listening, you need to ensure you are connected to eduroam Wi-Fi – instructions can be found on the Wi-Fi page.
- Once connected to eduroam, a list of rooms with Active Listening set up will be displayed on the app. You should select the room you are in.
- You can tap 'listen' and adjust the audio settings to suit your preferences.
- You will then be able to listen through your headset, please note: if listening via a Bluetooth headset there may be a slight delay, due to Bluetooth limitations.
Are there any constraints with the service?
The main constraints to be aware of are:
- There are currently a maximum of 100 assistive listening connections per room.
- The talking functionality is not enabled on the app, so although you can listen via the app, you cannot talk to the lecturer via the app.
- If you experience any issues with the quality of sound via the app, please contact the IS Service Desk in the first instance.
Where can I find further help and information?
If you need further information or help using the assistive listening service, please contact the IS Service Desk in the first instance.
For further guidance on the support available to you, please contact the Disability and Inclusion team.