With 1 in 6 people in the UK affected by hearing loss, it stands to reason that some of your wedding guests may be amongst these figures. The good news is that I have put together some tips on how you can ensure that those that are hard of hearing are included in your big day.
Requirements
If you are already know that a guest is hard of hearing, you can work with them to help them feel supported. Take the time to discuss with them what they need from you to feel included in the service.
Here are some things to consider talking about:
- Do they use hearing aids?
- Do they require closer proximity to the main event?
- Is background noise usually an issue?
- Do they lipread or use sign language?
- Do they use a loop system?
By asking these questions you can make a fair assessment on how you can ensure that they also enjoy your big day.
The Venue
Celebrant led wedding ceremonies can take place anytime and anywhere. However, if you have family or friends with hearing issues there are several things to take into consideration when selecting a venue.
Does the venue have a PA system so that the ceremony can be heard by everyone?
This will depend on the size of your venue and the number of guests who are attending. Having a microphone and speakers available will help to amplify the sound and ensure that people with hearing difficulties and people seated towards the back of the room won’t miss a single moment of the ceremony.
Does the venue have a loop system?
A loop system is a piece of equipment situated at a venue, which allows sound to be transmitted from one or more microphones directly to a hearing aid. A lot of hearing aid users find this beneficial as it helps to overcome issues such as distance and background noise by sending the voice of the speaker directly to their hearing device. Loop systems are very discreet and can be used by multiple people at once. If any of your guests use sign language you may wish to have someone sign your ceremony so they can really feel a part of the proceedings.
What are the acoustics of the room like?
Hard surfaces can create sound and background noise that reverberates, which can be irritating for hearing aid users. However, rooms with carpets and curtains deaden the additional sound and are better for those that are hard of hearing.
Will there be adequate lighting?
If you have a guest who is a lipreader, you should ensure that there is adequate lighting. Situations such as the celebrant or couple having their backs to the window can create shadows which makes it difficult for the person to lipread and follow the ceremony.
