Glen Roscovich is promoting an infrared wireless system that would allow people with most hearing difficulties to hear quite well anything on stage, including live drama, music and films.

Roscovich became involved in the issue after Ann McKenzie wrote a letter to The Peak about the problems some people have hearing performances in Evergreen Theatre. The issue hit home because Roscovich often goes with his mother, Ruby Roscovich, to the theatre, and knows first-hand how difficult it is for her to hear everything.

"My mother loves to go but she misses much of what is on stage," he says. "I decided to investigate and see what could be done."

The infrared wireless system uses additional microphones placed strategically above the stage. The sound they pick up is fed into a modulator, then to emitters mounted near the stage.

The sound signal is transmitted by infrared beam to lightweight headsets, in a stethoscope design, that would be available at the door. The headsets weigh about four ounces, including controls at the bottom that can be set to an individual's comfort level.

The headsets have two channels, to allow either stereo sound or simultaneous translation.

The system is used in theatres, conference rooms, courtrooms and churches all around the world, says Roscovich.

"Most states in America have a law that there has to be hearing assistance incorporated into new performance facilities," he says. "This system makes it easy to retrofit older venues."

The system is currently in use at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo and the Chemainus Theatre.

Roscovich says it's possible to outfit Evergreen Theatre with a first class system for about $10,000, depending on how many headsets are purchased. The Port Theatre has about 12.

Since the municipality's budget for the theatre is extremely limited, Roscovich has started to raise funds to pay for the system. He has approached service clubs as well as the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society. "Everyone seems to think it would cost much more," he says. "This system is a bargain and it is the gold standard. The technology has arrived and the solution is at hand."

The system is a cost-effective way of benefiting a lot of people, Roscovich says. The community's population is aging, and many seniors attend performances in the theatre. Other parts of the population also experience periods of hearing loss.

According to the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic disability among older adults, behind arthritis and hypertension. Approximately 10 per cent of the general population, 20 per cent of those over 65, and 40 per cent of those over 75 (including 80 per cent of nursing home residents) have a significant hearing problem.

Both the incidence and prevalence of hearing loss increase with age. The onset of adult hearing loss can start as early as the third or fourth decade of life.

Interested readers who would like to talk to Roscovich can contact him at 604.487.1906.

By Laura WalzLaura Walz