Hearing loops in Central Southampton
Download (PDF 3.71 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Southampton created this report to analyse the provision and effectiveness of hearing loop facilities for people with hearing impairment in the area.
A team of trained 'Let's loop Southampton' Healthwatch volunteers visited 295 shops in the Central Southampton area to audit their hearing loop systems. Stores that had satisfactory facilities were presented with a certificate. Those without were left with literature outlining why it was important for stores to be accessible for all.
The report presents some case studies, including John Lewis department store and St Mary's stadium.
Findings included he following:
- 13% of stores were fitted with hearing loops
- The Marlands area, with 42 shops, had no hearing loops
- On a positive note, 4 of the 5 Costa Coffee branches audited were fitted with hearing loops and signage.
The report includes some stories of improvements that have happened since the audit exercise and details the future for the project.