Tour guiding is all about communication. Keeping a group together and moving them through an unfamiliar space, as well as offering insights at each point of interest, requires exceptional dialogue skills. However, with all the different variables at play, it can often take a little more than just technique, especially if you have guests who are hard of hearing.
People with hearing problems should still be able to enjoy a guided tour, without having to feel as if they’re getting too much special attention. This article will explain the right approach to make sure people with less effective hearing can still experience everything your tour has to offer, without feeling like they’ve been singled out.
Investing in assistive listening technology & equipment
The best way to include everyone in your tours, regardless of hearing, is to equip the tour with sufficient accessible audio gear. Assisted audio tour systems can allow guests to receive the sound clearly and individually, bypassing all manner of distracting environmental noise.
- Wireless whisper systems and T-coil neckloops act as portable radio transmitters for the guide and receivers for guests. Neckloop accessories can transmit audio directly into a guest’s hearing aid if it’s set to the T setting.
- Over-ear headsets are more hygienic than in-ear designs, as well as offering easier access to the information, without interfering the aids.
- Audio description tools can be used to let people take tours at their own pace, with direct sound distribution and pre-recorded information that they can pause, rewind and more.
The best tours will include variable audio guide systems that support attendees with hearing problems. Choose something that feels relevant to your tour. For example, audio description tools can be more suitable for a free-roaming museum visit, while real-time transmitters are best for fully guided experiences.
Auri is a great example of audio description and assisted listening devices, using Bluetooth LE broadcast and Auracast™ to deliver seamless mono and stereo audio through hearing aids, headphones or pocket receivers. It’s a great brand for easy, low-faff options in all sorts of settings.
Visual aids, positioning, lighting and sightlines
It’s not just about the audio itself. It’s also got to be about the visuals of the experience, as lots of those who are deaf and hard of hearing rely on lip-reading and facial expressions, as well as sign language interpreters (if present).
- Face the light source as the speaker at all times, as otherwise you might hide lip movements.
- Maintain a semi-circle group shape when stopping to give commentary.
- Never speak while walking or turning. This is hard enough for people who can hear perfectly to understand, so imagine how tough it can be for those with hearing issues.
It can also be worth keeping some props or printed visual cues on hand, so anyone struggling can read up or absorb information in another fashion.
Maintaining strong communication techniques
Audio guide equipment cannot solve every issue, which is why it’s important to keep some general communicative skills in mind. Don’t speak too fast, minimise background noise and elaborate when people ask questions. The best tour guides know what skills they need to succeed, and communication usually stands at the top of the list.
With a considerate approach, tours can be enjoyed in equal measure, whether guests are hard of hearing or not. Maintaining a balance of equipment, visual aid and technique will make the experience positive for everyone in attendance. For more insights into the world of tour guiding, as well as a view at a massive range of relevant products, check out our website today.