Seongdong-gu Installs 47 Hearing Loop Smart Shelters to Assist the Hearing Impaired

After pilot operation in bus stop smart shelters, installation completed in 47 of 53 smart shelters... Hearing loop system fronts feature artwork by a hearing-impaired painter for visual interest

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) has installed Hearing Loops at 47 smart shelters to assist the hearing impaired.

A Hearing Loop is a wireless transmission device that helps people with hearing disabilities, hearing aid or cochlear implant users, and the elderly to clearly hear bus announcement sounds without being affected by surrounding noise.

The Hearing Loop system is installed in various places such as public transportation, theaters, churches, and schools, helping the hearing impaired to hear clear sounds without background noise. In advanced countries like the United States and Europe, the installation of Hearing Loops has become a universal welfare policy for the hearing impaired, similar to the installation of parking spaces for the disabled. In particular, in the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates the installation of such hearing assistance devices in facilities above a certain size.

Last year, the district applied for and was finally selected in the 'Testbed Seoul' demonstration project hosted by Seoul City, promoting the installation of Hearing Loop zones so that the hearing impaired can use public transportation without discrimination. Following the pilot installation of Hearing Loops in bus stop smart shelters in May, the district has now completed installation at 47 out of 53 smart shelters and has begun full operation this month.

Smart shelters equipped with Hearing Loops have posted notices to inform the hearing impaired that the equipment is available, and through QR codes, videos explaining the introduction and usage of the Hearing Loop can be accessed.

In particular, the front of the device features artwork designed by a hearing-impaired painter, providing an additional visual attraction. Seongdong-gu expects that the Hearing Loop system installation project will improve the daily lives of the hearing impaired and further establish itself as a social inclusion policy.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, "We are considering various ways to create a smart inclusive city where no one is left out," adding, "We will strive to enable more residents to enjoy convenient living through smart technology."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.