Most of us can relate to the swell of pride we experience when a loved one gets up on stage before hundreds of people to give a performance that has been anticipated for months.
Imagine when the big day arrives, sitting in the audience, and not being able to clearly hear your child’s beautiful song or not being able to follow your grandchild’s recital in what you know is a wonderful play.
Local audiologist Brenda Tullio, B.A. M.Cl.Sc., of The Ear Clinic is very aware of this far too common occurrence and has decided to make a difference with the implementation of wireless amplification at the Townshend Theatre here.
After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Masters of Clinical Science (Communication Disorders) in July, 1997, Tullio relocated with her husband, Michael, to Fort Frances.
Since then, she has been assisting district citizens with hearing-related difficulties achieve a better quality of life through the provision of clinical and consulting audiological and hearing aid related services.
Aug. 8 marks the first anniversary of her practice at The Ear Clinic, Inc., located at 261 Scott St. in Fort Frances.
When considering how best to celebrate 10 years in the district, Tullio wanted to do so in a manner that would “give back” to a community that has shown an overwhelming support over the years and during her first year at The Ear Clinic.
Contributing to public accessibility at the Townshend Theatre for individuals with hearing impairment leapt to mind.
“We have a beautiful theatre in which many of us are able to enjoy performances showcasing a multitude of local talent, in addition to the wonderful visiting productions that cross the stage here each year,” noted Tullio.
“However many, as a result of hearing loss, are not as fortunate.”
Tullio cited “published figures that suggest roughly 30 percent of the population over 15 years of age have a hearing-related disability. That figure increases to more than 50 percent for people aged 65 and older.
With a vision to minimizing the social isolation often caused by hearing loss, Tullio has earmarked a portion of her clinic sales for the purchase and installation of a wireless FM amplification system at the Townshend Theatre.
Patrons of the theatre will be able to sign out wireless headsets at the box office.
Use of the headsets will allow user-controlled volume adjustments, and virtually will eliminate the effects of distance, reverberation, and ambient noise which are detrimental to effective speech reception for a hearing-impaired listener.
“Now our hearing-impaired citizens will be able to more fully enjoy the vast array of talent showcased at our Townshend Theatre,” enthused Tullio. “This is a very exciting prospect.”
The system is expected to be in place for the start of the fall season.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
