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<p>The House of Lords provides support for Members, staff and visitors to Parliament
affected by hearing loss through the use of audio loop and infrared systems that help
to amplify sound for hearing aid users. Loop systems are installed in the Chamber
and all Committee rooms, with infrared systems additionally available within Committee
rooms 1 to 4, 2A, 3A and the Moses Room. Handheld radio transmitters are also available
to hearing-aid users when in the Chamber, to reduce interference from electrical equipment
and improve the quality of sound provided by the audio loop.</p><p> </p><p>We are
currently exploring options to provide an audio description service for Chamber and
Committee proceedings. This will provide blind and partially sighted members, committee
witnesses and members of the public with a voiced description of which member or witness
is currently speaking, transmitted directly via an audio service. A feasibility study
was commissioned in January 2019 and will report back later this year.</p><p> </p><p>Further
microphones are due to be added to the Chamber this year, which will improve the quality
of service provided to hearing aid users. A greater number of microphones situated
closer to the people speaking minimises background noise and gives a cleaner sound
on the audio which is sent directly to hearing aids via the loop system. The large
number of microphones used in Committee meetings, whether automated or operated by
an engineer, help to keep the sound clear and maximise the quality of sound experienced
by hearing aid users.</p><p> </p><p>For those with hearing impairments which do not
require the use of a hearing aid, overall audibility in Committee Rooms 2A, 3A and
4A is generally good. In Committee rooms 1 to 4, however, factors such as high ceilings
and furniture arrangements mean that the current acoustic set-up is sub-optimal. A
facilities upgrade is currently being trialled in House of Commons Committee Room
6 and, subject to approval, House of Lords Committee rooms will also benefit from
these improvements in due course. There are also plans to replace the speakers embedded
in the benches within the Chamber next year, which should deliver improvements to
general levels of audibility.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The business of
the House is of course dependent upon Members, staff and visitors such as committee
witnesses being able to hear and be heard, although the capacity to deliver improvements
can sometimes be limited by the nature of operations in a building with heritage restrictions.
Equality Impact Assessments will be carried out as part of the Restoration and Renewal
process, during which extensive works are likely to offer the potential for further
improvements to facilities. In the interim, the Director of Facilities would be happy
to speak to any member with specific suggestions for improvement.</p>
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