Templates - Consumer Complaints and Feedback

I have [hearing loss/significant hearing loss] [optional: and wear hearing aids/cochlear implants/bone anchored device]. Many people do not realize that hearing instruments typically only have an effective range of roughly 6 feet.  Making things louder doesn’t help either; people with hearing loss need clarity. They need the background and other ambient sound to be suppressed so the person speaking (or the music playing, etc.) can be heard more clearly. I understand that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public spaces that use any kind of PA system to also provide an assistive listening system for people with hearing loss.

I recently attended the [Name], [date including year], at the [location], and experienced problems using their assistive listening system.

When I arrived, (succinctly describe experience, interactions with staff, equipment issues, missing equipment, etc.)

Because I had no assistive listening accommodation (some options to adapt, depending on your situation. Include feelings of being left out, frustrated, etc.)

• It was difficult to hear in almost all of the meeting rooms. I required more effort on my part to concentrate on trying to comprehend what was being presented, making me more tired by the end of the day. I wasn’t able to fully participate in the conference and could not fully understand the information being presented.
• I could not understand, and I left the event.
• I could only understand the  but not ___
• I enjoyed what I understood, and very frustrated when I missed key information and all the jokes.

I submit that the experience I’ve described is in violation of the ADA’s requirements regarding the provision of an effective hearing assist system for people with hearing loss, and I’m attaching a one-page summary of the ADA’s relevant requirements for facilities such as [name]. (Link for you to download and attach ADA-Assistive Listening Systems)

I am hearing impaired, and I need to rely on assistive listening technology. You may not realize that people with hearing loss need to isolate the person speaking from problematic background sound. Hearing aids, while helpful, are most effective within a range of 6-10 feet. Quality sound systems help, but they are not enough for people with hearing loss. This is the reason assistive listening systems are mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

I recently attended the [Name], [date including year], at the [location], and experienced problems using their assistive listening system.

When I arrived, (succinctly describe experience, interactions with staff, equipment issues, missing equipment, etc. there are additional paragraph templates available on this webpage below).

Because no assistive listening accommodation was provided: (some options to adapt, depending on your situation. Include feelings of being left out, frustrated, etc.)

• It was difficult to hear in almost all of the meeting rooms. I required more effort on my part to concentrate on trying to comprehend what was being presented, making me more tired by the end of the day. I wasn’t able to fully participate in the conference and could not fully understand the information being presented.
• I could not understand, and I left the event.
• I could only understand the  but not ___
• I enjoyed what I understood, and was very frustrated when I missed key information and all the jokes.

I am attaching a one-page summary of the facility’s responsibilities under the ADA to provide assistive listening systems. (Link for you to download and attach ADA-Assistive Listening Systems)

It is my contention that I was discriminated against because of my disability, and I did not have equal access to audio. I believe the [location] is in violation of the ADA.

Good [morning]

I have hearing loss. My hearing aids give the most benefit to, at best, six feet if it is quiet and no other background noise; thus, I need an assistive listening system (ALS) to eliminate the negative effects of distance, noise, and reverberation.

When I attended [event name] at the [facility], the assistive listening system (FM system) did not work.  I experienced [insert a brief description: clicking, humming, or no sound]. I used a receiver and [neckloop or headphones]. At intermission, I exchanged receivers and [neckloop or headphones].  Still I had did not have access to clear sound at the event, which was [describe feelings of being left out, frustrated, etc.].

These systems give me clarity to the words spoken and music. I am an experienced user and use IR, FM, and hearing loops around the [state/country]

After the event, I spoke with the staff about my experiences. They were very pleasant and assured me that the system is checked before every event and would take care of things.

I thought it would be good to also send you an email.

I hope to come to another event and would appreciate it if you let me know what changes you will be making to better accommodate people with hearing loss.

or

I hope this problem can be resolved. I’d appreciate an email acknowledging my concern.

Thank you,

I have a hearing disability and have worn hearing aids in both ears for the past [___]  years. On [___], I attended a performance of [____] at the [____]. The theater seats [___] people.

Prior to the show, I requested hearing assistance from the staff. They had no ADA-approved Assisted Listening System available in the theater. As a result, I was only able to understand about 50% of the spoken word during this performance.

It is my contention that the [___] is in violation of Title III of the ADA, sections 219 and 291.3 specifically. Following the performance, I wrote to the [___], informing them of their non-compliance with the law and asking for their plans to become compliant. Thus far, I have not gotten any response from them.