As a part of the SHINE campaign CtK is installing two technologies that will provide hearing assistance in the sanctuary. These technologies are “Hearing Loop” and “Auracast”. The following is a brief description of what these are and how you will access them.

Hearing Loop

This will be installed in January 2026 and will benefit many persons with hearing aids. You may not know, but many of the behind-the-ear and some of the in-the-ear aids have what is called a T-coil installed in them. This can become activated via one of the program selections in the aid. The T-coil will pick up the signal from the Hearing Loop. All that you will have to do is select that program in your aid and the audio from the audio feed will be transmitted directly into your hearing aid. However, before this can happen you need to get ready by:

  1. Checking with your audiologist if your aids do have a T-coil.
  2. Asking your audiologist to activate this program selection.

Auracast

This is a new technology that broadcasts audio using a bluetooth signal. Newer hearing aids incoporate this technology, but the signal can also be accessed using a cell phone with headphones. More information on the Auracast system will be shared over the coming weeks as this system does not require an invasive installation procedure.

Note: Those of you who have hearing aids and attend church via streaming the service at home just because you can hear better, may want to check out an in-person service after these technologies are installed. They may allow you to hear better at church!

Thank you to everyone who has supported and all who will continue to support the SHINE campaign, enabling us to make CtK a more accessible and welcoming place for all people.