NEWS: SPECIAL REPORT
Embracing difference
In hi or att out no play s 4 Wid for ne attend possi Emma from L music
Mikey Shaffer, consultant liaison at Listen Technologies, suggests steps that concert venues can take to be more inclusive of neurodivergent people
WITH THE PAST FEW YEARS HAVING SEEN A RISE IN diagnoses of various neurodiverse conditions like ADHD and autism, there has also been a growing demand for earplugs and other devices that cater for their needs, as well as those generally triggered by background noise and sound pollution. Do these two trends directly correlate? Mikey Shaffer, consultant liaison at Listen Technologies, thinks the need for such products could be down to a few factors, such as increased comfort with using technology and wearing headphones and earbuds in public spaces, coupled with time spent at home during the pandemic, in which users might have grown used to a less chaotic, quieter way of life. Shaffer explains: “I think we have an improved understanding and acceptance of our differences and people have learned to better advocate for accommodations that allow them to experience life in a way that meets their needs. Listen Technologies’ products can be used in some cases to cut through distracting background noise to deliver content at the appropriate level for the individual. This is also true of different learning styles and needs – in the case of someone with Auditory Processing Disorder, for example, background noise may cause distraction and confusion. Students given the option of using an assistive listening device can have educational content delivered directly to their ear.”
Mikey Shaffer
NEW
M-32 Pro II
High-end 32-Channel, 192 kHz AD or DA Converter with MADI, AVB or Dante®
Boasting up to 32-channels, fully equipped MADI I/Os (coaxial & optical via optional SPF module), improved specs with extremely low THD values, intelligent channel routing and innovative usability, the brand-new M-32 Pro II Series truly represents the state-of-the art in exceptional audio performance.
www
Corporate Headquarters Asia / Australia: RME Trading Ltd. office@rme-trading.hk · www.rme-audio.com
Bla
20 PRO AVL ASIA January–February 2024
PAA Pg4-41 NEWS.indd 20
19/12/2023 15:57