As World Hearing Day approaches on March 3, Adventist churches are being encouraged to reflect on how accessible their services are for people living with hearing loss.
Christian Vision and Hearing Services (CVHS), a ministry of Adventist Media, is calling on congregations to consider practical steps that make worship more inclusive for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
“World Hearing Day gives us an opportunity to stop and reflect on hearing loss and related issues in our society,” said CVHS coordinator Cassie Etwell.
“This is a very real issue that affects many in our community, and churches need to be mindful of this and ensure they have systems in place to make church accessible to the hard of hearing and Deaf in our community.
“If churches haven’t already done so, we encourage them to consider purchasing and installing an assistive listening device, which significantly improves audio clarity and reduces background noise for the hard of hearing.”
For Kevin Rabe, improved accessibility in church has been life-changing. Born prematurely, he has lived with hearing loss his entire life.
“When it comes to hearing people speak, it becomes difficult to understand every word because some sounds I can’t hear at all despite wearing hearing aids,” he said.
“My church, Fox Valley Adventist Church, has set up Listen Everywhere technology which has been a great help in enabling me to understand the sermon.”
The system connects directly to hearing aids via Bluetooth when linked to the church microphone. It also integrates live transcription, allowing spoken words to be read in real time.
Mr Rabe said hearing loss can lead to isolation and frustration, but support and practical adjustments make a significant difference.
A 2024 report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that deafness or hearing loss is the fifth most common long-term health condition in Australia, affecting around 2.4 million people—or 9.6 per cent of the population.
CVHS offers limited free trials of assistive listening devices and provides a $500 subsidy to churches that proceed with a purchase.
For more information about Christian Vision and Hearing Services, visit their website or contact +61 2 9847 2296 or cvhs@adventistmedia.org.au.
