Assistive Listening System

Audience seated in a theatre with stage and screen; overlaid text reads “Accessibility meets community. Clearer sound. More ways to connect. New assistive listening options at Tidemark Theatre: Auracast and Bettear Wi-Fi audio.”.

The Tidemark Theatre is proud to enhance the theatre experience for patrons who are hard of hearing. Through the generous support of the Slaight Family Foundation, and in partnership with Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility and the Campbell River Hearing Clinic, Tidemark Theatre now offers two ways to access clear, real-time performance audio: 

  • Auracast™ broadcast audio for patrons with compatible Auracast-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds or headphones. 
  • Wi-Fi audio through a smartphone for patrons whose devices are not Auracast-enabled. 

These technologies deliver high-quality, low-latency sound, helping you enjoy every moment on stage, from dialogue to musical cues, with greater clarity. 

HOW TO USE AURACAST 

Auracast™ allows compatible listening devices to receive sound directly from the theatre’s audio system. 

Before arriving: 

  1. Confirm that your hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds or headphones are Auracast-enabled (not Auracast Ready) 
  2. Ensure your listening device is charged and connected to your compatible smartphone, if required. 

 At the theatre: 

  1. Open the Auracast or broadcast-audio feature on your compatible smartphone, hearing aid companion app, or listening device. The location of this feature will vary by device. 
  2. Select Tidemark Theatre from the list of available Auracast broadcasts 
  3. Follow the prompts to connect. 
  4. Adjust the volume using your smartphone or hearing aid. cochear implant companion app. 

It’s best to be prepared ahead of your visit. If you are unsure whether your device supports Auracast or need assistance connecting, please reach out to your hearing care practitioner or Campbell River Hearing Clinic. 

Instructions for using Auracast audio accessibility: enable Auracast on your device, open a hearing aid or audio app, select Auracast/Broadcasts and the stream, then adjust volume as needed. Website: www.wavefrontcentre.ca.

HOW TO USE BETTEAR 

If your hearing aids, cochlear implants, headphones or earbuds are not Auracast-enabled, you can access the performance audio through the Bettear app on your smartphone. 

Before visiting: 

  1. Download the Bettear app from Google Play or the App Store. 
  2. Bring your charged smartphone and ensure that your hearing aids, cochlear implants or headphones are connected via Bluetooth. 

At the theatre: 

  1. Open the Bettear app 
  2. Tap to connect 
  3. Accept Bettear_5 
  4. Mute your hearing aids/cochlear implant microphones 
  5. Adjust the volume to your preferred listening level and enjoy the show 

It’s best to be prepared ahead of your visit. If you are unsure of how to connect via Bluetooth or need assistance connecting, please reach out to your hearing care practitioner or Campbell River Hearing Clinic. 

A graphic explains audio accessibility via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It shows four steps with icons: scan a QR code, enable Bluetooth, tap to search in an app, join and unmute, then adjust volume. Website: www.wavefrontcentre.ca.

MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH COMMUNITY SUPPORT 

This accessibility installation was delivered by Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility and the Campbell River Hearing Clinic, generously funded by the Slaight Family Foundation, helping bring more inclusive audio access to community spaces across Canada. 

For additional information or assistance, please email help@tohear.ca or devices@wavefrontcentre.ca or tickets@tidemarktheatre.com 

About Campbell River Hearing Clinic

Campbell River Hearing Clinic is an independent, family-owned clinic, opened in 2010 by Martin and Jana Jurek, Registered Hearing Instrument Practitioners who have provided hearing care in British Columbia since 1997, when they founded the 100 Mile House Hearing Clinic. With their team, they offer hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and the follow-up care that keeps hearing aids working where life actually happens: at home, at work, and in a full theatre.

Logo for Campbell River Hearing Clinic with stylized ear, sound waves, and green-blue shapes next to the clinic name in orange and blue text.

About Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is a BC-based charitable non-profit serving people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing since 1956. Wavefront Centre provides hearing healthcare, accessibility services, community outreach, and research to advance communication accessibility and inclusion.

Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility logo featuring a blue wave-like symbol and the organization name in blue text, representing their commitment to inclusive solutions such as Assistive Listening Systems.