Sponsorship supports new assistive-listening system

Payne & Mencias Palladium now offers Auracast technology, thanks to Indianapolis-based Professional Hearing Services

With a new season of events to be announced later this month, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts has partnered with a new sponsor to offer innovative technology for visitors who are hard of hearing.

Professional Hearing Services, a concierge-level audiology clinic based on Indianapolis’ north side, has already been spreading the word to clients about Auracast™, an assistive-listening system that uses next-generation Bluetooth® technology to stream sound directly to compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds, headphones, or smartphones. Bypassing the reverberation, crowd noise, and other acoustic challenges found in any venue, Auracast provides crystal-clear audio of music and speech with greater flexibility and less listener fatigue than other options.

Now, with support from Professional Hearing Services, the 1,500-seat Payne & Mencias Palladium is replacing its infrared-based assistive-listening system with Auracast for the upcoming 2026-2027 performance season. For those without compatible devices, Auracast receivers and headphones are available free on request.

The private practice’s audiologists have extensive experience serving participants in the live entertainment industry, providing custom ear impressions for items like molded earbuds and in-ear stage monitors. They’ve worked with many local musicians, including Endless Summer Band, as well as major artists like Alice Cooper and Tommy Lee of Motley Crue.

“We value the profound impact of live performance and are thrilled by the potential of this technology to revolutionize that experience for the global event industry and our local community,” said Dr. Suzanne O’Connor, owner of Professional Hearing Services. “Auracast also helps diminish the stigma surrounding hearing loss by allowing attendees to discreetly tune in using their own compatible devices, making every event more inclusive without the need for specialized equipment.”

Jeffrey C. McDermott, President/CEO of Allied Solutions Center, said the transition to Auracast continues the ongoing effort to improve accessibility on the campus.

“We are always open to suggestions for making the entire patron experience as welcoming and inclusive as possible to people of all needs and abilities, from buying tickets to parking to attending the event and going home happy,” McDermott said. “We’re grateful to Professional Hearing Services for making this important new option available in our flagship venue, and we’ll continue to explore the possibilities.”

FM-based assistive-listening remains available free on request at Allied Solutions Center’s Tarkington and Studio Theater.