To the editor:

Congratulations to the city of Lawrence and the Douglas County Commission for installing hearing loops in the City Commission room and new Douglas County Fairgrounds meeting rooms. These hearing loop devices help those with hearing loss understand what is being said and encourage them to attend and participate.

Hearing is precious, and lack of it is a devastating handicap that affects as many as 40 million Americans of all ages. Recent studies show as many as 17 percent of teens already have some hearing impairment, and over 50 percent over 70 have severe loss.

The Americans with Disabilities Act now recognizes hearing loss as a disability. New ADA rules mandate that all new or remodeled public meeting rooms must be equipped with a hearing assistive device. A hearing loop is the best technology for people with hearing loss. It provides enhanced sound directly to the hearing aids or loop receivers.

The city and county are joining Theater Lawrence, the Lawrence Public Library, the Dole Institute of Politics, Spencer Museum of Art and Lawrence Memorial Hospital in providing hearing loops. This is a good beginning toward making Lawrence a hearing-friendly place.