Cinema (advice for deaf children, young people and families)

Summary

A UK deaf children's charity's advice on going to the cinema, including which listening systems UK cinemas use and where.

Key findings

• Says most cinemas have technology installed for users of hearing aids and implants, and that two kinds of system may be found.
• Says many cinemas have a loop in public areas such as the ticket desk or refreshments counter, but that "Unlike at the theatre, cinemas do not tend to use loop systems in the auditorium itself", because loops may pick up sound from other screens.
• Describes the infrared system as a wearable receiver worn around the neck like a lanyard, used with the hearing aid's or processor's T-setting; some cinemas require the receiver to be booked in advance, while others lend one on request on the day.
• Says some infrared systems can be used with headphones or headsets from the cinema, which may suit people with mild or moderate deafness who do not usually wear hearing aids or implants.

Limits

Consumer advice without data, references or a named author (full references are available on request). It describes UK practice in general and does not mention radio, Wi-Fi or Auracast. The date is the page's "Last Reviewed" month.

Read the original

www.ndcs.org.uk/advice-and-support/all-advice-and-support-topics/travel-leisure-and-hobbies/cinema-theatre-and-live-events/cinema

Link checked 9 October 2026. We link to the original and do not host copies.

Cited in

• What works in theatres and cinemas, and what do the rules ask of them?Partly answered

Cite this source

The accessed date is when this library last checked the link; use the date you read it. To point readers to this summary instead, link to https://assistivelisteningknowledgebase.org/evidence/ndcs-2025-cinema/

Every finding here cites its source, and who funded each source is labelled. This site does not recommend products. Found an error or a missing study? Suggest a correction.