Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Sint-Niklaas Municipal Theatre has launched a new hearing system. Spectators can use Bluetooth or an induction loop with earphones, headphones, or hearing aids. Technical coordinator Dries Vervaet says visitors are satisfied with the sound.
As VRT News reported, the Sint-Niklaas Municipal Theatre has completed a major renovation, and one of the highlights is improved accessibility for hearing-impaired spectators. Visitors can use earphones, headphones, or their personal hearing aids.
How can spectators use the new hearing system at Sint-Niklaas theatre?
Dries Vervaet, the theatre’s technical coordinator, explained how the new system works.
“It functions like a Bluetooth connection,”
he said.
“There is no need to download an app. Visitors just open the Bluetooth menu on their phone. Under ‘available devices,’ they will see the performance stream. Clicking on it allows them to listen immediately.”
“We have already had some enthusiastic spectators who were satisfied with the sound.”
Dries Vervaet
Audience members can connect their mobile phones to the performance stream. They can then listen using their own earphones or headphones. Visitors who use hearing aids can also connect through Bluetooth.
“For people who don’t have Bluetooth devices, we have an induction loop. They can plug it into their phone or one of our devices,”
says technical coordinator Vervaet.
The hearing system is an element of the broader accessibility initiative, which was accomplished throughout the theatre’s renovation process earlier this year. Changes also included a lower limit for wheelchair access and improved signage in the building. The system has been active since April 2025 and is available to everyone at every performance.
“We’ve already had some enthusiastic spectators who were happy with the sound,”
says Vervaet.
A similar accessibility project was carried out at the Ghent Opera House in 2022, focusing on making performances more inclusive for hearing-impaired visitors. For visitors without Bluetooth devices, an induction loop was available. The project also included improvements to wheelchair access and clearer signage throughout the building.
