​Statistics Canada did research on attendance rates to weekly religious services based on age comparing 1985 to 2005. They found that people aged 65 and older were the most common group to attend in both time periods. 
​https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-630-x/2008001/article/10650-eng.htm

Statistics Canada also did research on the rates of hearing loss in different age groups. They found that hearing loss was more prevalent in older age groups. Adults aged 60 to 79 years were significantly more likely to have hearing loss (47%) compared with younger adults aged 40 to 59 years (16%) and 19 to 39 years (7%). 
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2015001/article/14156-eng.htm

This research suggests that people most likely to attend houses of worship are those most likely to have hearing loss. Houses of worship can be difficult for people who are Hard of Hearing because of the reverberant acoustics (echo), the distance one sits from the speaker degrading the speech signal, and the background noise in the room (e.g., people talking or coughing). These issues typically can not be overcome with hearing aids or with a sound system (microphone/speakers). The most effective solution is using a hearing loop system or FM system so that the speakers voice on stage goes directly into someone's hearing aids (through the hearing aids t-coil) or for those without hearing aids, a headset with a receiver that will pick up the speakers voice. For more information, read our section on loop system installations under our services tab above.
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Ignoring barriers to accessibility for people who are Hard of Hearing, may lead to a reduction of attendance for Houses of Worship. Let Accessible Hearing Solutions provide you with a site assessment and report to find out how you can increase your accessibility the most effective way.
For more information, contact [email protected].
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