StarBay Theater Installs New Hearing Assistance System
The St. Louis theater upgraded its audio technology to better serve guests with hearing loss.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Home Entertainment
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The Bill and Laura Orthwein StarBay Theater in St. Louis reopened on July 18, 2026, featuring a newly installed Auri hearing assistance system. The upgrade aims to improve accessibility for guests with hearing loss who previously struggled with audio clarity due to the building's layout.
Why it matters
The theater staff sought to resolve audio limitations caused by the venue's concrete construction and chair configuration. This installation ensures that all guests, regardless of hearing ability, can fully engage with the 45-minute shows.
The installation features eight Auri receivers, two docking stations, and a two-channel transmitter with Dante support. On the first day, five or six guests requested the new assistive devices.
The players
Bill and Laura Orthwein StarBay Theater
This facility is located inside the James S. McDonnell Planetarium and features an 80-foot diameter dome.
The details
The Auri system provides two simultaneous audio streams, allowing for separate channels dedicated to room audio and narration. When removed from the dock, the receivers automatically power on and select the correct channel for the user.
Timeline
July 18, 2026: StarBay Theater reopened with the new system.
Culture Shift
This upgrade follows the precedent set by the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. It marks a broader shift toward inclusive design where public venues actively remove structural barriers to improve patron experiences.
Visitors with hearing loss can now request a receiver upon entry to access dedicated narration and clear audio streams. Staff expect that the process for connecting and utilizing these devices will become more efficient as visitors gain experience with the new system.
The takeaway
Technological upgrades like this ensure that public cultural experiences remain accessible to all members of the community. Venues with challenging architectural acoustics can successfully leverage specialized hardware to overcome structural limitations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Home Entertainment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Systemscontractor.
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Should public venues in your area prioritize installing advanced hearing assistance systems for visitors?
