Experience How Emergency Broadcasts Sound for the Hearing Impaired in Nakameguro

On September 1, coinciding with Disaster Prevention Day in Japan, Hearing Distributor Japan Co., Ltd. will host a unique initiative at Audi Nova's World of Hearing located in Nakameguro. This program is designed for families to immerse themselves in the challenges faced by those with hearing impairments during emergencies such as heavy rain or earthquakes. The central question is, how do emergency announcements sound to parents with hearing difficulties?

Often, when family members believe they are communicating effectively, the reality may be different. Various factors such as background noise from rain or surrounding chaos can hinder crucial messages from reaching those in need.

The experience will simulate different levels of hearing ability—normal hearing, mild hearing loss, and moderate hearing loss—allowing participants to compare how emergency broadcasts may sound during disasters like earthquakes or typhoons. This setup aims to highlight how various environmental factors impact sound perception.

Insights into Family Concerns

According to recent surveys, 56.7% of respondents express worries regarding communication during emergencies, attributing these concerns predominantly to hearing-related issues. Among them, 32.1% cited the difficulty in understanding due to rain or noise, 24.2% voiced apprehensions about their parent's hearing capability, and 21.0% highlighted the challenges of recognizing calls if the parent is slow to respond.

Participants at Audi Nova Nakameguro will gain an understanding of how announcements and calls could be perceived under different hearing conditions. It's crucial to effectively address the realities faced by hearing-impaired individuals, especially during trying times when clarity can be a matter of safety.

Rethinking Family Communication

This experience serves as a stark reminder that many individuals with hearing difficulties may not be aware of their impairments. Families may notice changes like increased television volume, difficulty in phone conversations, or frequent repetitions, which often signal a hearing issue. Knowing how these challenges can complicate emergency communications can prompt families to reevaluate their approach towards regular check-ins and emergency plans.

By stepping into the shoes of a person with hearing loss, family members can rethink how they communicate day-to-day and ensure better preparedness in emergency situations. This involves reinforcing the methods of contact and confirming evacuation protocols more frequently.

Overview of the Nakameguro Experience

- Start Date: September 1, 2026
- Hours of Operation: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
- Location: 1st Floor, M・F Building, 3-14-8 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo.
- Contact Number: 03-5724-3583
- Experience Content: Simulated scenarios highlighting how announcements are perceived during emergencies, as well as differences in sound perception before and after using hearing aids.
- Cost: Free
- Reservation: Reservations can be made via phone or website. Please note that due to high demand, wait times may occur.

About Audi Nova

Audi Nova is a chain of hearing aid specialty stores with over 50 locations nationwide. They provide consultations regarding hearing, trialing, adjustments, and maintenance of hearing aids, tailoring services to meet individual lifestyles.
Website: www.audionova.co.jp

For the Press

Media personnel are welcome to experience the sessions at Nakameguro, with staff available for explanations. Interested parties are asked to include “Disaster Hearing Experience Interview Request” in the subject line of their email.