Sponsorship provides new assistive-listening system
5/5/2026 12AM
Singer-songwriter Mac McAnally performs in January at the Payne & Mencias Palladium, which will offer a new and improved assistive-listening system for the 2026-2027 performance season | photo by Mark Sheldon.
Professional Hearing Services supports Auracast at Payne & Mencias Palladium
CARMEL, Ind. – With a new season of events to be announced later this month, Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts has partnered with a new sponsor to offer innovative technology for visitors who are hard of hearing.
Professional Hearing Services, a concierge-level audiology clinic based on Indianapolis’ north side, has already been spreading the word to clients about Auracast™, an assistive-listening system that uses next-generation Bluetooth technology to stream sound directly to compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants, earbuds, headphones or smartphones. Bypassing the reverberation, crowd noise and other acoustic challenges found in any venue, Auracast provides crystal-clear audio of music and speech with greater flexibility and less listener fatigue than other options.
Auracast equipment will be available free on request at the West Salon coat check.
Now, with support from Professional Hearing Services, the 1,500-seat Payne & Mencias Palladium is replacing its infrared-based assistive-listening system with Auracast for the upcoming 2026-2027 performance season. For those without compatible devices, Auracast receivers and headphones are available free on request.
The private practice's audiologists have extensive experience serving participants in the live entertainment industry, providing custom ear impressions for items like molded earbuds and in-ear stage monitors. They’ve worked with many local musicians, including Endless Summer Band, as well as major artists like Alice Cooper and Tommy Lee of Motley Crue.
“We value the profound impact of live performance and are thrilled by the potential of this technology to revolutionize that experience for the global event industry and our local community,” said Dr. Suzanne O'Connor, owner of Professional Hearing Services. "Auracast also helps diminish the stigma surrounding hearing loss by allowing attendees to discreetly tune in using their own compatible devices, making every event more inclusive without the need for specialized equipment."
Jeffrey C. McDermott, President/CEO of Allied Solutions Center, said the transition to Auracast continues the ongoing effort to improve accessibility on the campus.
“We are always open to suggestions for making the entire patron experience as welcoming and inclusive as possible to people of all needs and abilities, from buying tickets to parking to attending the event and going home happy,” McDermott said. “We’re grateful to Professional Hearing Services for making this important new option available in our flagship venue, and we’ll continue to explore the possibilities.”
FM-based assistive-listening remains available free on request at Allied Solutions Center’s Tarkington and Studio Theater.
About Professional Hearing Services
Professional Hearing Services stands as the Indianapolis area’s premier local independent audiology practice, serving the community since 1983. As the most established private audiology practice owned and operated by a Doctor of Audiology, Professional Hearing Services delivers an unmatched blend of personalized care, advanced expertise and a sincere commitment to your hearing health. Drs. Suzanne O’Connor, Amanda Rosinko and Olivia Patterson have earned certifications from HearingLoss.com, HearingUp.com and the Audigy Network, demonstrating their strong commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-focused hearing care. Professional Hearing Services provides a concierge experience, ensuring individualized attention and thorough follow-up care tailored to each patient's unique needs.
About Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts
The mission of Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, is to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. The nonprofit organization’s campus in Carmel, Indiana, includes the 1,500-seat Payne & Mencias Palladium concert hall, the 500-seat Tarkington proscenium theater and the black-box Studio Theater. Allied Solutions Center presents and hosts hundreds of events each year, including the annual Center Presents performance season, featuring the best in classical music, jazz, pop, rock, country, comedy and other genres. Educational and experiential programming for all ages includes children’s concerts and camps, book clubs, lectures, and classes in music and stand-up comedy. Allied Solutions Center is home to the affiliated Great American Songbook Foundation and provides space and support services for six resident arts companies. More information is available at TheCenterPresents.org.
