StarBay Theater Adds New Hearing Assistance Technology
Visitors can now access narration and room audio through new receivers at this St. Louis planetarium theater.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Home Entertainment
Live Poll
Should public venues in your area prioritize installing advanced hearing assistance systems for visitors?
The StarBay Theater at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in St. Louis upgraded its accessibility features with the Auri hearing assistance system on July 18, 2026. This new equipment allows guests to choose between two audio streams for room sound or narration.
Why it matters
The upgrade addresses sound quality issues caused by the theater's concrete dome construction and chair layout, which previously hindered the performance of legacy assistive devices. Staff implemented the change to provide a more inclusive experience for all visitors.
The new setup includes eight receivers, two docking stations, and a two-channel transmitter supporting Dante audio. On its opening day, five or six of the available receivers were put into active use by guests.
The players
Bill and Laura Orthwein StarBay Theater
A 150-capacity theater located inside the St. Louis planetarium known for immersive dome-based programming.
James S. McDonnell Planetarium
The St. Louis public science institution where the dome theater is located.
The details
The Auri system solves acoustic challenges in the 80-foot dome by transmitting audio directly to user-worn devices. Once a guest removes a receiver from the charging dock, it automatically powers on and locks onto the selected audio channel for the 45-minute show. The two-channel design enables simultaneous delivery of general room audio and separate narration, catering to different accessibility needs.
Timeline
July 18, 2026: The StarBay Theater officially reopened with the new hearing assistance system.
The Home Front
This installation reflects a broader trend of public venues upgrading assistive technology to meet modern accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It highlights how specialized audio infrastructure is increasingly required to overcome the acoustic limitations of historic or concrete-heavy architecture.
If you are planning a visit, check the theater's current showtimes and ask staff at the entrance about the Auri receiver availability. You may want to request a device early, as there are eight units available for the 150-guest capacity theater.
The takeaway
Upgrading legacy audio infrastructure can significantly enhance the clarity of immersive media in challenging acoustic environments. When visiting public theaters, ask venue staff about available assistive listening options before the show starts to ensure you have a reserved device.
Further reading
To see how technology is reshaping accessibility in common leisure spaces, visit Home Entertainment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Systemscontractor.
Live Poll
Should public venues in your area prioritize installing advanced hearing assistance systems for visitors?
