When we think about accessibility, public spaces like hospitals, libraries, and transportation often take center stage. But one funeral director, Lee Solomon of Lilies Funeral Directors in The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, saw a quieter, deeply personal need – one that many had overlooked. Determined to ensure that no one felt excluded during a time of mourning, Lee took the initiative to install a hearing loop system in his funeral home. The result? A more compassionate and inclusive experience for those with hearing loss.
What Is a Hearing Loop?
A hearing loop – also known as an induction loop – is a sound system designed specifically for individuals who use hearing aids or cochlear implants. It works by transmitting sound directly to the hearing device via a magnetic signal, cutting out background noise and delivering crystal-clear audio. All the person needs is a hearing aid equipped with a telecoil (T-coil) setting.
In emotionally significant settings like funerals, where words of remembrance and comfort mean so much, hearing loops can make all the difference.
Why It Matters in a Funeral Setting
Lee Solomon had spent years witnessing the quiet struggles of older mourners at funeral services. “I started to notice people looking confused or leaning in during funeral arrangements but still not catching what was said,” Lee recalled. “Most would keep asking relatives to repeat what I had said so they could understand.”
This was not the kind of farewell Lee wanted people to experience at Lilies Funeral Directors.
“As a funeral director, my goal is to make every goodbye as personal and inclusive as possible,” he said. “That includes ensuring people can hear the questions I ask so they can be part of arranging the funeral. It’s all part of the healing process.”
After some research into accessibility for the hard of hearing, Lee made the decision to install a hearing loop system in the funeral arrangement room of his funeral home—becoming one of the few independent funeral directors in the region to take this step.
After some research into accessibility for the hard of hearing, Lee made the decision to install a hearing loop system in the funeral arrangement room of his funeral home—becoming one of the few independent funeral directors in the region to take this step.
Transforming the Funeral Experience
Since installing the hearing loop, Lee has witnessed first-hand the impact it has made on families.
One of the earliest funeral arrangements held after the upgrade was for a much loved lady in her 80s. Her sister wanted to be part of her funeral arrangements and wore a hearing aid. Thanks to the new system, her sister was able to hear every word of the arrangements clearly—without straining, guessing, or withdrawing.
“For the first time in a long while, I didn’t feel like I was missing out,” said Margaret, sister of the deceased who has worn hearing aids for years. “I heard all the questions that was asked about my sister’s service and I was able to tell Lee what we wanted without me asking him to repeat himself. I didn’t get frustrated with my hearing and could really relax, and that meant the world to me at such a difficult time.”
A Community Ripple Effect
Lee’s decision to prioritize hearing accessibility has not gone unnoticed in the local community. Other funeral homes have asked about the installation process and benefits. Lee has spoken openly about the relatively straightforward setup and the profound difference it makes. Lee actually installed the Loop System himself by following the very simple instructions.
“The loop system was fitted seamlessly into our arrangement room, and now it’s just part of how we serve our community,” he said. “We simply let families know it’s available, and they pass it on to anyone who use hearing aids.”
In fact, Lee has made it a standard part of the funeral planning process at Lilies Funeral Directors—ensuring that everyone who might benefit from the system is aware of it ahead of time.
For Lee Solomon, the hearing loop is more than a piece of technology—it’s an expression of empathy.
“Mourning is already hard. Being unable to hear the service makes it even harder,” Lee explains. “This was one of those changes that just made perfect sense. It helps people feel included and connected in a moment where every word counts.”
At Lilies Funeral Directors, accessibility has become an integral part of their ethos. And as more people speak out about the challenges they face with hearing loss—especially in emotionally charged settings like funerals.
In a world where inclusion is gaining ground in many sectors, the funeral profession has an opportunity—and a responsibility—to ensure no one is left out during life’s most poignant moments.
Thanks to Lee Solomon’s foresight and dedication, Lilies Funeral Directors now offers a more complete, thoughtful, and accessible service for all. For attendees with hearing loss, it means they no longer have to sit in silence. They can hear. They can connect. And they can say goodbye.
If you need to speak to a funeral director and you have a hearing aid, please call Lilies Funeral Directors in The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham on 0121 321 3446, or visit https://www.liliesfunerals.co.uk/
