Conversation in a WAV 4 December 2016 at 4:13PM in Disability money matters 4 replies 2K views

sleepy14

We use a WAV (wheelchair access vehicle)

Because when I am sat in my wheelchair in the back, it is, if you can imagine like sitting in the back of a van with all the road noise etc. I fine it very difficult to hear what anyone in the car is saying to me and vice versa.

I asked a similar question some months back but cant find it, sorry.

Cyclamen

I found this but had a renault kangoo basic model so assumed it was due to that.

Ideas and i have no clue if they will help..

1) carpetting the back and sides away from where the chair goes.. if its scotchguarded it might help?

2) motorbike intercom system.. my folks had these years ago a headset that went in the crash helmet so they could talk to each other? I'm not suggesting the crash hat but maybe something would adapt?

3) Perhaps someone like REMAP could create something for you.. they are a charity that takes on engineering problems for disabled and make products to solve the issue.. i've seen some of their work and they are amazing.

I will ask around and if i find any solutions come back to you..its hard enough hearing the conversation from the back seat in a standard lay out a WAV just adds to the difficulty

Savvy_Sue

sleepy14 wrote: »

I asked a similar question some months back but cant find it, sorry.

I remember, because I made some suggestions!

Original thread is here.

w06

You need to better insulate the van. Sound proof matting or even just carpet will change the acoustics for the better - think an empty unfurnished house compared to one with carpets and furniture.

You could have a bidirectional mic and speaker set up too, worth imprving the soundproofing first though

teddysmum

w06 wrote: »

You need to better insulate the van. Sound proof matting or even just carpet will change the acoustics for the better - think an empty unfurnished house compared to one with carpets and furniture.

The other half of our semi is being refurbished and the builders have removed all carpets and curtains. Even just walking about they sound noisy and voices sound as though they are shouting, so insulation does make a big difference.