From There to HEARThings to try when experiencing
problems with FM systems
Joy Gauvreau MA. Aud( c ), B. Ed
Why use an FM system ?
Children who have difficulty hearing or processing speech are at a significant disadvantage when listening in noisy environments, such as classrooms.
The farther away the talker is from the listener, and the noisier the environment is , the more problems children have with listening and learning.
Studies show that typical noise levels in classrooms can negatively effect speech perception, reading and spelling ability, behavior, attention, concentration and academic achievement.
FM systems decrease the negative effects of distance and competing noise by bringing the speakers voice to , or closer to, the child’s ear.
FM systems may reduce teacher stress and vocal fatigue.
You hear better. You learn better. It works !
Meet Jack (or Jill) of all trades…YOU!
Teacher behavior management
specialist extra curricular
supervisor guidance counselor ……………….. FM expert
HELP!!!
Be confident in yourself - you can troubleshoot!
Keep the BIG PICTURE in mind…what are you trying to achieve?
Think through your system - step by step. Dig out your system manuals -
troubleshooting tips are included Manufacturer customer service numbers.
Big Picture
All pieces of the puzzle are needed to complete the picture.
BIG PICTUREInstructor’s voice needs to be heard by the student
S tu d en t - H E A RC I p roce ssorH e a rin g A id
P e rso na l F M R e ce ive r
C la ss ro o m - H E A RS o u nd fie ld R e ce ive r
In te rface d - P F M T ra n sm itte rS F S pe a ke rs
In s tru c to r - T H E R EF M T ra n sm itte rF M m ic ro ph o ne
Step By Step Check of System
Step 1 - Student’s personal hearing devices Step 2 - Teacher worn FM components Step 3 - Classroom SF FM components Step 4 - Student worn FM components Step 5 - What’s next-who you going to call?
» Parents …….Clinical Audiologist
» Sparc / Access teams
» Manufacturer - Representatives
Step 1- Student’s Hearing Device
Check the devices without the FM• listening check (stetoclip / earbuds)
• student reporting - use Ling Sounds Chart / actions
• signal check wand
• battery insertion & testing
• earmold - Clean? Fit? Tubing?
• Audioboot for hearing aid
• Cable / adaptor / accessory cover for processor
Step 2 - Teacher FM Components Microphone
– backup needed
– static?
– mute switch?
– placement?
Transmitter– turned on?
– Batteries - type, insertion
– frequency - fixed/multi
• match
• program -
– Solaris off/on
» ch 28 - 32 for CI
– Campus S - lock
» default freq
» 2 feet distance
– antenna - range/interface
Step 3 - Classroom SF FM
Receiver– power / on
– volume / tone settings
– antenna
– location -interference ?
– speaker cables secure
– interface cables • correct / clean
– aux / line out
Speakers– on
– cables attached
– placement in room• angle
• sound dispersion
Step 4 Student FM Components
Receivers - personal– turned on ?
– Tuned in (freq match)?
Students are your partners in FM usage - they can provide information as well as receive!
Step 5 - What’s next?
Student’s personal hearing device - problem is identified
Notify Parents to arrange follow - up
Helpful to contact the clinical audiologist to share your findings
FM system - problems SPARC / Access or
whomever recommended the system.
Manufacturer / Distributor Customer Service Representatives
Contacts:
SPARC - Joy Gauvreau 306-655-1320
ACCESS - Marilyn Barrington 306-683-2770
Saskatoon Public Schl Div Wendy White 306-683-8229
Other School Districts -
Phonak - 1-800-876-1167 Peter Stelmacovich
Phonic Ear - 1-800-263-8700 Sean Riley
Sennheiser - 1-800-463-1006 Roseline Boire
Spectrum Sound 306-922-2542 Bill Lamb
Soundworks 306-222-3778 Don Friesen
Supportive Hearing Systems 1-800-732-8804 Paul Toner
AVR Sonovation 1-800-462-8336