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