Transcript From There to HEAR

From There to HEAR
Things 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 PICTURE
Instructor’s voice needs to be heard by the student
Instructor - THERE
FM Transmitter
FM microphone
Student - HEAR
CI processor
Hearing Aid
Personal FM Receiver
Classroom - HEAR
Soundfield Receiver
Interfaced - PFM Transmitter
SF Speakers
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
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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
 FM system - problems
hearing device problem is identified
 Notify Parents to
arrange follow - up
 Helpful to contact the
clinical audiologist to
share your findings
 SPARC / Access or
whomever
recommended the
system.
 Manufacturer /
Distributor Customer
Service
Representatives
Contacts:
 Phonak - 1-800-876-1167
 SPARC -
Joy Gauvreau
306-655-1320
 ACCESS Marilyn Barrington
306-683-2770
 Saskatoon Public Schl Div
Wendy White
306-683-8229
 Other School Districts -
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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
1800-462-8336