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 ? 4 Children who have difficulty hearing or processing speech are at a significant disadvantage when listening in noisy environments, such as classrooms. 4 The farther away the talker is from the listener, and the noisier the environment is, the more problems children have with listening and learning. 4 Studies show that typical noise levels in classrooms can negatively effect speech perception, reading and spelling ability, behavior, attention, concentration and academic achievement. 4 FM systems decrease the negative effects of distance and competing noise by bringing the speakers voice to, or closer to, the child’s ear. 4 FM systems may reduce teacher stress and vocal fatigue. 4 You hear better. You learn better. It works !

Meet Jack (or Jill) of all trades …YOU! 4 Teacher 4 behavior management specialist 4 extra curricular supervisor 4 guidance counselor 4 ……………….. 4 FM expert

HELP!!! 4 Be confident in yourself - you can troubleshoot! 4 Keep the BIG PICTURE in mind…what are you trying to achieve? 4 Think through your system - step by step. 4 Dig out your system manuals - troubleshooting tips are included 4 Manufacturer customer service numbers.

Big Picture 4 All pieces of the puzzle are needed to complete the picture.

BIG PICTURE Instructor’s voice needs to be heard by the student

Step By Step Check of System 4 Step 1 - Student’s personal hearing devices 4 Step 2 - Teacher worn FM components 4 Step 3 - Classroom SF FM components 4 Step 4 - Student worn FM components 4 Step 5 - What’s next-who you going to call? »Parents …….Clinical Audiologist »Sparc / Access teams »Manufacturer - Representatives

Step 1- Student’s Hearing Device 4 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 4 Microphone –backup needed –static? –mute switch? –placement? 4 Transmitter –turned on? –Batteries - type, insertion –frequency - fixed/multi match program - – Solaris off/on »ch for CI –Campus S - lock »default freq »2 feet distance –antenna - range/interface

Step 3 - Classroom SF FM 4 Receiver –power / on –volume / tone settings –antenna –location -interference ? –speaker cables secure –interface cables correct / clean –aux / line out 4 Speakers –on –cables attached –placement in room angle sound dispersion

Step 4 Student FM Components 4 Receivers - personal –turned on ? –Tuned in (freq match)? 4 Students are your partners in FM usage - they can provide information as well as receive!

Step 5 - What’s next? 4 Student’s personal hearing device - problem is identified 4 Notify Parents to arrange follow - up 4 Helpful to contact the clinical audiologist to share your findings 4 FM system - problems 4 SPARC / Access or whomever recommended the system. 4 Manufacturer / Distributor Customer Service Representatives

Contacts: 4 SPARC - Joy Gauvreau ACCESS - Marilyn Barrington Saskatoon Public Schl Div Wendy White Other School Districts - 4 Phonak Peter Stelmacovich 4 Phonic Ear Sean Riley 4 Sennheiser Roseline Boire 4 Spectrum Sound Bill Lamb 4 Soundworks Don Friesen 4 Supportive Hearing Systems Paul Toner 4 AVR Sonovation