Technology

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are electronic devices that pick up and amplify sound. The amplified sound allows for increased volume and better communication for the wearer. There are four types of hearing instruments on the market today, virtually invisible, yet enormously efficient. They all function in similar ways but are suited to specific types of conditions and degrees of hearing loss.
Hearing aids today can be grouped under the following categories:

Completely-in-the-Canal Instruments (CIC)

CICs are the smallest, most inconspicuous type of hearing instrument, and are considered by some to be more cosmetically appealing than other types available today.

In-the- Canal Instrument (ITC))

ITCs are larger than the hearing instruments designed to fit entirely within the ear canal, and smaller than an ITE.

In-the-Ear Instruments (ITE)

ITEs fit into the cradle portion of the ear and are designed to accommodate a range of hearing conditions.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instruments are worn behind the ear and are connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. Sound travels through the earmold into the ear. BTE hearing instruments are used by people of all ages who experience mild to profound hearing loss.

Classroom Sound Field

A classroom sound field pictured above consists of three elements the tower, the microphone and a headset. The purpose is to deliever amplified sound throughout the classroom using the headset (usually worn by the teacher) and the microphone (usually used by the students). the tower is usually placed near the student with a hearing impairment and preferably to the side he or she hears better from. The classroom sound field benefits the entire class not only the students with hearing impairments. To gain the most from the sound field it is important...

• That it is being used, especially the microphone during class discussion
• That the headset and microphone are recharged nightly
• That the volume is correct and a way of testing that (if the person using the equipment can hear themselves through the tower it is to loud

What is an FM Listening System?

An FM system is a wireless system that transmits sound directly from source to the ear. It consists of an FM microphone and one or two FM receivers. The wireless communication system (FM system) has a transmitter, which picks up the voice from the speaker (microphone) and sends it via radio waves (wireless) directly to the tiny radio (FM) receiver, which is connected to the personal hearing instrument. Below is a series of picture and instruction on how to charge and us the FM system.

• To switch on: press and hold the button for two seconds
• To switch off: press and hold the button for two seconds
• The microphone is located on the side of the FM
• Do not cover the microphone with your finger, it effects the sound quality
• To connect to a computer or television attach the small adapter piece to the bottom of the Easy link then connect the audio cable to the audio jack to the labelled plug on the Easy Link or FM
• To charge the Easy Link attach the adapter to the wall adapter, do not charge for more than a 2 day period.

To charge the FM first attach the wall charger to the wall then add the adapter (small black peice) to the bottom of the FM, next attach the wall adapter cord to the left side of the adapter the FM should be charged over night.



The first picture shows how the an FM can be attached to a computer or television to provide audio, with the adapter attached to the bottom of the FM plug the provided cord into the audio slot on the left hand side and the other end of the cord into the audio plug on the computer or t.v. an (A) will appear on the screen of the FM to let you know you are attached.

The second picture above shows you the microphone on the FM it is the black slot along the side this should be free of all interference when being used, when using the FM on a table for a group the FM should be placed as shown.

A Resource Guide to Support Classroom T.A. and Teachers with
Hearing Aid/FM Systems/ Easylink

Always check that the FM and aids are working well, a stethoscope can be used to determine this. Always make sure the tubing is free and clear of any water or condensation.
Speak in a normal tone of voice with the microphone approximately 8 to 10 inches from your mouth. If the microphone has a clip it should be used to avoid the device from dangling and picking up undue noise. Your voice will be amplified, but remember that no hearing aid will allow your student to hear exactly as he would if he/she had no hearing loss.

A personal hearing aid works best within a 15 meters or 50 ft. in side the building and 30 meters or 100 ft. outside a building. Beyond that, other background noise will interfere. It is important to be aware of this range for direct instruction and group activities.