Can You Hear Me Now? An Ears-On Demonstration of FM System Use and Misuse Linda Koehler and Donna Casavant Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Objectives Participants will know the optimal ways to use Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) transmitting equipment. Participants will understand the consequences of common mistakes made with HAT transmitters.
YAY! Misuse versus faux pas or OOPS We appreciate your intent to maximize auditory access for our students with hearing loss. We know the many things you have to juggle in your classrooms.
OOPS! Playing with the equipment Webinar audio Common mistakes and how they sound
Clarification of Terms Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT) all equipment that helps people hear. HAT includes: Personal Technology Hearing Aid Cochlear Implant
Clarification of Terms FM Technology: Transmitters Phonak Inspiro, Roger Smart/Zoom/ Easy Link Oticon Amigo
Clarification of Terms Wearing Options Lavalier/lanyard or Belt Clip Lapel or boom microphone
Wearing the Transmitter Inspiro/Roger/Amigo Lavalier or Lanyard vs Belt Clip SmartLink/ZoomLink/ EasyLink
Accessory Equipment Clarification of Terms MultiTalker Network DynaMic or Pass around Audio patch cord
Clarification of Terms Shoe or Boot FM Technology: Receivers MyLink Integrated Receiver Phonak isense Oticon Amigo Star
Clarification of Terms FM Technology: Receivers Dynamic SoundField or Tower
Microphone Placement Centered within 6 inches of mouth, free of interfering accessories, microphone dots or screen* facing out. Inspiro/Roger/Amigo Link series
Microphone Placement Boom Microphone Advantage: consistent speech signal regardless of head movement Positioning Directly in front of mouth Right way around Can block visual access to speechreading
Demonstrations Beware of: Too low (lapel/links) Off to side Dots in
Microphone Placement Inspiro/Roger/Amigo Link series Centered Within 6 inches of mouth Free of interfering accessories microphone dots or screen* facing out.
Unintended Noise Beware of: Banging / holding microphone casing (lapel/link) Muting by covering Keys Jewelry: necklaces, bracelets Buttons, zippers, swishy fabric Scarves Fidgets: papers, pencils Private conversations and functions
Access? HAT improves auditory access but does not necessarily correct hearing to normal range and clarity Transmitters turned off, unsynched, networked Receivers not attached Personal technology not in correct program (if applicable) On/off vs. muting Audio patch cord
Checklist Daily listening check Turned on Receivers on Correct program (if they have them) Synched (Transmitter to Receiver) Networked (Inspiro to secondary or DynaMic) Microphones are free of interfering accessories
Accessing Peer Communication Student comments from across the room
Accessing Peer Communication It is essential that students hear what their peers say! Questions Answers Comments Jokes
Accessing Peer Communication One Transmitter Do Wear the microphone if possible Handle it gently when transferring Clip it to a ruler for smoother passing Hold it at chest with dots out for best reception
Accessing Peer Communication One Transmitter Beware of: Handling the microphone Holding it too close to your mouth Moving the microphone Distance from mouth
Accessing Peer Communication Two Transmitters Do Confirm MultiTalker Network is synched Leave the Primary Inspiro/Roger turned on, you can mute Hold DynaMic still and high at chest
Accessing Peer Communication Student Use of Transmitter Beware of: Ineffective position and distance Holding vs. using stand Fidgeting swaying mic, antenna wrapping, banging Inspiro overrides DynaMic or secondary Inspiro signal
Accessing Peer Communication EasyLink. SmartLink, ZoomLink Do Handle carefully to minimize noise Stand Link in cup in center of tight group
Summary Establish communication with students Do they know if it s working? Can/Will they tell you if it s not working? How? Build vocabulary for precise communication Will they be an expert for others? Troubleshooting Teaching substitute teachers Play and hear the consequences it s enlightening!
Proper use of HAT is a vital part of maximizing access for many students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Summary
Summary It s not easy to think of and remember all of these details. We all make mistakes and have misunderstandings which we can learn from!
Summary Keep up the great work! Contact your PSO consultant if you have any questions.
Resources MECDHH Webinars at mecdhh.or/resources/webinars/ Phonak eschooldesk at http://www.phonak.com/us/b2c/en/support/eschooldesk/overview.html Oticon Support at peoplefirst@oticonusa.com Sound Advice: Information Related to the Audiological Management of Students with Hearing Loss in Mainstream Settings from Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l37lzligqu http://successforkidswithhearingloss.com/amplification https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln8nhzvfjkq
QUESTIONS?