Perspectives on Hearing and Hearing Disorders in Childhood

Coordinator's Corner

Hutsell, G. — 2008-03-01

FM Verification for the 21st Century

Eiten, L., Lewis, D. — 2008-03-01

Background: For children with hearing loss, the benefits of FM systems in overcoming deleterious effects of noise, distance, and reverberation have led to recommendations for use beyond classroom settings. It is important that audiologists who recommend and fit these devices understand the rationale and procedures underlying fitting and verification.

Objectives: This article reviews previousguidelines for FM verification, addresses technological advances, and introduces verification procedures appropriate for current FM and hearing-aid technology.

Methods: Previous guidelines for verification of FM systems are reviewed. Those recommendations that are appropriate for current technology are addressed, as are procedures that are no longer adequate for hearing aids and FM systems utilizing more complex processing than in the past. Technological advances are discussed, and an updated approach to FM verification is proposed.

Conclusions: Approaches to verification andfitting of FM systems must keep pace with advances in hearing-aid and FM technology. The transparency approach addressed in this paper is recommended for verification of FM systems coupled to hearing aids.

Frequency Modulated (FM) Considerations for Children With Minimal/Mild or Unilateral Hearing Loss

Mckay, S. — 2008-03-01

Children with minimal/mild bilateral hearing loss (MBHL) or unilateral hearing loss (UHL) are at risk for academic, speech/language, and social/emotional difficulties, and the provision of FM is a standard recommendation. In this article, various topics relating to FM use by children with MBHL/UHL are discussed. First, the difficulties that some children with MBHL/UHL experience are reviewed. A discussion ensues on the use of FM systems by children with MBHL/UHL and what choices could be considered. Ultimately, each child must be evaluated individually for use of an FM system, as there is no "one size fits all" solution to their communication difficulties. Finally, tips on communicating with children who have MBHL/UHL are reviewed.

Selecting the Optimal FM System for Children With Cochlear Implants

Schafer, E. C. — 2008-03-01

Children who use cochlear implants experience significant difficulty hearing speech in the presence of background noise, such as in the classroom. To address these difficulties, audiologists often recommend frequency-modulated (FM) systems for children with cochlear implants. The purpose of this article is to examine current empirical research in the area of FM systems and cochlear implants. Discussion topics will include selecting the optimal type of FM receiver, benefits of binaural FM-system input, importance of DAI receiver-gain settings, and effects of speech-processor programming on speech recognition. FM systems significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the child's ear through the use of three types of FM receivers: mounted speakers, desktop speakers, or direct-audio input (DAI). This discussion will aid audiologists in making evidence-based recommendations for children using cochlear implants and FM systems.

FM Use in Schools: No Static at All

Smiley, D. F. — 2008-03-01

The appropriate and consistent use of personal FM systems in schools by students who have auditory disorders is critical to the academic success of these students. School personnel who work with these students have to deal with the day-to-day use, care, and maintenance of these devices. This article provides insight into ways that audiologists can provide support and technical assistance to school personnel using the acrostic STATIC. The use of simulations may help school personnel to better understand why personal FM systems need to be used. Suggestions for helping school personnel be able to appropriately troubleshoot this type of equipment are offered. Audiologists need to be an ally to school personnel in this endeavor to get more consistent use of FM in schools. By targeting manageable strategies for the use of personal FM systems in schools, audiologists may see increased compliance of the use of these devices. In addition, audiologists can identify resources for school personnel on the use of these devices in the school setting. And last, if audiologists can provide consistent and ongoing technical support, personal FM systems will be used more appropriately and consistently in the school setting.

Meeting the Listening Needs of Adolescents: FM and Other Technologies

Kordas, T. — 2008-03-01

The benefits of frequency-modulated (FM) systems have been well established. An FM system provides a favorable signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio even in the most difficult listening situations. With today's technology, FM systems are smaller and easier to use; however, many older school-aged children and adolescents choose to not use them, due to a variety of reasons. This manuscript provides suggestions for creative ways for audiologists to meet the needs of adolescents.

Audiologists who work with school-aged children and adolescents can be creative in regards to FM technology and encourage FM use beyond the traditional classroom. Audiologists also can provide information on assistive devices and alternative technology such as the use of direct audio input (DAI), vibrating alarm clocks, and Bluetooth® technology. These options may address the unique listening needs of adolescents and allow them to interact and participate in the same activities as their normal-hearing peers.