FM Systems & Assistive Listening Devices
Some listening situations are more difficult than others due to background noise or distance. FM Systems and other Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), when used in conjunction with or without a hearing aid can help improve speech understanding in challenging situations such as meetings, listening to lectures or seminars, restaurants, using the telephone, watching the television or traveling in the car. For those who have difficulty using mobile phones, some FM system models are available with blue tooth technology, enabling cordless, hands-free operation of mobile phones.
ALDs are ideal for those who have difficulty using hearing aids and are perfect for use in retirement villages or nursing homes for staff or family members communicating with residents.
Book an Appointment
FM SYSTEMS
Even with the most sophisticated hearing instruments, most people with hearing loss have difficulty hearing in certain situations such as restaurants, meetings, watching TV or using the phone. Background noise, distance, acoustics or lack of visual contact, makes it difficult to hear the speech signal clearly. The best way to overcome these everyday challenges is to complement hearing instruments with wireless FM technology.
FM systems are designed to pick up speech signals at the source and wirelessly transmit them clearly and without distortion to the user’s hearing instruments.
FM systems consist of a transmitter that is worn around the neck, clipped to the shirt or placed on a table. The closer the transmitter to the sound source, the clearer the signal will be. The transmitter picks up the signal and transmits it via FM transmission to a small receiver that is attached to the hearing aid. A receiver is also available that is worn around the neck, making FM technology available to in the ear instruments.
FM technology can benefit many people with hearing loss and can be used in numerous everyday situations. Some transmitters can also be used as remote control for the hearing instrument.
Understanding in background noise
Those who have difficulty hearing in restaurants, shopping centres or meetings can have confidence that they will hear each speaker’s voice clearly. Some transmitters have the capability of suppressing background noise and with a choice of microphone settings, can zoom into an individual’s voice increasing clarity and audibility or focus on a number of voices for a group discussion.
Understanding over distance
Hearing over a distance doesn’t need to be a problem, as a clear transmission can be obtained for up to 30 meters. This is ideal for meetings or for the student listening in lectures or the classroom.
Connection to audio sources and telephones
Audio sources such as TV, CD, computers and MP3 can be connected to the transmitters with the help of audio input. FM technology can even be used in conjunction with Bluetooth mobile phones, allowing cordless hands-free mobile phone use.
FM systems are easy to use and come in a range of models to suit lifestyle, hearing needs and budget. If you would like to try FM technology and see how it can benefit you, contact All Ears in Hearing for a no obligation trial.
Children and FM Systems
For children who have a mild hearing loss or concentration problems, listening in background noise or over distances can be difficult. FM technology has long been proven to benefit children in the classroom by ensuring your child hears the teacher’s voice clearly.
There are a number of small, discreet, easy to use FM systems that significantly improve the speech signal in a noisy classroom. It’s suitable for children with auditory processing disorders,concentration problems, a mild conductive, unilateral or mild hearing loss. Contact All Ears in Hearing for further information.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
ALDs are lightweight, easy to operate and are able to be used in almost any listening situation to improve speech understanding. They basically consist of three components: a microphone, a transmission technology and a device for receiving the signal and sending the sound directly and clearly to the ear.
Over the years, ALDs have become more versatile with a range of accessories available to help hearing the television, phone and stereo devices.
For people who have difficulty inserting hearing aids or operating the controls, an ALD is a perfect alternative to hearing aids. The ALD controls are clearly visible and easy to use.
In retirement villages and nursing homes, an ALD is an easy and simple way for staff or family to communicate with the residents. Headphones are placed over the resident’s ears. The microphone unit can be placed around the resident’s neck or held by the family member or nursing staff. The resident gets a clear signal directly to their ears. There is no need to worry about getting hearing aids in the ears, lost or dead batteries, hearing aids blocked with wax or raising your voice to be heard.
ALDs are also great for those with a mild hearing loss who may not benefit from hearing aids, but have difficulty hearing in noisy environments and would like some help.
If you would like to trial an ALD or know someone who may benefit from one, contact All Ears in Hearing for a no obligation trial.
Frequently asked questions
What is an FM system?
An FM system is a wireless listening aid that picks up a speaker's voice at the source and sends it to you. A transmitter is worn around the neck, clipped to a shirt or placed on a table, and sends the sound to a small receiver attached to your hearing aid. A neck-worn receiver is also available for in-the-ear devices.
What are assistive listening devices, and who might use them?
Assistive listening devices, or ALDs, are tools that support listening in harder situations such as meetings, lectures, restaurants, phone calls, TV or travelling in the car. They can be used with or without a hearing aid. They're also used in retirement villages and nursing homes by staff or family talking with residents.
Do I have to wear hearing aids to use an FM system?
No. According to our information, FM systems and other assistive listening devices can be used with or without a hearing aid. Some people find them helpful if they have difficulty using hearing aids. Our team can talk through your situation and which option may suit the places where you want to listen.
How far away can the speaker be?
The closer the transmitter is to the sound source, the clearer the signal will be. Our information says a clear transmission can be obtained for up to 30 metres, which suits meetings, lectures and classrooms. Actual results depend on the setting and the model, so ask our team about your situation.
Can I connect an FM system to my TV or mobile phone?
Often you can. Audio sources such as a TV, computer or music player can be connected to the transmitter through an audio input. Some FM models also work with Bluetooth, allowing cordless, hands-free mobile phone use. Which connections suit you depends on the model, so ask our team.
Is it possible to try an FM system before committing?
Yes, our website mentions a no-obligation trial. Trying one in the situations that matter to you, such as meetings or noisy restaurants, shows how it feels in daily life. To arrange a trial, call Rochedale South on 07 3841 3764 or Shailer Park on 0478 282 561.
Are FM systems used with children?
They can be. Children who find it hard to listen in background noise or over distances may be considered for FM technology. Whether it suits a particular child depends on their hearing and their school or home settings, so ask our team to talk it through. Your family's GP or specialist may also be involved.