1. Metro Regional Program
Accessing The World
Dr. Jill Townsend, CCC-A
Metro Regional Program
Fall 2016

2. Today’s Topics Introduction to basic FM concepts Equipment overview:
Receiver styles
How to use an Inspiro transmitter
How to use a Zoomlink transmitter
Care and troubleshooting of equipment
Learning Rotations
Equipment Distribution

3. The every day challenges:
Three major factors degrade the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and therefore the quality of the speech signal
The challenges
The listening problems experienced by people with hearing loss have been well documented.
The three major factors that degrade the quality of the speech signal received by hearing instruments and make communication particularly difficult for the hearing impaired are:
• Background noise
• Reverberation (Echo)
• Distance between the speaker and the listener
Background noise
Reverberation
Distance

4. Classrooms are Noisy Places
Reverberation
Noise affects learning
for all children…

5. Why does my student need FM?
Word recognition up-close in quiet
(1.8 m)
Word recognition with distance &noise
(7 m)
Age Group
Normal hearing children and adults
4 years
88.3%
67%
5 years
94.3%
84%
98%
6 years
86.7%
99.3%
Adult
97.0%
Adapted from Johnson 1996
ALL CHILDREN are at a disadvantage when listening to a distant speaker or in background noise
Children who are hearing impaired have an even greater disadvantage in these environments
FM overcomes the factors of background noise and distance from sound source

6. Classroom Demonstration
The ideal listening range for an individual with hearing devices is 3-4 feet. Imagine it as the “hula hoop range”
30 sec to 5:30 min.

7. Do implanted students have the same problems in noise?
YES!!!
FM with implants
FM with unilateral hearing loss
FM with BAHA

8. What is an FM system?
Transmitter
Receiver
Wireless transmission 2 1

9. How does an FM system work?
FM radio waves
An FM system consists of two parts: a transmitter and a receiver.
Through a transmitter, the speaker’s voice will be picked up with a microphone close to the mouth. (Animation 1x) The transmitter sends the speech signal to the receiver, that is connected to the hearing instrument, as FM radio waves. (Animation 1x) The receiver delivers the clean signal to the hearing instrument.
Talker speaks into the transmitter
The speaker’s voice is transmitted through the FM radio waves
The receiver, which is connected to the hearing instrument, delivers the sound to the hearing instrument 9

10. Keys to Successful FM Operation
The transmitter and receiver must be on the same channel.
The transmitter must be charged.
Antennas ‘exposed.’
The receiver must be powered. (usually by the hearing instrument or cochlear implant)
Must be within operating range. (20-40 feet indoors and feet outdoors)
Channel 09

11. Daily routine with hearing instruments
Visual Inspection
Check to see that the earmold is not blocked and the
tubing is not cut or cracked.
Check for moisture in the tubing.
Set the hearing instrument to appropriate settings.
Listening check
Listen to the hearing instrument.
Turn transmitter on. Make sure you are receiving an FM signal.

12. Integrated w/in hearing
Receiver styles
Roger 17
iConnect w/ MLXi
Universal
Universal w/ plastic
Audio shoe
(other manufacturer)
Integrated w/in hearing
Instrument
iSense

13. Using Inspiro Transmitter
Turning on and off: Push the slider to the left to turn on and to the right to turn off.
To save power, the backlight of the Inspiro LCD is switched off after a certain time. Press any button to activate the LCD backlight.

14. Syncing to Hearing Devices
Hold transmitter 5 inches from hearing device. Press sync/connect button to connect the receiver to the transmitter. Student should hear a “beep” when connected.

15. Inspiro – Ports
3.5mm
standard jack for audio input for use with electronics
Mini USB for charging at end of the day

16. Wearing the Inspiro Belt Clip style Neckloop Style
The clip is attached to the button on back of transmitter
Neckloop Style
The clip is attached to the button on back of transmitter

17. ZoomLink Components Antenna/neckloop Button to adjust length
ON/OFF-microphone setting buttons

18. Using the Zoomlink
To turn on/off: Press and hold any microphone button until LCD screen lights up.
Zoomlink automatically syncs receivers within 5 inches. Students will hear a “beep” when first synced.
Unit is ready when information is displayed:
Channel number
Battery status
Microphone setting

19. Zoomlink Adapter Ports
Audio Port: Used to connect to electronics.
ADAPTER
Charge Port: Attach adapter to bottom of unit.

20. Care tips
Check each student’s FM system daily to ensure it is working correctly. Rule C1
Each FM-using student should have a basket, with a gray case for the transmitter and a small plastic case to store the receiver in when not in use.
Always have a supply of extra device batteries available. A battery tester is also included in your basket.
Keep FM systems away from water; FM products are electronic devices and water can cause serious damage.
Do not drop an FM system on a hard surface.
Avoid exposing an FM system to extreme heat or storing it in direct sunlight.

21. Troubleshooting of Equipment
A Troubleshooting checklist is included in each student’s basket. Use this to attempt to resolve problems prior to submitting a request through FM Support.
“MRP Audiology Services” tab on the top right hand side then select “FM Support” or “Troubleshooting Guide” for more troubleshooting help.

22. Equipment Distribution
The staff member that has been identified as being the equipment manager for each student will remain to pick-up the student’s basket at the end of the Learning Rotations.
The staff member will need to complete the Professional Information form located in the student’s basket.
If you serve more than one student, complete one sheet in its entirety and fill-out the name of the other students on the sheet from their respective basket(s). Then staple the forms together. 22

23. Learning Rotations
Using the playing cards, we will group by numbers/face cards for the station rotations.
There will be 2-4 people at each station. Each person will troubleshoot or resolve the equipment at each station. If you are familiar with FM, please help others in your group.
Move to stations based on your playing card number:
-2, 3, 4 go to Station A
-5 , 6, 7 go to Station B
-8, 9, 10 go to Station C
-Jack, Queen, King go to Station D
Groups will rotate to the next station at the signal.

24. Closing Thank you for attending today.
Individuals that are the equipment managers please collect your student(s)’ baskets. Others may leave.
Have a great year!

25. Equipment Distribution
The staff member that has been identified as being the equipment manager for each student will remain to pick-up the student’s basket at the end of the Learning Rotations.
The staff member will need to complete the Professional Information form located in the student’s basket.
If you serve more than one student, complete one sheet in its entirety and fill-out the name of the other students on the sheet from their respective basket(s). Then staple the forms together. 25