subject: Assistive Listening Devices in the Classroom, increase signal-to-noise [print this page] Available hearing technology can amplify sound, reduce background noise, and increase signal-to-noise ratios so the hearing-impaired can listen better in class.
Children with hearing loss will most likely need special devices in order to listen effectively in school. Not all children will benefit from each device, but may need different combinations of systems to perform at their best. Teachers may come across any or all of the following devices for hearing-impaired students in the classroom.
Hearing AidsHearing aids are the most commonly known listening devices for people with hearing loss. The best style of hearing aid for children consists of an ear mold, which is placed into the child's ear, and microphone-battery compartment that resides at the back of the ear. The two parts are connected with tubing that simultaneously performs as an ear hook and contains the electrical wire delivering sound signals into the ear.
Recently, hearing aids have adopted digital technology that eliminates most feedback noise. Also, children's hearing aid devices have special features such as a locking battery door, volume control deactivation, and they come in a variety of colors. When the volume control is preset, teachers may have to help the child adjust it when necessary. Teachers may also be asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the hearing aid in the classroom setting.
Cochlear Implants
When hearing aids do not prove to be helpful enough, children may gain more benefits with cochlear implants. These are devices with components that are surgically implanted behind a child's ear. The implanted components deliver electrical pulses to the nerve endings in the cochlea.
A child will need intensive hearing therapy in order for the brain to learn how to interpret the signals of a cochlear implant. He/she may need to return periodically for refitting as well, and teachers may be able to help determine when this is necessary by paying close attention to a child's responsiveness in class.
FM DevicesThe FCC has exclusively defined certain radio frequencies for use by people with hearing loss so the competition by radio or other devices is minimal. Special FM devices can be used in the classroom and elsewhere by hearing impaired students so sound is further amplified. These systems have two main parts: a microphone for the person speaking (generally the teacher) and a receiver that delivers the voice signal to the child's hearing aid or cochlear implant.
The receiver can be in the form of a speaker sitting on the student's desk (desktop FM system), speakers installed near the desk such as on the classroom ceiling (classroom soundfield), or a device attached to the hearing aid or implant (personal FM system). These assistive listening devices will bring sound within a child's listening bubble.
Alerting SystemsAnother important technology for students is the alerting system. These are devices that will accommodate hearing-impaired students in case of a fire or other emergency. The importance of these signals will need to be emphasized in young children, but normal sound systems found in door bells, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and the like may not be perceived if a student has profound hearing loss.
In these cases, children will need to be informed of an emergency alarm via vibrations or visual stimuli such as light. This type of technology can range in complexity from simple single units located in a prominent location to systems that have multiple parts. These more complicated systems may include a transmitter, and receiver in the form of a wristband worn by the child.
Teachers may be asked to monitor the student's progress with his/her listening devices, which in many instances may be new. Parents will be the main source of information for educators of children with hearing difficulties. Therefore, the collaboration between families and school educators is the most important factor in the educational success of the student with hearing loss.
Assistive Listening Devices in the Classroom, increase signal-to-noise
