Soundfield systems

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Soundfield systems help students hear their teacher’s instructions clearly. These systems have a microphone that the teacher wears and one or more speakers placed strategically around the classroom. The teacher talks into the microphone, and the sound is evenly distributed through the speakers, making it easy for students to hear. Soundfield systems benefit all students, including those with hearing loss, auditory processing disorders and those learning English as a second language.

Teachers play a crucial role in ensuring that this technology works well. They need to understand why soundfield systems are helpful and how to use them effectively.

There are a number of systems available on the market. Discuss with your child’s audiologist and teacher of the deaf about the one that will best suit your child’s needs.

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Audio frequency induction loops

An audio frequency induction (loop) is a way of transmitting sound through a wire loop to the telecoil in a hearing aid or a suitable receiver. They are mostly used to eliminate background noise.

TV and captions for deaf children

Your child may find captions a very useful way of following TV programs, DVDs, movies, cartoons and so on. Captions allow deaf children to read the spoken words and other sounds contained in the program or movie. They can also help your child to pick up new words, improve their reading skills and develop their understanding of many ideas and concepts. It is never too early to start using captions.

Loop systems at home

Andrew Stewart has been installing loop systems for 20 years. He is hearing impaired and has two hearing impaired children – all use a loop to watch TV at home. Andrew helps us to unravel the mysteries of loops.

Other communicative devices

There are other assistive devices and technologies that will assist your child at home, school and in the community.

Remote microphone technology

Remote microphone technology usually consist of a microphone (transmitter) and a receiver. The receiver is either attached to the child’s hearing aid or cochlear implant or worn around their neck. The microphone transmits sound wirelessly to the receiver, providing improved speech perception in noisy environments.

FM systems are also called Remote Microphone Systems. Your audiologist at Hearing Australia can advise you on the best option for your child’s needs.