Several technological devices can assist a child’s learning in the classroom. Their use and benefits will depend on the child’s level of hearing loss, the type of hearing aid or cochlear implant they wear, and the child’s age.
REMOTE MICROPHONE TECHNOLOGY or FM SYSTEMS
These devices 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. There are various FM (frequency modulated) units that the teacher can use and handheld microphones that other students can pass around.
STREAMERS and SOUND FIELD SYSTEMS
Streamers are designed to direct sound from devices such as televisions, computers, whiteboards and tablets to the child’s hearing aid or cochlear implant.
Sound field systems distribute sounds (such as a teacher’s voice) evenly and consistently throughout a classroom. The teacher uses a microphone that amplifies their voice via a loudspeaker installed in the classroom.
INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS and LIVE CAPTIONS
Interactive whiteboards provide students with hearing loss with visual resources, including captioning.
Once a child can read proficiently, captioning is a technology that can enhance their learning. The use of captions or subtitles should be encouraged whenever a video is played in the classroom.
MOBILE PHONES and APPS
There are constantly new developments in mobile functionality that can assist with hearing. There are also speech to text apps that may be helpful to older students in the classroom.
Download the Real Life Tips infographic.
More information:
- Children assistive listening technology at school and home | Deafness Forum
- Managing hearing loss at primary school | Hearing Australia
- Assistive listening devices
