Dr. Jill Townsend, CCC-A
Metro Regional
Program
Fall 2016
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
The
every day challenges:
Three major factors degrade the Signal-to-Noise
Ratio (SNR) and therefore the quality of the speech
signal



Background noise
Reverberation
Distance
Classrooms are Noisy Places
Reverberation
Noise affects learning
for all children…
Why does my student need FM?
Word recognition
up-close in quiet
Normal hearing
children and adults
Age
Group
4 years
5 years
6 years
Adult
(1.8 m)
Word recognition
with distance
&noise
(7 m)
88.3%
94.3%
98%
99.3%
67%
84%
86.7%
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
Classroom Demonstration
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l37lzLIgQU
 The ideal listening range for an individual with
hearing devices is 3-4 feet. Imagine it as the “hula
hoop range”
Do implanted students have
the same problems in noise?
YES!!!
 FM with implants
 FM with unilateral
hearing loss
 FM with BAHA
What is an FM system?
1) Transmitter
2) Receiver
3) Wireless transmission
2
1
How does an FM system work?
• 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
Keys to Successful FM Operation
•
The transmitter and receiver must
be on the same channel.
Channel
09
• 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 50-100 feet
outdoors)
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.
Receiver styles
Roger 17
iConnect w/ MLXi
Universal
Universal w/ plastic
Audio shoe
(other manufacturer)
Integrated w/in hearing
Instrument
iSense
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.
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.
Inspiro – Ports
3.5mm
standard jack
for audio input
for use with
electronics
Mini USB for charging at end of the day
Wearing the Inspiro
Belt Clip 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
ZoomLink Components
1. Antenna/neckloop
2. Button to adjust length
3. ON/OFF-microphone setting buttons
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
Zoomlink Adapter Ports
Audio Port:
Used to connect
to electronics.
ADAPTER
Charge Port: Attach
adapter to bottom of
unit.
Care tips
 Check each student’s FM system daily to ensure it is





working correctly. Rule 51 007.07C1
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.
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.
•www.nebraskamrp.com- “MRP Audiology Services” tab
on the top right hand side then select “FM Support” or
“Troubleshooting Guide” for more troubleshooting help.
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.
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.
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!
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.