FM / Remote Mic Help
The FM system supports a consistent auditory signal. As the teacher (i.e. the person wearing the microphone transmitter) moves about, the listening signal does not change because the distance of the microphone to the speaker does not change. The FM system microphone also supports "more accurate" listening because the microphone sends all speech sounds through the system. In contrast, talking loudly only projects some sounds (mostly vowels) but other sounds are not projected (e.g. unvoiced sounds such as "s" and "f"). Please remember that sounds must be picked up from the microphone in order to be transmitted (i.e. only the teacher's voice is projected).
Here are some "quick facts" about using remote microphone systems:
The mic should approximately collarbone height, worn on your dominant side (so if you turn to write on the board while talking, you turn towards the mic as you're writing). The mic should also be secure to your person because it will pick up all sounds (including clothes and/or lanyards that rub against it)
If the student uses the system for the majority of the school day, please charge the system each night. The systems need to be off when charging. When we have more than a 3-day weekend, please leave the system off of the charger, so it doesn't overheat.
Do not wrap cords tightly or clip the microphone to the cord. The microphones have very small wires; folding or crimping the cord breaks the wires inside. These are very expensive pieces, so consideration of equipment care is greatly appreciated.
For students who listen with a headphone based system: students are welcome to bring in their own earbuds if preferred....headphones are provided because they "fit" everyone, whereas earbuds come in various sizes and not feasible to match sizing for students.
Most systems require special batteries, so do not change batteries on your own....it can destroy the system. Proprietary batteries are required for system success.
FM is a radio signal; it will broadcast even if you leave the room (e.g. go to the bathroom)
If you have any difficulty, please contact the BSD Audiologist (Elena Stamm) for troubleshooting.
Cleaning (and Disinfecting) Devices
Cleaning and disinfecting listening systems must be effective in reducing any potential harmful materials (such as viral or bacterial matter) without causing damage to the system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends wearing disposable gloves and using products that are registered as a registered and approved surface disinfectant (Check the EPA's List N Here). Additionally, many manufacturers of technology devices recommend against the use of alcohol-based products, as they can degrade the devices over time. While many products are available, many manufacturers of remote listening devices permit isopropyl (70%) as a widely-available option (although not a preferred choice as it can be detrimental over time); be sure to consult the product manual for recommended cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Key factors to successfully disinfecting includes:
Pre-clean surfaces if surfaces are visibly dirty
Avoid directly spraying display screens and/or microphone openings. If using a liquid solution, spray a cloth until damp and then wipe the device(s).
Follow disinfectant instructions to ensure adequate contact time for successful disinfecting to occur. (for example, as of July 24, 2020, List N contains 19 products using isopropyl alcohol as the active ingredient with required contact time ranging from 1 to 10 minutes).
Safely store cleaners/disinfectants
Wash hands after using any cleaners/disinfectants
Device Tutorials
MedEl
MedEl Samba 2 Go (also see Roger Handouts for accompanying devices)
Phonak Roger (Pairs with Advanced Bionics)
Roger Touchscreen Handout (for hearing aids/cochlear implants with built-in receivers)
Resound (Pairs with Cochlear Corporation)
Resound/Cochlear Corp Multi Mic Handout (autoconnect)
Resound/Cochlear Corp Multi Mic with Kanso CI Processors Handout (manually force streaming)
Oticon (no CI)
Oticon ConnectClip (Black)
Oticon EduMic (White)
Hearing Aid + Neck Loop Handout (Oticon T5 with the Oticon Arc)
FM With Headphones (Oticon T5 with the Oticon R5)
FM with "Ear Level" Receivers (Oticon T5 with the Oticon R2)
Classroom Audio Distribution Systems
FrontRow Lyrik Note: FrontRow recommended Lyrik CH 2, 4, 8, 11, 14, 16, 24, 28, 35, 45, 49, 53, 54, 57, 60, 63, 64, 69, 73, 75, 76, 79, 83, 88, 91, 94 in the Boise area. Remaining Lyrik Channels have a risk of being disturbed of DTV signal in the UHF band CH 22, 24 & 25.