| FM Systems are
solutions that give people with hearing
loss the same opportunities for communication
as people with normal hearing. But in
noisy environments and other difficult
listening situations, hearing aid users
may receive additional benefit from
using a dedicated FM radio communication
system. |
 |
| A new and improved
FM system |
| FM system gives
both children and adults with impaired
hearing optimum opportunities for hearing
and understanding speech when they are
in noisy environments with poor acoustics.
The FM system makes everyday communication
easier. |
|
| The FM system consists
of two parts: |
A microphone with a built-in FM transmitter
transmits the sound signal as a radio
signal to one or more receivers. |
|
FM receiver that is connected to the
hearing aid via a new audio shoe, featuring
the completely new slide-on system. |
|
| The physical separation
of the microphone and the receiver allows
the hearing aid user to understand speech
in noisy environments and at distances
of up to 30 metres. Setting the microphone
into directional mode allows the user
to hear speech clearly at a distance
of several metres, including in places
with a high amount of noise and poor
acoustics. |
|
| Telephones and loop
systems |
| If you have an
acute hearing loss you could benefit
by using different types of special
technical aids. |
|
| Below are some
examples : |
|
Loop systems for TV or radio |
|
FM and infrared systems |
|
Telecommunication equipment |
|
Warning device |
|
| Loop systems for TV,
stereo or radio |
If you use a hearing
aid with a telecoil, a loop system will
enable you to hear a television or a
radio from almost anywhere. Basically,
a small microphone is placed near the
television, stereo or radio. It picks
up the sound and sends it to an amplifier
and then on to the loop.
Some public buildings are equipped with
loops, for example cinemas and churches.
A counter loop is a special loop, which
can, for example, be fitted at banks
and ticket offices. These small loops
cover the immediate area close to the
counter. |
|
| FM and infrared systems |
An FM system is
a two-component system that consists
of a microphone and transmitter which
are worn by the speaker, and a receiver
and an earpiece which are worn by the
listener. The signal is transmitted
via FM radio waves. This is a good solution
where, for example, lectures or public
meetings are to be held.
An infrared system works more or less
like the FM system. But here, the signal
is transmitted via infrared light waves.
If you have a hearing loss and sit close
to a television or a radio, he/she can
also use an ordinary headset or neck
loop. |
|
| Telecommunication
equipment |
If you find it
difficult to hear what people are saying
on the telephone, there are several
types of specialised telephones on the
market that can assist you.
Telephones with amplifiers can be one
solution.
Some telephones can also be supplied
with an additional earpiece - sometimes
called a watch receiver. This makes
it possible for you to listen with both
ears. It is also possible to get an
extension tone caller. |
|
| If you suffer from
acute hearing loss, a text-phone is
probably the answer. With a text-phone
you can type text instead of talking.
If you would like to communicate with
a person who is using a normal phone
you will, however, need to use a telephone
company that can provide on-line speech
to text and/or text to speech translation.
For further information, contact your
telephone company. |
|
| Warning devices |
| Most alarms and
warning devices use noise to draw attention.
But standard devices will only be of
limited use if you suffer from hearing
loss. It is possible to get alarm clocks
with flashing lights or vibrating pads
which can be placed inside your pillow. |
|
| Doorbells can also
be connected to flashing lights. You
could also have extra doorbells installed
at different places around your home. |
|
| Smoke alarms use
a high-pitched signal which may or may
not alert you in time. Today, special
smoke alarms have been developed that
use both visual and vibratory stimuli
to alert you. |
|
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