Question
What does FM stand for and what are some of the advantages of using an FM system in the classroom?
Answer
FM refers to a Frequency Modulated system, also referred to as a wireless communication device. It consists of a transmitter, also referred to as a microphone or mic, and a receiver. The transmitter acts like a radio transmitter, which picks up the signal, usually the speech of the person using the device. The receiver picks up that signal and delivers it to the listener. The receiver may be attached to a hearing aid, be an ear-level "stand alone" device, or be a speaker that is in the listening environment.
Using an FM system enhances what is referred to as "signal-to-noise" ratio, or the amount of signal, generally speech, that can be heard in relation to the competing information in the listening environment. Poor signal to noise ratio contributes to poor speech intelligibility, or speech understanding, which is particularly problematic for a listener who has a hearing loss, auditory processing disorder, or certain types of conditions that place them in a "high risk" category, such as traumatic brain injury. This enhances both the quality and clarity of the speech signal, making it easier to hear the message.
This Ask the Expert was taken from the course entitled: "FM and Speech-Language Pathologists: A Powerful Partnership".
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Gail M. Whitelaw, Ph.D., is an audiologist and Director of the Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic at Ohio State. Her clinical and research interests are in auditory processing disorders in children and adults and educational audiology. Working with FM technology has been a significant part of her career for the past 25 years and in addition providing auditory services in the clinical setting. She has provided educational audiology consulting services to a number of school districts in Central Ohio.
