Do I really need an FM system?

By Susan Russell, Educational Audiologist

You are not alone if you have asked the question, "Do I really need an FM system?"... Almost every student has this same thought by grade 5 or later. It often comes up when middle school or changing classes (rotary) starts.

Maybe some of these questions, feelings or experiences sound familiar

Do I really have to take this transmitter with me everywhere? Can’t my teachers take care of this for me?

It is a pain to charge my transmitter before I go home. I just want to leave school right away with my friends.

I feel I hear the teacher just fine without my FM system.

One of the kids in my class made fun of me because I use an FM system.

Audiologists in education like me, and your hearing teachers understand these feelings and want to help in any way we can. It is so important that we talk about it together.

Listed below are some things we know to be true and you would probably agree if you are completely honest.

If you do not have an FM system and the teacher moves while speaking, it will be harder to hear the teacher.
If you do not have an FM system and the class is noisy or there are fans, it will be harder to hear the teacher.
If you do not have an FM system and there is a lot of echo (like in the gym), it will be harder to hear the teacher.

As audiologists and hearing teachers, there are things we can do or suggest to make it easier for you to manage the FM system, especially the transmitter.

Our goal is to help you succeed at school and we know that an FM system is a tool that can help you do your very best. In fact, the Phonak Touchscreen transmitter can really help if you have a lot of group work.

Please be sure to talk to myself or Marisa DeFrancesco (Audiologists in Education for the Peel Board) or your hearing teachers whenever you need to. We are here to help you.

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