Have you ever taken a break from using your FM system? How did you get used to it again afterwards?

-Rimal, Julia & Ariana's Perspectives

Rimal's Perspective

When the pandemic hit in early March 2020, we shifted to a virtual classroom and this brought a lot of changes to the learning environment. At home, I had the comfort of controlling media volume, having playback on recorded classes, and more content in the written format. These changes led me to not need my FM system as much. Now, with the transition back to in-person learning, I can empathize with some of the challenges that students may face returning back to using the FM system. Some challenges might include: getting used to wearing devices on your ears again, building up the courage to talk to your teachers about the FM system after not doing so for a couple of years, and taking the time and responsibility to charge and bring your device to class.

"When the pandemic hit in early March 2020, we shifted to a virtual classroom and this brought a lot of changes to the learning environment... Now, with the transition back to in-person learning, I can empathize with some of the challenges that students may face returning back to using the FM system."

To tackle this transition, here are some things to consider:

1) Think about the benefits of using the FM system to your learning. For example, having assistive devices helps me accomplish my goal to succeed as a student.

Maybe you forgot about the benefits of using your devices so it might be a good idea just to have a trial run with your FM system to refresh your memory.

2) Integrate the device set-up and shut-down into the school day. For example, including this as a "to-do" on your agenda as a reminder to help create the habit of using your assistive devices again after not using them for a while.

3) Practice what you need to say to your teachers or peers regarding your needs and devices in front of the mirror or someone you feel comfortable with. Your itinerant teacher is a great resource here!

I think these tips can help other students integrate the use of their assistive devices in the classroom again. All these steps help you become a more adaptable, responsible, and organized student.

If you're still hesitant about deciding whether or not you want to use the FM system, think about challenges you face in the learning environment and possible solutions (e.g. Is it difficult to hear the teacher because you sit at the back? Or do you have a hard time listening to others in group discussions?). Be sure to think about how you might resolve these challenges if you are not using the FM system and discuss this with your Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing so that your hearing rights are still being accommodated effectively at school.

Julia's Perspective

I stopped using the FM system during school trips and extracurricular clubs/activities because I didn’t want the added responsibility to bring the FM system during these trips and I wanted to feel “normal”. It took me a recent travel experience where I had a guided tour using a headset to realize how valuable it can be to use the FM system during trips.

During school trips or extracurricular situations when I didn’t use the FM, I would try to stand/sit near the dominant speaker or have a friend/peer/teacher re-iterate what was said so I knew what was happening. But, it can be a challenge because you can’t control the volume in the environment and multiple people are often speaking at once. So, it’s a good idea to try to figure out in advance what the environment would be like by asking your teacher (or your itinerant teacher can ask on your behalf), and then see what you can do to improve the experience such as bringing your FM system. It is no fun when you can’t hear properly and feel left out during a fun activity!

"During school trips or extracurricular situations when I didn’t use the FM, I would try to stand/sit near the dominant speaker or have a friend/peer/teacher re-iterate what was said so I knew what was happening. But, it can be a challenge because you can’t control the volume in the environment and multiple speaking at once."

Ariana's Perspective

I have always found it useful to use the FM system in class when I couldn’t hear others well and with hearing loss, our processing time might have a bit of a delay. That’s the case for me being deaf, so I have always found it helpful to use the FM system in order to retain the information better in class. Hearing clearly and writing accurate notes has helped with retaining and understanding information during lectures in grade school, as well as in post-secondary studies. When we were learning online, I often used my FM system connected to my laptop to listen to lectures, which also helped with hearing better.

I can understand students being shy to give their teachers the FM system. But at the end of the day, you need to find what works best for you. I’d recommend giving it a try and if it doesn’t work out, then there are always other alternatives.

"I can understand students being shy to give their teachers the FM system. But at the end of the day you need to find what works best for you. I’d say give it a try and if it doesn’t work out, then there are always other alternatives."

In terms of my overall usage of the FM system, I’ve only really used it for classes, but for extra curriculars in school I didn’t use it as much because the environments were too noisy for the FM system to be beneficial, so I spoke with the instructor about other alternatives. One instance of a class where I didn’t use the FM system was in art class, as I had a teacher who talked very loudly, so I didn’t use it very often.

Overall I think the FM system is a great resource, as it allows us to control what we can hear in various listening environments. I hope that sharing my experiences might help other students who are deciding if they want to use their FM systems.

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