FM System For Hearing Your BEST In Noise
FM system
So what is an FM system? Well, in this post I’m talking about how it can help you hear your best in noisy places. Coming up!
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Hi, I’m Dr. Derek – audiologist, audio engineer, and musician with ProFitHearing.com bringing you the best insight in today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your local physician or audiologist.
Today, I’m talking about FM systems.
FM system basics
An FM system uses a microphone (called the transmitter) to send a person’s voice to a loudspeaker (which is called a receiver). The loudspeaker amplifies the voice and helps overcome the background noise in the room. This technology can also send a person’s voice directly to hearing aids, so it sounds like they’re talking right into your ears.
FM stands for frequency modulation which is the technology that allows for wireless transmission of sound. Many modern FM systems today use DM or digital modulation. So you may hear the terms FM system and DM system used interchangeably. Digital modulation is the preferred method today due to its flexibility and improved sound quality.
Understanding speech can be difficult especially if you have a hearing loss. An FM system helps overcome two problems: noise and distance. Noise and being a far distance away from the person speaking can make it much more difficult to understand what they’re saying. FM can be used in a classroom setting, auditorium, movie theater, or when speaking with others in noisy situations.
Not only is it easier to hear and understand with an FM system, but it can also reduce listener and speaker fatigue. The listener will have less difficulty understanding and the speaker will not have to speak louder in order to be heard over background noise.
So have you tried an FM system before? If so, what did you think of it? Let’s connect in the comments below! Don’t forget to watch Pro Fit Hearing on YouTube. Also, check out my free ebook HERE.
FM system – Soundfield
Now for children with hearing loss, an FM system is often used in a classroom setting. This is commonly referred to as a soundfield system. Classrooms can be noisy and the students sit different distances away from the teacher, so this can make it difficult to hear and understand what’s being said.
An example of an FM/DM system is the Phonak Roger Soundfield. It uses a digital signal to transmit sound from the teacher worn microphone to a loudspeaker placed in the classroom. This loudspeaker sits on a stand in the class and amplifies the teacher’s voice.
Many teachers who use FM for the first time report that they no longer have to speak so loudly, and they enjoy using it. This system not only benefits the hearing impaired student in class, but also everyone else can hear better.
Roger Soundfield https://www.phonak.com/us/en/hearing-aids/accessories/roger-dynamic-soundfield.html
Roger Touchscreen Mic https://www.phonak.com/us/en/hearing-aids/accessories/roger-touchscreen-mic.html
FM system – Personal
Another example is the personal FM/DM system. This type of system can be used by children and adults that have compatible hearing aids. The sound from the microphone is transmitted directly to the hearing aids. Some hearing aids require an adapter to connect to the microphone, but other newer hearing aids do not.
For example, the Phonak PartnerMic microphone streams sound directly to Phonak Marvel hearing aids. Different FM/DM systems may be selected depending on the type of hearing aid used and also the person’s needs and listening environments. This kind of personal microphone may also be referred to as a remote microphone.
PartnerMic https://www.phonak.com/us/en/hearing-aids/accessories/phonak-partnermic.html
Phonak Marvel hearing aids https://www.phonak.com/us/en/hearing-aids/phonak-audeomarvel.html
Phonak Paradise hearing aids https://www.phonak.com/us/en/hearing-aids/phonak-audeo-paradise.html
So if you wear hearing aids, ask your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser about an FM/DM system and whether it’s a good match for your needs. We all have more difficulty understanding speech in background noise and at a far distance away. An FM system can significantly improve our ability to hear clearly in these most challenging listening situations.
If you have any questions about FM/DM systems, let me know in the comments below. Connect with us on social media. Be a part of the Pro Fit Hearing community!
-Dr. Derek