Re: FM - when need most? MyLink?

[Guest guest]

You would be surprised how much listening performance can drop with even a

little bit of

noise - kids wiggling in chairs, for example. We started using the FM in

kindergarten. You

should be able to get the school district to pay for it - Kay's site has some

good tips on

how to go about this.

Janet

>

> In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I know I

> know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

> grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

> and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

> little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

> advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

> for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

> what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

> be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

> right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

> background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

> I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

> close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

>

[Guest guest]

You would be surprised how much listening performance can drop with even a

little bit of

noise - kids wiggling in chairs, for example. We started using the FM in

kindergarten. You

should be able to get the school district to pay for it - Kay's site has some

good tips on

how to go about this.

Janet

>

> In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I know I

> know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

> grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

> and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

> little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

> advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

> for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

> what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

> be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

> right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

> background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

> I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

> close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

>

[Guest guest]

For us, an FM system was indispensible. Kindergarteners are wiggly, noisy

creatures, and rarely could the teacher afford to divide her attention to

meaningful small group instruction. First grade is even more important,

when reading and spelling begins in earnest. My son's first grade teacher

was compliant, but wasn't entirely convinced of the FM's importance until ds

didn't have it for a few days. She was astonished at the difference. My

son needed it all the time, whether small or large group instruction; the

only time he doesn't need it so much is individual tutoring circumstances in

an otherwise quiet room. (For reference, he has a moderate to severe loss,

severe in the middle speech frequencies.)

His FM was set to partially mute surrounding sounds when receiving a signal

from the transmitter, to further reduce competing noise and achieve a

greater signal to noise ratio.

Cost was not an issue as the school had to provide the FM, as mandated by

his IEP. My ds needed it from day one, and it was obvious he was missing

information when he didn't have it. I would not have held out for the

release of a new model.

Your mileage may vary.

> In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I know I

> know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

> grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

> and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

> little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

> advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

> for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

> what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

> be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

> right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

> background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

> I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

> close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

>

[Guest guest]

For us, an FM system was indispensible. Kindergarteners are wiggly, noisy

creatures, and rarely could the teacher afford to divide her attention to

meaningful small group instruction. First grade is even more important,

when reading and spelling begins in earnest. My son's first grade teacher

was compliant, but wasn't entirely convinced of the FM's importance until ds

didn't have it for a few days. She was astonished at the difference. My

son needed it all the time, whether small or large group instruction; the

only time he doesn't need it so much is individual tutoring circumstances in

an otherwise quiet room. (For reference, he has a moderate to severe loss,

severe in the middle speech frequencies.)

His FM was set to partially mute surrounding sounds when receiving a signal

from the transmitter, to further reduce competing noise and achieve a

greater signal to noise ratio.

Cost was not an issue as the school had to provide the FM, as mandated by

his IEP. My ds needed it from day one, and it was obvious he was missing

information when he didn't have it. I would not have held out for the

release of a new model.

Your mileage may vary.

> In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I know I

> know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

> grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

> and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

> little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

> advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

> for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

> what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

> be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

> right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

> background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

> I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

> close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

>

[Guest guest]

For us, an FM system was indispensible. Kindergarteners are wiggly, noisy

creatures, and rarely could the teacher afford to divide her attention to

meaningful small group instruction. First grade is even more important,

when reading and spelling begins in earnest. My son's first grade teacher

was compliant, but wasn't entirely convinced of the FM's importance until ds

didn't have it for a few days. She was astonished at the difference. My

son needed it all the time, whether small or large group instruction; the

only time he doesn't need it so much is individual tutoring circumstances in

an otherwise quiet room. (For reference, he has a moderate to severe loss,

severe in the middle speech frequencies.)

His FM was set to partially mute surrounding sounds when receiving a signal

from the transmitter, to further reduce competing noise and achieve a

greater signal to noise ratio.

Cost was not an issue as the school had to provide the FM, as mandated by

his IEP. My ds needed it from day one, and it was obvious he was missing

information when he didn't have it. I would not have held out for the

release of a new model.

Your mileage may vary.

> In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I know I

> know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

> grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

> and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

> little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

> advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

> for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

> what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

> be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

> right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

> background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

> I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

> close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

>

[Guest guest]

Sara,

My son was aided and got his FM system late, in fourth grade, so I

can't speak to which grade a child first needs one. But I believe that

the later a child begins to use an FM system, the more resistance

he/she may build up towards it. Knowing what I know now, I would start

school and an FM system at the same time so that my child would

associate them.

FM - when need most? MyLink?

In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I

know I

know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

________________________________________________________________________

Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email

and IM. All on demand. Always Free.

[Guest guest]

Sara,

My son was aided and got his FM system late, in fourth grade, so I

can't speak to which grade a child first needs one. But I believe that

the later a child begins to use an FM system, the more resistance

he/she may build up towards it. Knowing what I know now, I would start

school and an FM system at the same time so that my child would

associate them.

FM - when need most? MyLink?

In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I

know I

know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

________________________________________________________________________

Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email

and IM. All on demand. Always Free.

[Guest guest]

Sara,

My son was aided and got his FM system late, in fourth grade, so I

can't speak to which grade a child first needs one. But I believe that

the later a child begins to use an FM system, the more resistance

he/she may build up towards it. Knowing what I know now, I would start

school and an FM system at the same time so that my child would

associate them.

FM - when need most? MyLink?

In your opinion when is an FM system most needed in school? I

know I

know - some say get them no matter what - but I'm looking for what

grade did they come in handy the most. My daughter is in Kindergarten

and I'm contemplating and FM (specifically the MyLink) but I'm a

little hesitant to get it because 1)the cost and 2) technology is

advancing so rapidly that a wireless could be out before we know it

for ITEs. Of course if she absolutely needs it I'll get it no matter

what - but at this point its one of those things that may or may not

be needed. I guess it really depends on the makeup of the room

right? I mean - don't FMs usually just help with filtering out the

background noise by putting the speakers voice directly into the aid?

I just wonder - is it really necessary for Kindergarten when they are

close to the teacher in circle time and stuff most of the day?

________________________________________________________________________

Check out AOL.com today. Breaking news, video search, pictures, email

and IM. All on demand. Always Free.

[Guest guest]

Have you thopught about using a soundfield? I'm assuming her loss isn't too

great since she is able to use an ITE so maybe the 10-12 dB of a soundfield

would be enough to help. Maggie used one successfully from 5K through 2nd

grade.

[Guest guest]

Have you thopught about using a soundfield? I'm assuming her loss isn't too

great since she is able to use an ITE so maybe the 10-12 dB of a soundfield

would be enough to help. Maggie used one successfully from 5K through 2nd

grade.

[Guest guest]

Have you thopught about using a soundfield? I'm assuming her loss isn't too

great since she is able to use an ITE so maybe the 10-12 dB of a soundfield

would be enough to help. Maggie used one successfully from 5K through 2nd

grade.

[Guest guest]

Educate me please!!! What is a soundfield? Is that like an FM but with the

speaker?

pcknott@... wrote:

Have you thopught about using a soundfield? I'm assuming her loss isn't too

great since she is able to use an ITE so maybe the 10-12 dB of a soundfield

would be enough to help. Maggie used one successfully from 5K through 2nd grade.

All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the

intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright

restrictions.

[Guest guest]

Educate me please!!! What is a soundfield? Is that like an FM but with the

speaker?

pcknott@... wrote:

Have you thopught about using a soundfield? I'm assuming her loss isn't too

great since she is able to use an ITE so maybe the 10-12 dB of a soundfield

would be enough to help. Maggie used one successfully from 5K through 2nd grade.

All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the

intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright

restrictions.

[Guest guest]

Educate me please!!! What is a soundfield? Is that like an FM but with the

speaker?

pcknott@... wrote:

Have you thopught about using a soundfield? I'm assuming her loss isn't too

great since she is able to use an ITE so maybe the 10-12 dB of a soundfield

would be enough to help. Maggie used one successfully from 5K through 2nd grade.

All messages posted to this list are private and confidential. Each post is the

intellectual property of the author and therefore subject to copyright

restrictions.

[Guest guest]

Yes, the soundfield is like the FM but it goes to speakers instead of directly

to the hearing aid. They have a number of types, some with separate speakers,

some permanently mounted, some movable, some mounted on the ceiling, some that

are in a portable thing so the child keeps is on their desk or table and carries

it with them. You could have a functional listening done with both personal FM

and soundfield to see which was better . The new thing about the Mylink is that

it doesn't have a box to connect to. That and the fact that it looks like a

necklace is what is different about it.

[Guest guest]

Yes, the soundfield is like the FM but it goes to speakers instead of directly

to the hearing aid. They have a number of types, some with separate speakers,

some permanently mounted, some movable, some mounted on the ceiling, some that

are in a portable thing so the child keeps is on their desk or table and carries

it with them. You could have a functional listening done with both personal FM

and soundfield to see which was better . The new thing about the Mylink is that

it doesn't have a box to connect to. That and the fact that it looks like a

necklace is what is different about it.

[Guest guest]

Yes, the soundfield is like the FM but it goes to speakers instead of directly

to the hearing aid. They have a number of types, some with separate speakers,

some permanently mounted, some movable, some mounted on the ceiling, some that

are in a portable thing so the child keeps is on their desk or table and carries

it with them. You could have a functional listening done with both personal FM

and soundfield to see which was better . The new thing about the Mylink is that

it doesn't have a box to connect to. That and the fact that it looks like a

necklace is what is different about it.

[Guest guest]

Sara, I'm not a proponent of the ceiling model, but it fits in the space of a

standard ceiling tile in a dropped ceiling. It can easily be moved from room to

room after each year. Semi-permanent. When you take it out, you just drop the

ceiling tile back in. Your principal sounds like a hard nut to crack. I'm sure

he backs up his teachers when they don't want to do something. Usually teachers

who have a good reputation for working with kids with ADHD are good teachers to

get. First, they are flexible. And willing to do " different " teaching methods.

And they LOVE soundfields because when used correctly, they can be a great

classroom tool, and can really help ALL the kids in the class. If you do the

testing and the soundfield is an option, (It might not be, so you need to have

the testing at the different decibel levels of background noise that you would

have with and without a soundfield as well as the personal FM. There are lots

of papers written about how soundfields help the entire class, not just the

hearing impaired kids.

Re: FM - when need most? MyLink?

>

>Yeah - well getting them to agree to mount something on the ceiling would be

impossible!!! The principle wasn't even willing to agree to the FM because he

said " he didn't want a teacher assassinate him for something she isn't willing

to do " . Its going to be a year to year battle.

>

> I never thought of the functional testing. DUH! I'm going to request they

do that - one without FM and one with - to see how much she really needs it.

>

> Thanks so much!

>

>pcknott@... wrote:

> Yes, the soundfield is like the FM but it goes to speakers instead of

directly to the hearing aid. They have a number of types, some with separate

speakers, some permanently mounted, some movable, some mounted on the ceiling,

some that are in a portable thing so the child keeps is on their desk or table

and carries it with them. You could have a functional listening done with both

personal FM and soundfield to see which was better . The new thing about the

Mylink is that it doesn't have a box to connect to. That and the fact that it

looks like a necklace is what is different about it.

>

>

>