Question
Is there a recommended troubleshooting schedule for FM systems for daily use by teachers?Answer
We advocate minimally testing FM systems first thing every morning. The research shows that batteries don't always go out at the end of the day. It is also ideal to perform a quick check midday if the student is in a full-day program. You could also recommend that the teacher do some informal checks throughout the day by asking the student a question or tapping the microphone. Students often change classes, and as soon as they enter a new class it is important to verify that they are switched to the correct channel. For example, the teacher could step outside the classroom and give a certain "clue" or phrase into the FM transmitter microphone. The students would write that down on their notebook, and the teacher could then verify that the student heard it correctly. This would help verify that everyone is on the same channel.
Dr. Linda Thibodeau is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Dallas since 1997 where she co-directs the Pediatric Aural Habilitation Training Specialist Project. Prior to that she worked at the University of Texas at Austin, at the University of Texas Speech and Hearing Institute, in otolaryngology clinics, and in the public schools. She teaches in the areas of Amplification and Pediatric Aural Habilitation. Her research involves evaluation of the speech perception of listeners with hearing loss and auditory processing problems as well as evaluation of amplification systems and assistive listening devices (ALDs) designed to help those persons. She consults with several school districts and manufacturers regarding FM arrangements in the classroom. Her interests include serving as the co-chair of the ANSI committee to develop a standard for the Electroacoustic Evaluation of ALDs; and serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology. She is a 2006 Contributing Editor for Audiology Online.
