FM System
FM Systems are wireless assistive hearing devices that enhance the use of hearing aids, cochlear implants and also assist people who are hard of hearing but do not wear hearing aids, in particular over distance and in noisy environments.
They enable sound to be picked up closer to a speaker, sound source or connected directly to the sound source and transmitted to the individual providing greater clarity of speech/sound and a reduction in background noise (Soundinduction.co.uk, 2021).
-
FM System is the generic name or term that has been given to Radio Aids.
-
FM is the abbreviation for Frequency Modulation.
-
Frequency Modulation is a wireless transmission method used to transmit the sound.
-
The main advantage for Hearing Aid wearers is that FM transmission is resilient to noise and interference helping to preserve the quality and clarity of the sound transmitted.
-
Some companies are also using digital transmission but the products are still “labelled” as FM Systems.
-
The abbreviation MHz means Mega Hertz (Mega = million, Hertz is the unit of frequency).
Infrared System
An infrared hearing system is an assistive audio system to aid communication with hearing impaired people and is a popular alternative to an induction loop system. A typical system consists of an audio source, an infrared radiator (transmitter) and infrared listening receivers (Soundinduction.co.uk, 2021)
Induction Loop System
A hearing loop (sometimes called an audio induction loop) is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to ‘T’ (Telecoil) setting.
The hearing loop consists of a microphone to pick up the spoken word; an amplifier which processes the signal which is then sent through the final piece; the loop cable, a wire placed around the perimeter of a specific area i.e. a meeting room, a church, a service counter etc to act as an antenna that radiates the magnetic signal to the hearing aid (Hearinglink.org, 2021).
