I was wondering if anyone has had their child use an FM receiver system in the classroom for auditory processing issues. My daughter is in second grade and seems to get nothing out of her classroom time. Her teacher says she does not follow what is going on at all. Our audiologist had mentioned an FM system as a possibility. I was wondering if that may be a good idea or if it will do nothing but inconvenience the teacher and make my daughter feel self conscious.
[Modified by: rogomom2 on October 17, 2007 09:32 AM]
Personal FM Systems
It depends on the teacher training, type of FM system and your dd’s acceptance of the device.
In our case, my dd refused to wear a personal FM system so a whole classroom system was installed. The first teacher to use it was familiar with the system already and was glad to have it because not only did it help my dd but it also helped several of her ADHD students. The next 2 teachers refused to use it for various reasons and it really made things more difficult for my dd. During that time we were doing a lot of audiology training and by 7th grade she no longer needed it.
I’ve worked in several classrooms with whole room systems. It a great way to help students focus, even if there isn’t a kid in the class that needs it. Recently I saw a teacher use the extra mike for the kids to use during a discussion. It was really helpful for those kids who have quiet voices and allowed everyone to hear them.
Personally, I’m a big fan. :)
Personal FM Systems
My son used a personal FM system for about six month than the district purchased a room system.
Teachers commented it not only helped him with his hearing loss, but other students in the classroom with ADHD, CAPD and ADD. They were able to hear what was going on in the classroom with out physically following the teacher. Some teachers were a lot more helpful. Others seemed to be concerned how they looked and would not use the headset only the lapel microphone.
In our case the physician had to write a prescription for it and bring in their medical documentation. If your daughter has an IEP it can be added. If not call a meeting for a 504 plan.
Good luck!
Shel
Re: Personal FM Systems
My daughter with CAPD used an FM device in 2nd and 3rd grade. I think it did help. The teacher did not mind using it. The kids thought it was neat and wanted one too. I think it works best at the younger years. In 4th grade we moved to Florida and the district didn’t want to do that. At least the new school had a sound system in the classroom. Which is good for all students. It just amplifies the sound in the room. The FM device is just directly into her ear. It would be hard to use an FM device as they get older. I think newer schools do the sound systems.
Personal FM Systems
The main problem is that once a child is used to this, they may really struggle more in other settings where there is no FM system available. I prefer to try preferential seating. Often kids with APD have trouble processing audiory information, and making it louder does not always solve the problem. As kids get older, they almost always reject a personal FM device because it makes them appear different. I would really only consider a classroom system which could benefit all the children.
Re: Personal FM Systems
Last year ,I worked with a first grade student who used one. The problem was he did not want to wear it. He would come up with every excuse, why he couldn’t wear it. It really became an issue, because Mom wanted him to wear it. I think he felt different wearing it. The room system would have been a solution to this problem. I wonder how expensive that is.
It definitely doesn’t inconvenience the teacher. They basically only have to wear a small microphone that is attached to their shirt. The only type of FM system I’ve seen involves the student wearing a small ear piece.