FM Systems

FM (frequency modulated) systems are commonly used to transmit sound from one person to another over distance overcoming the effects of noise, reverberation and distance. FM systems may benefit children with permanent hearing losses. Australian Hearing provides students and their teachers with FM systems to help students overcome poor listening conditions in the classroom. They are also used by adult clients.

An FM system is made up of:

• a microphone and transmitter worn by the speaker
• a receiver worn by the student. If the student doesn't wear hearing aids, the FM receiver can be used with lightweight earphones.

What are the benefits of FM systems?

Often the advantages of hearing devices and cochlear implants are limited in the classroom because of background noise, reverberation and the distance of the student from the teacher. In poor listening conditions, FM systems improve the quality of the sound reaching students.

FM systems are not just for students!

Hearing aid microphones work best over conversational distances of 1-2 metres. FM systems provide improved hearing in a range of situations where it is not possible to get close to the person you want to hear. For example:

• bike riding
• meetings
• church
• exercise class
• family gatherings
• parties
• mobile phones
• listening to music on a personal stereo
• listening to a tour guide