Third Ear FM Systems

Tips for Adult Listeners

( Source: "Listening with a 'Third Ear'-FM Systems" by Mark Ross, PhD, www.hearinglossweb.com)

FM systems overcome the effects of poor acoustics and interfering background noise.

The Basics:
An FM System is designed to improve the signal to noise (S/N/ ratio.  An FM System is basically an FM (frequency modulated) radio. A microphone worn or placed near the talker receives the speech signal.
The transmitter "broadcasts" the signal to an FM receiver that is worn by the listener .

The Components:

• FM microphones can be omni-directional (picking up sound from all directions) or directional (picking up sound from the direction it points to). They can be worn on the collar or lapel, held in the hand, or placed on a small stand.
• FM transmitters determine how FAR you can listen and still pick up the signal,
• FM receivers can be an accessory to a hearing aid, a small "walkman" style headset, or earbuds.

Practical applications:

• When dining with one other person in a noisy restaurant, wear the FM receiver. The transmitter is placed on the table or in a shirt pocket near your companion. Your companion wears the microphone.
• When dining with several people, the FM microphone needs to be as close to everyone as possible, i.e., in the center of the table or on the table closest to the majority of the talkers.
• When driving in the car :  If driving with one passenger, the passenger wears the microphone. If driving with people in the backseat, place the microphone behind you pointing toward the passengers.  If you are in the backseat, place the microphone between the two front seats
• At a reception or cocktail party, you must be assertive. Let people know you have problems hearing in background noise and ask if they will use the microphone to speak to you. Although it might seem awkward at first, most people will quickly adapt when they understand how much it helps you to hear what they have to say.
• When watching television, place the microphone/transmitter next to the TV speaker.
• When on a tour, ask the tour guide to wear the lapel mic.
• Velcro the microphone to the loudspeaker of the PA system at church or large assembly-type meetings.

Other uses:

• When walking down the street in a noisy city with a companion
• In a noisy factory or office when you need to speak with your supervisor
• During small meetings
• Playing cards
• When square dancing

NOTE: Digital cell phones, computers and other electronic signals sometimes interfere with the transmission, causing static and a weak signal. In this case, you may be unable to use the FM system