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1. Using a Personal FM System to Hear More Clearly
Hearing aid technology keeps getting better, but hearing aids
alone do not make listening easier in all situations. Many things
can interfere with listening, such as: background noise, a far
distance from the sound source, and sound reverberation. Most
hearing aids perform best in quiet environments or when sitting
close to your conversation partner.
Using a Personal FM system (with or without hearing aids) makes
it easier to hear in noisy environments or when conversing at a
distance. They are also very helpful for watching TV or listening
to other audio devices.
What are Personal FM Systems?
Personal FM Systems are devices that
can help those with hearing loss function
more normally in day-to-day
conversation. An FM system is often an
accessory to hearing aids bu can be used
without hearing aids as well. FM systems
work like small radio stations.
There is a small radio transmitter attached to a microphone, and
a small radio receiver worn by the listener. For hearing aid users,
the most convenient receivers are at ear level. The microphone is
placed on or near the person or device the listener wants to hear.
The transmitter can also be connected directly to an audio device
by using a stereo cord. This means the transmitter is plugged in
to the TV’s audio output jack, or into an MP3 player or iPod for
easy ear-level hearing, without removing the hearing aids. The

2. transmitter sends the radio signal to the receiver and essentially
decreases the listening distance to merely inches instead of
several feet.
Where Would I Use an FM System?
Large distance between listener and sound source: The
further away you are from a speaker, the harder it is to hear the
conversation, because the loudness of a sound decreases rapidly
as it travels over a long distance. So, while you may have no
difficulty hearing someone close by, you may have considerable
difficulty hearing the same person from across the room.
Noise in the environment: Most rooms have background noise
that competes with the sound of interest. Background noise can
make hearing very challenging. For optimal hearing, speech
should be louder than the noise.
This isn’t possible in some situations, such as at a large cocktail
party or in a busy restaurant. Background noise can also make
hearing in the car more difficult. Television program producers
often include background noise to create a dramatic effect. For
those with hearing loss, the noise often means a missed punch
line or that the volume is so loud the conversation is drowned
out.
Poor room acoustics and reverberation: Sound waves bounce
off hard surfaces such as windows, walls without coverings and
hard floors. This creates a reverberation that the ear experiences
as an echo. The result of excessive reverberation is a mixed
message in the brain, followed by miscommunication.
Any one of these conditions can create communication problems.
Add them together and the effects can be debilitating. Personal
FM systems are a great way to overcome these issues.

3. What is the expected cost of a Personal FM system?
Buying an FM system for personal use is an additional expense
beyond personal hearing aids. An FM package, including the
transmitter/microphone and ear-level receivers may cost from
$2,500 to $3500. For use without hearing aids, a Personal FM
system can be as little as $200 up to $1000, depending on the
complexity of the system.
New hearing aid systems, such as the ReSound Alera allow for a
“companion” microphone accessory that transmits sound from a
microphone worn by the communication partner directly to the
hearing aids. This accessory can be added to the hearing aid
purchase for as little as $400.
The new technology in hearing aids is phenomenal.
Advancements allow for better control of noise in the background
and for better speech enhancement. Still, there will be times
when an environment is too noisy or a hearing loss is too great to
overcome the difficult listening environment. Personal FM
systems are a great way to combat this issue and are a great
companion accessory to a hearing system.
If you think you might benefit from an FM System, call our office
for a free demonstration and see what an FM system can do for
you.

4. For More Information, Call Fidelity Hearing Center At: (562)-732-
4713
Or
Visit Us At:
http://hearingaidslongbeachca.com