FM, T-Coil, and ALD Tips

S-Series Body-Worn Sound Processor

What is an FM (frequency modulated) system?
FM is a wireless communication technology commonly used in the classroom to overcome the adverse effects of distance and competing noise in communication situations. Using an FM system in difficult listening situations makes communication easier because regardless of the distance between the teacher and the student, the signal is delivered directly to the FM receiver at a consistent volume level.

An FM system consists of two parts: a transmitter worn by a speaker and a receiver worn by the implant recipient. The transmitter picks up the speaker’s voice through a microphone and sends it wirelessly via radio waves directly to the implant recipient’s FM receiver. The FM receiver then sends the speaker’s voice directly to the implant recipient for listening. For people who use cochlear implants, the FM receiver transmits the speaker’s voice directly to the recipient’s sound processor.

Both the transmitter and receiver must be tuned to the same channel. Receivers will capture the signal of the closest transmitter using the matching channel, rejecting other weaker signals.

Basic FM Terminology

Auxiliary Input Jack (of the sound processor)
The auxiliary input jack is located on the side of the sound processor.
The S-Series processor has a 3.5 mm auxiliary input jack.

Adapters
There are two different types of adapters: Plug size and signal type

Plug size adapters allow you to connect to an input jack that is not the right size for the plug.

Signal type adapters allow you to convert a mono signal to a stereo one, or convert a stereo signal to a mono one.

MONO - describes a system where the left and right channels are combined.
STEREO - describes a system with an independent left and right channel.

Mono and stereo plugs can be identified by the number of rings or bands on the plug tip.

Mono plugs have only one ring, and stereo plugs have two rings.

The S-Series Processor accepts mono signals.  In most cases, an adapter is not needed. However, if poor sound quality is reported, the appropriate adapter may be used. You can purchase both types of adapters at an electronics store. If you are unsure whether you need to use this type of adapter, contact Advanced Bionics.

FM Adapter Cable (patch cable)
The adapter cable is a special cable used to connect the FM receiver to the implant recipient’s sound processor. FM adapter cables are specific to the particular FM system and sound processor you are using. Most companies that manufacture FM systems make specific FM adapter cables for the different sound processors.

Check with implant recipient’s audiologist to determine if the correct FM adapter cable has been ordered. You can also order the FM adapter cable directly from the appropriate FM manufacturer. If you are not sure which FM adapter cable your student should use with their sound processor, contact the FM manufacturer or Advanced Bionics.

Instructions for Connecting the FM system and S-Series Processor 

1. Ensure that you have obtained the appropriate FM adapter cable (as applicable).
2. Ensure that the FM system is functioning appropriately by listening to the FM system with walkman-style earphones or a desktop speaker and according to the FM manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Keeping the FM system in the off position and the Program switch on the S-Series processor in the off position, connect the speech processor and FM receiver through the auxiliary input jack.
4. Set any gain, output, or tone controls on the FM receiver per the audiologist or FM manufacturer’s recommendations (as applicable).
5. Ensure that the volume control on the FM receiver and the volume on the S-Series Processor are set to the minimum setting.
6. In this order, turn on the FM transmitter, then FM receiver, and finally the S-Series Processor. (*Note: It is extremely important that you turn on the equipment in the proper order to prevent the recipient from hearing any loud or annoying sounds.)
7. Gradually increase the S-Series Processor volume control to the everyday setting and set the sensitivity setting to the everyday setting or as specified by the recipient’s audiologist.
8. Gradually increase the volume on the FM receiver to a comfortable listening level or as specified by the audiologist or the FM manufacturer.
9. Complete a Listening Check:
   • Administer a listening task that you know the user can perform above chance such as the Ling Six sound test, responses to name, or common phrases/questions.
   • Perform these tasks in an auditory-only condition and in close proximity to the user.
   • Repeat the task at a distance of several meters noting that no changes in performance are observed with the FM in quiet.
   • Tasks can also be repeated in noise to assess the effects of the cochlear implant and FM.

Troubleshooting Personal FM Systems
Keep in mind you are working with two separate systems, an FM system and a cochlear implant sound processor. The best way to complete troubleshooting is to begin by separating the two systems.

Troubleshoot the FM System

• Disconnect the FM system from the recipient’s sound processor.
• Verify that the FM system is working by listening to the FM system.
• If the FM system is not working, complete troubleshooting for the FM system as recommended by the FM manufacturer.
• Here are some questions to ask:
  • Are the FM transmitter and receiver on the same channel?
  • Are the cables on the FM transmitter or receiver frayed or kinked?
  • Has the transmitting distance been exceeded?
  • Do the batteries for the FM transmitter and/or receiver need to be replaced?
  • Is the microphone on the transmitter working?
  • Are the FM settings set appropriately?
  • If you are unsure how to troubleshoot the FM system, call the FM manufacturer directly.

Troubleshoot the Sound Processor

• If the student cannot hear with the cochlear implant alone, complete troubleshooting for the sound processor as directed by the S-Series Sound Processor User Guide.
• If you are still unsure how to troubleshoot the S-Series processor, call Advanced Bionics or the implant recipient’s cochlear implant center.
• Once you have verified that both systems are working properly on their own, complete the following steps for the specific situations below.

Student cannot hear the FM signal

• Verify that you are using the proper FM adapter cable for the FM system and sound processor.
• Replace the FM adapter cable.

Noise, interference, or distortion

• Verify that you are using the proper FM adapter cable for the FM system and sound processor.
• Increase the physical distance between the FM receiver and sound processor when using a body-worn FM receiver.
• Ensure the headpiece cable and FM cable are not intertwined.
• Ensure that the transmission range is not exceeded. The broadcast range between FM transmitters and receivers may begin to break up at distances of more than 20 meters.
• Observe areas in the classroom or other environments that can cause dead spots in transmission by completing a listening check with the FM system. Avoid seating the student in any problem areas.
• Reduce the volume or gain of the FM receiver.
• Try a different FM channel.
• Replace the FM adapter cable.

Green LED on the S-Series Sound Processor flashes continuously

• Reduce the volume or the gain on the FM receiver.
• Reduce the volume on the sound processor.

Listening responses poorer than normal

• Verify that you are using the proper FM adapter cable for the FM system and sound processor.
• Replace the FM adapter cable.

Recipient cannot hear their own voice or other people’s voices

• Contact Advanced Bionics for assistance.

Special Circumstances
The S-Series Sound Processor does not have audio-mixing capabilities.

The recipient will not hear their own voice or others around them when an FM system is plugged into the auxiliary jack of this processor. You must use an FM system with an environmental microphone or an FM adapter cable with a splitter to add an environmental microphone.

The following vendors are a reference source for customized FM adapter cables
In those cases where the FM manufacturer does not make FM adapter cables compatible with the implant recipient’s sound processor, contact a vendor to have the appropriate FM adapter cable specially made.

Audex
710 Standard Street
Longview, TX 75604
(800) 237-0716
(800) AUDEX-74 Fax
www.audex.com

Hearing Loss Help Company
Curtis Dickenson
75 Townsend Street
First Floor, Left
Worcester, MA 01609-1979
(508) 755-1120
(508) 755-1120 Fax (call first before sending a fax)
info@hearing-loss-help-co.com
www.hearing-loss-help-co.com

FM Manufacturer Resource Info
Below is information on commonly used FM systems.
For information on a system not listed, please contact Advanced Bionics.

Phonak

FM Receiver: MLXs
FM Interface: MLCIs
FM adapter cable: Obtain from Phonak - MLCI-0010 (for use with S-Series Processor)

Company Contact Information:

Phonak, Inc., USA
(630) 821-5000
(800) 777-7333
info@phonak.com
www.phonak-us.com
 
Sonavation

FM System: AVR Logicom CI
FM adapter cable: None needed. The Logicom plugs directly into the S-Series Auxiliary Input Jack

Company Contact Information:

Sonovation
(952) 934-3111
(800) 462-8336
Customer Support: sonosupport@avrsono.com
Clinical Support: sonoclinic@avrsono.com
www.avrsono.com

Phonic Ear
FM system: Solaris

FM adapter cable: Obtain from Phonic Ear AT0743 (For use with S-Series Processor)

Company Contact Information:

Phonic Ear
(800) 227-0735 (US)
(800) 263-8700 (CN)
www.phonicear.com

Solaris connected to the Platinum Series Processor shown

Telecoils and Induction Loop Systems
Telecoils has been used in hearing aids for quite some time, especially in Europe. In England they are mandatory for public buildings. So what are they?

It is a very simple system. Basically, a wire or loop  is used at the same time as a speaker system. This means someone talks into a microphone that sends its signal to two different places—to an amplifier with regular speakers and to single-wire loop located in the room. The wire is called an induction loop, which sends a signal that is picked up by the telecoil inside a hearing aid or a cochlear implant processor. You must have a telecoil (t-coil) to pick up the signal. You receive this signal at the same time as the regular sound coming from the speakers.

Traditional tabletop phones are required to be hearing-aid (t-coil) compatible by having built-in inductive loops; however, some but not all cordless or cell phones are t-coil compatible.

There are many advantages to a t-coil and loop system, as well as some disadvantages. They work well for things like classrooms, churches, and office situations.

For more information on Loop Systems, visit www.HearingLoop.Org

Audio Mixing
The S-Series Processor does not have the audio mixing feature. If the S-Series Processor is connected directly to a telephone, or other ALD source, the microphone on the headpiece will be inactive, and only the sound from the ALD will be heard. If you have an S-Series Processor and wish to hear through a microphone while connected to the telephone or other ALD source, a custom-made cable must be purchased from an independent patch cable vendor to allow use of the telephone adapter or ALD and a lapel microphone at the same time.
To order a custom-made cable, contact one of the vendors listed on our website.

Assistive Listening Devices Online Vendors
Below is a partial list of assistive technology vendors. Additional vendors can be found by searching “assistive listening devices” on the Internet.*

Clarity Products www.clarityproducts.com
HARC Accessolutions www.hacofamerica.com
Beyond Hearing Aids www.beyondhearingaids.com
Harris Communications www.harriscomm.com
Sound Clarity www.soundclarity.com
Audex www.audex.com

*Advanced Bionics does not support any products purchased through an outside vendor.

For more information, please contact the Bionic Ear Association at: hear@advancedbionics.com.

The Bionic Ear Association (BEA) is a FREE membership organization that supports you and your family.

Whether you are considering cochlear implants or currently use them, the BEA provides resources, information and programs to support you along your Journey to Sound. Join today!