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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'FM Use for Young Children: Benefits and Challenges' Track: 2 - Audiological Services Keyword(s): FM, speech understanding in noise Learning Objectives: Outline the advantages and disadvantages of remote microphone technology Outline the clinical steps involved in verification and validation of benefit. Identify and expand on areas of future need including time commitments, efficiency, support and parent access and education on this technology. Abstract: Speech understanding in classrooms for children with hearing loss is compromised by distance, noise, and reverberation. To combat these issues remote microphone technology or FM systems are often used. The use of remote microphone technology in young children often creates challenges for audiologists, teachers and parents. Marion’s Way Preschool at the Marion Downs Hearing Center used this technology to optimize auditory access. Our goal was to validate the importance of the technology for children ages 3-5 through a six-week language intensive summer preschool program. Subjective and objective pre and post measures were conducted prior to technology fitting and once the preschool program concluded to quantify received benefit. The children were seen before the start of the program to verify personal technology with and without the receivers and provide the parents with a transmitter for home use during the six weeks of the program. An information session was held to educate parents on technology basics, uses, versatility and benefits in and outside of the classroom. A fourth year audiology graduate student was available at the preschool daily to offer support to providers, parents and children, verify function of each device, and address any concerns in the classroom. The technology selected for this year’s program was Roger, an advanced wireless remote microphone system that alleviates many of the challenges which previous FM systems presented including channel interference, associated distortion and ease of use. A powerful part of the program was the children’s ability to report inconsistencies of the devices as well as the feedback shared by parents and children about experiences strengthened by the additional language input provided by the Roger system. A case study of a child and family with experience with both traditional FM and the Roger System will be presented demonstrating the advantages and challenges of each. Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
Krista Waterman - Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter,Author University of Colorado Hospital      Credentials: 4th year Au.D LEND Fellow       Krista Waterman received her Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology in 2010 at the University of Nevada, Reno. She is currently finishing her Doctorate of Audiology degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder as a 4th Year Au.D. LEND fellow at the University of Colorado Hospital Marion Down's Hearing Center. She is interested in working with hearing assistive devices for both children and adults. After she graduates, she hopes to continue working with these populations and use technology that will improve the communication abilities of those with hearing loss.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Sandra Gabbard - Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter,Author,POC Marion Downs Hearing Center      Credentials: Ph.D., Director of Audiology      Other Affiliations: University of Colorado       Dr. Gabbard has served as Director of Audiology at the University of Colorado Hospital for 25 years. She is the chair of the Audiology task force for the Colorado Infant Hearing Advisory and is the PI of the Colorado LEND Project.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial -