This course prepares teachers in the oral/aural stream of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program to manage classroom amplification technology for learners with hearing loss. Learners will learn the theoretical foundation for the need for this technology, and will become familiar with the acoustical standards for classroom presently in place. Learners will become knowledgeable in issues in recommending various technologies, and will be able to describe learner and classroom variables which need to be considered in technology recommendations. Issues around interfacing classroom amplification with personal hearing aids, cochlear implants and other forms of personal amplification will be discussed. Candidates will be provided with extensive practice in fitting, checking, troubleshooting and evaluating the efficacy of classroom amplification. This course describes both audiological verification protocols used in fitting personal FM systems, and classroom-based processes for validating and verifying this technology.
Topics include evaluation of classroom acoustics, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for classroom acoustics, types of FM systems, frequency compatibility, personal FM systems, sound field FM systems, IEP writing, troubleshooting, evaluation of classroom amplification efficacy, electroacoustical protocols, interfacing classroom amplification with cochlear implants, and working with school team members.