Heightening the benefits for your students with Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants is possible. Here’s how!

See: Bahasa translation

Detecting sounds in a frequency range between 20 Hertz (Hz) to 20,000Hz and between 0 decibels (dB) and 130dB is something that almost every human being takes for granted. On the other hand, there are a group of individuals who have some form of hearing impairment.

These individuals who have hearing impairment would be facing challenges in hearing certain frequencies and would require a hearing aid to help amplify the frequencies to allow them to hear better – so how can Education Institutes help and provide a helping hand to unlock the full potential of these students?

In the realm of education, inclusivity and accessibility is paramount. Countries in Southeast Asia, especially where resources catered for people with hearing difficulties might be limited. Hence, technologies like FM Systems, Infrared Systems and Induction Loop Systems present themselves as invaluable tools to create and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Challenges and Considerations

Students with Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants face daily challenges of listening and picking up information from their educators. Why so? The operating nature of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants works in a way where sound, especially background noises, will be picked up when classes are ongoing which can be quite disruptive when there are other activities ongoing in and outside of the classroom.

This will result in the affected student/s with Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants to miss out critical information and subsequently having to request for their teachers or lecturers to repeat themselves, which could be tiring, time consuming and disruptive to the rest of the class if it constantly recurs during lessons.

This is where Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) can greatly reduce or even eliminate the distractions from the background noises and trade for a much comfortable and direct sound source from the teacher or lecturer, eventually heightening the once-disrupted student’s learning experience to be more engaging and fruitful.

Advantages of ALS/HES for Schools in Asian Countries

1. Enhanced Learning Experience
   Implementing ALS fosters an inclusive learning environment, allowing all students to actively participate in discussions and conversations. Students with hearing impairments often struggle to grasp content due to distorted or unclear audio. Therefore, these systems mitigate this issue and ensures that every student receives information clearly, thus improving their academic performance.
2. Improved communication
   Clear communication is vital for academic success. With these ALS in place, teacher can effectively communicate instructions and lessons to all students, regardless of their hearing abilities. It also encourages interaction among students, promoting a more cohesive and integrated classroom dynamic.
3. Long-Term Cost-Efficiency
   Although the initial setup cost might be a concern, these systems offer long-term benefits. Investing in such technologies reduces the need for hiring additional support staff for students with hearing impairments. Moreover, it eliminates potential barriers to education, ensuring that every child has equal access to quality learning, aligning with the principles of inclusive education.

The Blue Ear Sign is one that means a world of difference for people with hearing loss. Any facility that has this Blue Ear sign indicates that it has a hearing loop present. For Europe, the United States and a growing number of countries in South-East Asia, the Blue Ear sign holds profound significance as a symbol of accessibility and inclusion. This universal iconic emblem, featuring a vibrant blue ear within a square frame, signifies the availability of Assistive Listening Services (ALS) at different establishments around the world especially in Education Institutes.

Types of ALS Systems

1. Induction Loop Systems
   
   Induction Loop Systems use magnetic fields to transmit sound directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants equipped with a telecoil component. Essentially, this turns the hearing aid and cochlear implants into a noise-cancelling earpiece as it picks out the sound directly from the source without the presence of background noise, ensuring clarity. This solution is easy to install and cost-effective as it would be a one-time installation process, making it a viable solution for schools.
2. FM Systems
   
   FM Systems are wireless devices that amplify sound, transmitting directly to an individual’s hearing aid or cochlear implant that has a built-in Telecoil component. In a school context, FM Systems can immensely benefit students with hearing impairments especially when classrooms are overwhelmed with noise from activities that are happening concurrently during lessons or lectures. This system can reduce background noise, ensuring students with hearing difficulties can clearly pick out the teacher’s voice.
3. Infrared Systems
   
   Similar to FM Systems, Infrared Systems transmit audio signals wirelessly using light waves, delivering sound to receivers worn by students during lessons. This allows students with hearing impairments to receive clear, amplified sound without interference. This system is particularly useful in environments where radio frequencies might cause interference or pose security risks.

Conclusion

FM Systems, Infrared Systems and Induction Loop Systems offer a transformative pathway towards inclusivity in education. By harnessing these technologies, schools in Asia can bridge the gap for students with hearing impairments, empowering them to engage actively in their learning process. Priotising inclusivity in education not only benefits individual students but also contributes to a more equitable and enriched society.

Incorporating these systems aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4, ensuring inclusive and quality education for all. It’s a step towards building an educational landscape where every child has equal access to learning opportunities, encouraging them to reach their maximum potential regardless of their abilities. Additionally, educational campaigns can raise awareness about the significance of these systems and eventually encouraging adopting of ALS.