Audiology workshop
Presented on Wednesday 13 March, 2013
Soundfield Systems
Richard Vaughan, Customer Support Manager Connevans Ltd
Practical solutions in the classroom - the latest technology and how to make the most of it!
Enhance the Listening Experience
Benefits the Teacher
Benefits the pupil
What is soundfield?
- A Soundfield is an amplification system which provides an even spread of sound around the room.
- A typical 'soundfield' consists of a microphone worn by the teacher, a wall-mounted amplifier and wall-mounted speakers around the classroom.
Classroom without soundfield system installed
- Teacher raises their voice level attempting to be heard at back of class, risking voice strain.
- Clarity deteriorates over distance resulting in pupils at the back of class not hearing as well as those at the front. Pupils may lose concentration.
Classroom with soundfield system installed
- Teacher speaks at normal voice level, avoiding voice strain.
- Soundfield amplification means that all pupils hear at the same level wherever seated in the classroom, maintaining interest and attention of the pupils and providing a better learning environment.
What is soundfield? Clarity, not volume.
Two channel receivers: A second transmitter may be added for pupil participation or teaching assistant.
Infra-red technology
- No radio licensing required
- No interference with radio aids
- Any number of IR systems may be used on a site
Transmitter types: pendand microphone; hand-held microphone.
Integration with existing multimedia.
Connecting to radio aids
"Most deaf children who wear hearing aids or cochlear implants continue to need the superior S/N ratio provided by personal FM systems"
(Crandell et al, 2004).