<p>Apologies in advance for this epic-length post.</p>
<p>This thread is a busman’s holiday for me. I work as a deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) hearing itinerant teacher for many different high schools.</p>
<p>First, ALD = Assistive Listening Device, but they’re often still referred to as “FM systems.” You’re right. All hearing aids are not compatible with ALDs. This means no teeny-tiny completely-in-the-canal hearing aids. You need to attached a “boot” (also known as an “audio shoe”) to the bottom of each aid, which then allows you to attach a small FM receiver that communicates with the FM transmitter (microphone). Some newer hearing aids have “integrated receivers,” which means you don’t have to attach anything; the integrated FM receiver automatically turns on when the FM mic is switched on. </p>
<p>Increasingly, there are ear-level systems that can be used by NON hearing aid users. These earpieces amplify without being attached to a hearing aid, which means there’s no attention to boosting only specific frequencies. You have the option to get custom earmolds made for some models. Phonak makes the iSense and the MicroEar; Oticon is getting into the FM game, so probably also has a model.</p>
<p>Or, if you have an iPad and $4, you can get the SoundAmp app, which is very primitive, but I know of at least one HH college student who is using it during lectures - to both record the lecture and to listen to an amplified signal through ear bud(s). Since this would amplify anything around the iPad-on-the-desk, it wouldn’t be nearly as sophisticated as an ALD, but this student (deaf in one ear) likes it.</p>
<p>In my experience, there is no reason not to disclose a hearing loss on a college application, although I know many would disagree with me. Many of my students mention it in their essay, personal statement, or an “other information” section of the app. In fact, I had a very high achieving HH senior last year who won a crazy-generous community scholarship. At both interviews, he was asked about his hearing aids and how he has navigated his hearing loss. He definitely got the idea that the interest was anything but disapproving. </p>
<p>To register for disability services, colleges want a current audiological evaluation for documentation - less than six months old. Many students also supply an IEP or 504 Plan. You daughter should register with the disability office before she begins classes. She can generate a list of accommodations with her disabilities counselor (e.g. preferential seating, FM, captions, notetaking assistance). </p>
<p>Students who are registered with the disability office are often allowed to register for classes before the other students, which can be an advantage if she wants to sign up for a section of a class with fewer students or located in a good building (acoustics).</p>
<p>Many disability offices provide FM systems, although they’re not necessarily top-of-the-line. My experience is that colleges that have audiology, speech path, or deaf ed departments often have a lot of knowledge about DHH students’ needs and equipment. This is not to say that there are not other colleges that don’t (if you can decode that triple-negative sentence I just wrote…)</p>
<p>As you visit colleges, you can contact the disability office ahead of time to alert them to your visit. Often, they will agree to meet with you to explain their services. Sometimes they’ll introduce you to an already-enrolled DHH student. (If they have one…it’s a pretty low-incidence disability.)</p>
<p>You should consider whether you want to transition to new aids and/or an FM while your daughter is still in high school, considering that it takes a while to gain tolerance. It also helps to have an established history of using certain accommodations. In addition, high school is a warmer, fuzzier place to get practice in how to explain equipment and other accommodations to teachers. </p>
<p>To get an FM in high school, you daughter would have to be referred (probably by the special ed department or the nurse) to whomever provides your hearing itinerant teacher services. That provider will do an evaluation to determine if services are needed and if an FM is warranted. The conclusions will be formalized at an IEP or 504 Plan meeting, where ideas for accommodations will also be generated. If initiated, services would probably be minimal and focus on self-advocacy development and accommodations/equipment use. The more forthcoming a student can be about her hearing needs, the better. </p>
<p>(Even if the hearing itinerant evaluation determines that your daughter is using her hearing so well in the classroom that an FM is not recommended, you can always purchase one on your own - actually, through your audiologist.)</p>
<p>Random thought: I have many former students report to me that they struggle with the foreign accents of professors in college, especially Asian and Indian.</p>
<p>Sorry for the ramble. Good luck!</p>
Thanks so much for following that little birdy in your head that made you log in today!!! :)</p>