Personal FM

The wireless FM system transmits sound via a radio carrier wave. A personal FM system must have a transmitter and a receiver, each operating on the same frequency or channel. Sound is picked up by the microphone or line input of the transmitter and broadcast to the receiver via FM (frequency modulation)....Diagram

There are frequencies set aside for use by the hearing impaired, so there isn't interference from commercial broadcasts. The signal will carry quite far in an unobstructed area and generally has a range of several hundred feet.

Because of its range, FM is not suitable for confidential settings. The signal is not limited to line of sight and can penetrate walls and ceilings.

The transmitter and receiver of an FM system are quite small - about the size of a package of cigarettes. The listener can use the receiver in one of several ways:

• If the hearing aid has an induction or T-coil, the receiver can be connected via an induction loop or silhouette adapter. (See What is Induction?)
• By direct audio input if the hearing aids have this capability.
• If there is no hearing aid, headphones, earphones, earbuds or small speakers can be used.

FM is an excellent choice when confidentiality is not a factor. The use of a tuneable receiver allows the listener to take the receiver to other locations where FM systems are used.

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