Frequency Modulation System and speech perception in the classroom: a systematic literature review.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Pediatric audiology
• Speech-language pathology

Background:

• Children with hearing loss often struggle with speech perception in noisy school environments.
• Hearing aids and cochlear implants can be supplemented with assistive listening devices.
• The Frequency Modulation (FM) system is a common assistive listening technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the benefits of the Frequency Modulation (FM) system for speech perception in noise in children using hearing aids and/or cochlear implants at school.
• To evaluate the impact of different types of FM systems on auditory performance.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive bibliographic survey of electronic databases up to 2012 was conducted.
• Manual searches using specific keywords were performed.
• Selection criteria included study type, participants, intervention, and outcome evaluation.

Main Results:

• The FM system consistently improved speech perception and speech-auditory thresholds in noise across all reviewed studies.
• Personal FM systems yielded superior results compared to sound field or table-mounted systems.
• Existing literature primarily focuses on speech perception, with limited data on educational outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The FM system is effective in enhancing speech perception in noise for children with hearing devices.
• Further research is needed to understand the impact of the FM system on the overall school performance of these children.
• Integrating auditory and educational aspects in future research is crucial.