Counseling and Education

For a new FM user, the experiences during the first 4-6 weeks of FM use greatly influence success or failure. Print out only exercises relevant to listening situations identified by the client in the self assessment. Line drawings and abbreviated text allow for ease of reference.

The self training guide can be used as a training tool for your staff as well.

• FM User Training Guide
  Always select the most appropriate personal system based on individual listening needs and ability to handle.
• Variables Affecting Signal to Noise Ratio,
  Peter Stelmacovich, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Comprehensive training and counseling are indispensable. This simply can not be done in the traditional post-dispensing counseling sessions only.

All-encompassing counseling sessions should include:

• Hands-on verbal instruction
• Real life listening demonstrations
• Role-play demonstrations
• Take-home written instructions insert the new FM User Training Guide

Hands-On Verbal Instruction

Review all of the FM components and their operation. Place the components in the client’s hands and point out the specifics of each component. Being familiar with the components will reduce anxiety about using this new device.

Real life listening demonstrations

As with any demonstration, using “real-life” situations provides a more meaningful listening experience. Examples of these situations are standing on a busy street, going to a restaurant, a mall, or in crowded areas or using the telephone. If the system cannot be demonstrated in a noisy situation, use a noise source such as a CD player with speech babble noise at 85 dB.

Role-Play Demonstration

Role-play provides your client the opportunity to adjust and position the components for different listening situations.

Demonstrate how to position the transmitter to obtain optimal signal-to-noise ratio.

Role-play for each situation:

• Companion technique
• Interview technique
• Pass around technique

Solicit the help of a supportive loved one

Conduct role-play with significant other so s/he may appreciate a better understanding of the FM system.

• demonstrate proper operation
• learn to troubleshoot
• identify problems/difficulties the patient may have
• encourage different strategies of microphone placement and settings
• share information with other family members

Take Home Kit

It takes time to assimilate new information. Prepare a customized “Take Home Kit”, which includes

• “Owner’s manuals”
• Customized User Guide (create and print from FM Configurator)
• Personalized FM User Training Guide (create and print from FM CounselWare). Instruct user to keep a log of experiences and record additional goals.
• Appointment schedule, important phone numbers, websites, product literature, practice brochures, etc.

Fitting and Verification

FM Demo