Guest guest Posted July 14, 1999 Report Share Posted July 14, 1999 Thanks for the info, Kathy. I will try and see if I can contact these people. Lori Kathy wrote: > > > > > >Does anyone know of agencies that help with the purchase of hearing > >aids? Charitable groups? Goverment groups?(We live in > >Massachusetts.) > > Massachusetts has a really good assistive technology presence from what I > know. An online friend from 10 years ago is director of the Adaptive > Technology Program housed at the Mass. Commission for the Blind in Boston. > Don't know if he is still there or not - Joe Lazzaro, author of Adaptive > Technology for Learning and Work Environments. Last I knew he could be > reached at Lazzaro@... or Lazzaro@... > > I bought it through the Special Needs Project at 1-. > > Perhaps if you research AT choices, and discuss it with Joe, or someone at > the AT project, then you'll get better and faster answers and if there is > funding there, they certainly would know what or where since they are right > there in your state. > > >Also, can someone describe to me what an FM system is and if this is > >a device that would be appropriate for an active 5 year old? Maybe > >this is a cheaper option? > > An FM system is an amplifying device that is usually worn around the neck. > The one I saw is about the size of a deck of cards, worn around the neck on > a chain with earplugs going into the ears of the person who needed it. > Everyone speaking had to pass the transmitting device to the next speaker > for the person using the device to work. It only transmitted the nearest > speaker to the transmitter and thus people talking at the same time could > not be heard. For meetings, we kept it at the podium, but that meant the > person with hearing impairement could not hear people nearby until the > transmitter was returned to them. I doubt it would provide a good solution > to a child although the person who I met using one was mildly mentally > retarded. > > Kathy > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 1999 Report Share Posted July 15, 1999 > >Does anyone know of agencies that help with the purchase of hearing >aids? Charitable groups? Goverment groups?(We live in >Massachusetts.) Massachusetts has a really good assistive technology presence from what I know. An online friend from 10 years ago is director of the Adaptive Technology Program housed at the Mass. Commission for the Blind in Boston. Don't know if he is still there or not - Joe Lazzaro, author of Adaptive Technology for Learning and Work Environments. Last I knew he could be reached at Lazzaro@... or Lazzaro@... I bought it through the Special Needs Project at 1-. Perhaps if you research AT choices, and discuss it with Joe, or someone at the AT project, then you'll get better and faster answers and if there is funding there, they certainly would know what or where since they are right there in your state. >Also, can someone describe to me what an FM system is and if this is >a device that would be appropriate for an active 5 year old? Maybe >this is a cheaper option? An FM system is an amplifying device that is usually worn around the neck. The one I saw is about the size of a deck of cards, worn around the neck on a chain with earplugs going into the ears of the person who needed it. Everyone speaking had to pass the transmitting device to the next speaker for the person using the device to work. It only transmitted the nearest speaker to the transmitter and thus people talking at the same time could not be heard. For meetings, we kept it at the podium, but that meant the person with hearing impairement could not hear people nearby until the transmitter was returned to them. I doubt it would provide a good solution to a child although the person who I met using one was mildly mentally retarded. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 15, 1999 Report Share Posted July 15, 1999 > >Does anyone know of agencies that help with the purchase of hearing >aids? Charitable groups? Goverment groups?(We live in >Massachusetts.) Massachusetts has a really good assistive technology presence from what I know. An online friend from 10 years ago is director of the Adaptive Technology Program housed at the Mass. Commission for the Blind in Boston. Don't know if he is still there or not - Joe Lazzaro, author of Adaptive Technology for Learning and Work Environments. Last I knew he could be reached at Lazzaro@... or Lazzaro@... I bought it through the Special Needs Project at 1-. Perhaps if you research AT choices, and discuss it with Joe, or someone at the AT project, then you'll get better and faster answers and if there is funding there, they certainly would know what or where since they are right there in your state. >Also, can someone describe to me what an FM system is and if this is >a device that would be appropriate for an active 5 year old? Maybe >this is a cheaper option? An FM system is an amplifying device that is usually worn around the neck. The one I saw is about the size of a deck of cards, worn around the neck on a chain with earplugs going into the ears of the person who needed it. Everyone speaking had to pass the transmitting device to the next speaker for the person using the device to work. It only transmitted the nearest speaker to the transmitter and thus people talking at the same time could not be heard. For meetings, we kept it at the podium, but that meant the person with hearing impairement could not hear people nearby until the transmitter was returned to them. I doubt it would provide a good solution to a child although the person who I met using one was mildly mentally retarded. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 20, 1999 Report Share Posted July 20, 1999 Lori, sorry I didn't see this earlier. I will ask our audiologist about your hearing aid question as she just gave me a paper saying somewhere we could go ask for the same thing and for the same reason for . At this minute I don't know where the paper is, am too tired to look, but will make note for the morning. Also, is the FM thing like what they said Tylynn could have in the classroom, speakers and/or a hearing aid type thing kind of like earphones and the teacher has a microphone?? (For his CAPD) I don't know other than that. S. Hearing devices > > >Does anyone know of agencies that help with the purchase of hearing >aids? Charitable groups? Goverment groups?(We live in >Massachusetts.) > >Has anyone had success getting insurance to pay for hearing aids? My >insurance company doesn't cover them. > > > >I am told that a hearing aid costs about $3500.00 which is an >unattainable cost for us. We don't even have enough credit to buy it >on a loan. How on earth do people afford these things and why doesn't >insurance cover these? > >I am feeling very helpless right about now. My child can't do without >this yet I can't possibly scratch up that kind of money out of the >clear blue. It would take a year or more to save up that kind of >money. What do people who are less fortunate that us do? This is >absurd. > >Also, can someone describe to me what an FM system is and if this is >a device that would be appropriate for an active 5 year old? Maybe >this is a cheaper option? > >Thanks, > >Lori > > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 1999 Report Share Posted July 21, 1999 I was just reading the questions about the FM hearing device. I realy don't know much about them, but I did go to school with a girl who used something similar. It has been a few years, so I am sure the technology has changed. But, basicly she had 2 devices about the size of garage door openers. One was hooked up to an earpiece for her, the other to a microphone. On the emotional side, I know she sometimes was embarrassed, and got frustrated, and there were a few teachers who seemed irritated with it. So if your child is going to a public school, be prepared to deal not so thrilled teachers, and of course your childs peers. Just thought you may like to hear from someone who's seen it in action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 1999 Report Share Posted July 21, 1999 Hi , I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. Lori nicole nett wrote: > From: nmnett@... (nicole nett) > > I was just reading the questions about the FM hearing device. I realy > don't know much about them, but I did go to school with a girl who used > something similar. It has been a few years, so I am sure the technology > has changed. But, basicly she had 2 devices about the size of garage > door openers. One was hooked up to an earpiece for her, the other to a > microphone. > On the emotional side, I know she sometimes was embarrassed, and got > frustrated, and there were a few teachers who seemed irritated with it. > So if your child is going to a public school, be prepared to deal not so > thrilled teachers, and of course your childs peers. Just thought you may > like to hear from someone who's seen it in action. > > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 1999 Report Share Posted July 21, 1999 Hi , I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. Lori nicole nett wrote: > From: nmnett@... (nicole nett) > > I was just reading the questions about the FM hearing device. I realy > don't know much about them, but I did go to school with a girl who used > something similar. It has been a few years, so I am sure the technology > has changed. But, basicly she had 2 devices about the size of garage > door openers. One was hooked up to an earpiece for her, the other to a > microphone. > On the emotional side, I know she sometimes was embarrassed, and got > frustrated, and there were a few teachers who seemed irritated with it. > So if your child is going to a public school, be prepared to deal not so > thrilled teachers, and of course your childs peers. Just thought you may > like to hear from someone who's seen it in action. > > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 21, 1999 Report Share Posted July 21, 1999 Hi , I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. Lori nicole nett wrote: > From: nmnett@... (nicole nett) > > I was just reading the questions about the FM hearing device. I realy > don't know much about them, but I did go to school with a girl who used > something similar. It has been a few years, so I am sure the technology > has changed. But, basicly she had 2 devices about the size of garage > door openers. One was hooked up to an earpiece for her, the other to a > microphone. > On the emotional side, I know she sometimes was embarrassed, and got > frustrated, and there were a few teachers who seemed irritated with it. > So if your child is going to a public school, be prepared to deal not so > thrilled teachers, and of course your childs peers. Just thought you may > like to hear from someone who's seen it in action. > > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 Lori- If Alycia has a confirmed diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder, then you might want to talk with the audiologist about the hearing aids vs. the FM system for school. Our audiologist firmly believes that regular hearing aids can make CAPD problems worse, because it amplifies all the background noise. The FM system can be worn with ear molds and the wire inside the clothes. There is also an FM system that allows all children in the room to benefit. The teacher wears a mic and there are speakers all around the room. This is the cheapest option for a school. Almost all the elementary buildings are putting these systems into all of their first and second grade classrooms as a starter. Laurie > I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns > about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. > > Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 Lori- If Alycia has a confirmed diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder, then you might want to talk with the audiologist about the hearing aids vs. the FM system for school. Our audiologist firmly believes that regular hearing aids can make CAPD problems worse, because it amplifies all the background noise. The FM system can be worn with ear molds and the wire inside the clothes. There is also an FM system that allows all children in the room to benefit. The teacher wears a mic and there are speakers all around the room. This is the cheapest option for a school. Almost all the elementary buildings are putting these systems into all of their first and second grade classrooms as a starter. Laurie > I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns > about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. > > Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 I understood they could have small devices almost like hearing aids or small earphones and the teacher uses a small microphone around her neck like a church uses. Maybe I understood wrong. S. Re: Hearing devices > > >Hi , > >I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns >about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. > >Lori > >nicole nett wrote: > >> From: nmnett@... (nicole nett) >> >> I was just reading the questions about the FM hearing device. I realy >> don't know much about them, but I did go to school with a girl who used >> something similar. It has been a few years, so I am sure the technology >> has changed. But, basicly she had 2 devices about the size of garage >> door openers. One was hooked up to an earpiece for her, the other to a >> microphone. >> On the emotional side, I know she sometimes was embarrassed, and got >> frustrated, and there were a few teachers who seemed irritated with it. >> So if your child is going to a public school, be prepared to deal not so >> thrilled teachers, and of course your childs peers. Just thought you may >> like to hear from someone who's seen it in action. >> >> >> --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 I understood they could have small devices almost like hearing aids or small earphones and the teacher uses a small microphone around her neck like a church uses. Maybe I understood wrong. S. Re: Hearing devices > > >Hi , > >I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns >about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. > >Lori > >nicole nett wrote: > >> From: nmnett@... (nicole nett) >> >> I was just reading the questions about the FM hearing device. I realy >> don't know much about them, but I did go to school with a girl who used >> something similar. It has been a few years, so I am sure the technology >> has changed. But, basicly she had 2 devices about the size of garage >> door openers. One was hooked up to an earpiece for her, the other to a >> microphone. >> On the emotional side, I know she sometimes was embarrassed, and got >> frustrated, and there were a few teachers who seemed irritated with it. >> So if your child is going to a public school, be prepared to deal not so >> thrilled teachers, and of course your childs peers. Just thought you may >> like to hear from someone who's seen it in action. >> >> >> --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 The whole classroom speaker system is what Tylynn's substitute teacher did and all the kids liked it, but his regular teacher came back after her pregnancy/birth leave and removed them I understood later. This year I will make sure they are in place the day school starts. S. Re: Hearing devices > > >Lori- > >If Alycia has a confirmed diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder, then you might want to talk >with the audiologist about the hearing aids vs. the FM system for school. Our audiologist firmly believes >that regular hearing aids can make CAPD problems worse, because it amplifies all the background noise. The FM >system can be worn with ear molds and the wire inside the clothes. There is also an FM system that allows all >children in the room to benefit. The teacher wears a mic and there are speakers all around the room. This is >the cheapest option for a school. Almost all the elementary buildings are putting these systems into all of >their first and second grade classrooms as a starter. > >Laurie > >> I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns >> about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. >> >> Lori > > > > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 The whole classroom speaker system is what Tylynn's substitute teacher did and all the kids liked it, but his regular teacher came back after her pregnancy/birth leave and removed them I understood later. This year I will make sure they are in place the day school starts. S. Re: Hearing devices > > >Lori- > >If Alycia has a confirmed diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder, then you might want to talk >with the audiologist about the hearing aids vs. the FM system for school. Our audiologist firmly believes >that regular hearing aids can make CAPD problems worse, because it amplifies all the background noise. The FM >system can be worn with ear molds and the wire inside the clothes. There is also an FM system that allows all >children in the room to benefit. The teacher wears a mic and there are speakers all around the room. This is >the cheapest option for a school. Almost all the elementary buildings are putting these systems into all of >their first and second grade classrooms as a starter. > >Laurie > >> I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns >> about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. >> >> Lori > > > > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 You are probably right, . I have never seen such a device so I have no clue what to expect. People can describe it to me but I really won't " get it " until I see one. I think I am a visual learner like my daughter....LOL! Lori wrote: > > > I understood they could have small devices almost like hearing aids or small > earphones and the teacher uses a small microphone around her neck like a > church uses. Maybe I understood wrong. S. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 You are probably right, . I have never seen such a device so I have no clue what to expect. People can describe it to me but I really won't " get it " until I see one. I think I am a visual learner like my daughter....LOL! Lori wrote: > > > I understood they could have small devices almost like hearing aids or small > earphones and the teacher uses a small microphone around her neck like a > church uses. Maybe I understood wrong. S. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 Hi Laurie, Actually, I am beginning to doubt the accuracy of the speech therapist's diagnosis in terms of the CAPD. One of Alycia's problems was the inability to understand abstract concepts but since she got the wax dug out of her ears, she is making strides in that area. For example, I was discussing " transportation " with her and asked what would happen if we tried to drive the car on water...she said " mommy! the car would sink, silly! you got to use a boat! " . This is from a kid who was completely clueless on such complex matters a month ago. She is a completely different child at school now: paying attention to circle, participating in class, and she has been telling me all about what they learned in circle on her way home...something she never did a few months ago. I don't know if she has a sudden maturation in neuronal brain growth or if her problem all along has been hearing. So at this point, I have no clue what she really needs...an FM system or hearing aids. Regardless, I appreciate your point of view and I will certainly keep this information in mind as we make a decision regarding the best form of amplification for Alycia. Lori Laurie wrote: > > > Lori- > > If Alycia has a confirmed diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder, then you might want to talk > with the audiologist about the hearing aids vs. the FM system for school. Our audiologist firmly believes > that regular hearing aids can make CAPD problems worse, because it amplifies all the background noise. The FM > system can be worn with ear molds and the wire inside the clothes. There is also an FM system that allows all > children in the room to benefit. The teacher wears a mic and there are speakers all around the room. This is > the cheapest option for a school. Almost all the elementary buildings are putting these systems into all of > their first and second grade classrooms as a starter. > > Laurie > > > I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns > > about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. > > > > Lori > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 Hi Laurie, Actually, I am beginning to doubt the accuracy of the speech therapist's diagnosis in terms of the CAPD. One of Alycia's problems was the inability to understand abstract concepts but since she got the wax dug out of her ears, she is making strides in that area. For example, I was discussing " transportation " with her and asked what would happen if we tried to drive the car on water...she said " mommy! the car would sink, silly! you got to use a boat! " . This is from a kid who was completely clueless on such complex matters a month ago. She is a completely different child at school now: paying attention to circle, participating in class, and she has been telling me all about what they learned in circle on her way home...something she never did a few months ago. I don't know if she has a sudden maturation in neuronal brain growth or if her problem all along has been hearing. So at this point, I have no clue what she really needs...an FM system or hearing aids. Regardless, I appreciate your point of view and I will certainly keep this information in mind as we make a decision regarding the best form of amplification for Alycia. Lori Laurie wrote: > > > Lori- > > If Alycia has a confirmed diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder, then you might want to talk > with the audiologist about the hearing aids vs. the FM system for school. Our audiologist firmly believes > that regular hearing aids can make CAPD problems worse, because it amplifies all the background noise. The FM > system can be worn with ear molds and the wire inside the clothes. There is also an FM system that allows all > children in the room to benefit. The teacher wears a mic and there are speakers all around the room. This is > the cheapest option for a school. Almost all the elementary buildings are putting these systems into all of > their first and second grade classrooms as a starter. > > Laurie > > > I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns > > about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. > > > > Lori > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 Hi Amy, this is very encouraging to hear! Lori Superman wrote: > > > I went to a class on assitive technology and they have FM devices that are > as small as a pin, a pen and an ear ring...they have engineered them so kids > won't stand out. > > Amy (mom to the younger, possible mito, developmental delay, > microcepaly, bladder reflux to kidney, GI reflux and GI delay in emptying, > CVI, and the best smile and giggle) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 1999 Report Share Posted July 22, 1999 Hi Amy, this is very encouraging to hear! Lori Superman wrote: > > > I went to a class on assitive technology and they have FM devices that are > as small as a pin, a pen and an ear ring...they have engineered them so kids > won't stand out. > > Amy (mom to the younger, possible mito, developmental delay, > microcepaly, bladder reflux to kidney, GI reflux and GI delay in emptying, > CVI, and the best smile and giggle) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 1999 Report Share Posted July 23, 1999 I went to a class on assitive technology and they have FM devices that are as small as a pin, a pen and an ear ring...they have engineered them so kids won't stand out. Amy (mom to the younger, possible mito, developmental delay, microcepaly, bladder reflux to kidney, GI reflux and GI delay in emptying, CVI, and the best smile and giggle) Re: Hearing devices > > >Hi , > >I suspected that some teachers may be less than thrilled with using these devices and I share the concerns >about making Alycia stand out any more than I have to. This is why I plan on going the hearing aid route. > >Lori > >nicole nett wrote: > >> From: nmnett@... (nicole nett) >> >> I was just reading the questions about the FM hearing device. I realy >> don't know much about them, but I did go to school with a girl who used >> something similar. It has been a few years, so I am sure the technology >> has changed. But, basicly she had 2 devices about the size of garage >> door openers. One was hooked up to an earpiece for her, the other to a >> microphone. >> On the emotional side, I know she sometimes was embarrassed, and got >> frustrated, and there were a few teachers who seemed irritated with it. >> So if your child is going to a public school, be prepared to deal not so >> thrilled teachers, and of course your childs peers. Just thought you may >> like to hear from someone who's seen it in action. >> >> >> --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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