Compare and contrast sound field systems with cochlear implants for children who are hearing impaired. What benefit do these assistive hearing technologies carry for children who are hard of hearing in the educational environment?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sound field systems (SFS) are systems that can be used in the whole classroom. While using a SFS, the classroom teacher wears a small microphone that transmits his or her voice to speakers that are placed around the classroom. Cochlear implants, on the other hand, are surgically implanted in the child's inner ear. The child then wears a microphone and a speech processor that are connected by wiring to the implant and held in place by a magnet near the implant site (typically behind the ear). SFS and cochlear implants have many similar qualities, the largest of which is their function. Both systems are put in place to help the child hear successfully within the learning environment. However, it seems as though there are more differences between the two systems than there are similarities. First, sound field systems are put in place outside of the child's body. The child is able to hear the teacher via speakers that transmit his or her voice around the room. However, cochlear implants are an internal solution to hearing impairment for children as they are surgically implanted inside the child's ear. Both systems of support have great benefits for children who are hearing impaired. The largest benefit of both systems is that they allow the child to function successfully and more independently within the learning environment.