Sound fields systems - any advice/experience?

[MissBetsyTrotwood]

DS2's audiologist has recommended the use of one for him; he starts mainstream Reception in September. He doesn't use hearing aids (yet) although his unilateral hearing loss is profound.

Do all schools that are asked to provide one for hearing impaired pupils automatically provide them? I can't believe that would be the case as my memory tells me they cost upwards of 3k. We have the audiologist's recommendation and will have the hearing impaired teacher's as well but, given they're strapped for cash right now, will this be enough?

TIA all. I've had a little gander on the NDCS chat pages but they seem a little more tumbleweedy compared to over here!

Hi Boboma , that's really interesting. Is is a Bone Anchored aid? I find it all quite difficult to understand sometimes but the little I've been able to truly, properly get (iykwim) instead of just parrot back to those interested is that the Bone Anchored aids just catch the sound and transmit it. So no amplification, which would be the issue for a child with unilateral loss.

And I agree about the 'just' play thing. They learn so much without realising at that age. I'm so glad to hear your DD is doing well and making big steps - good on you both.

Thanks - it is great to see the difference that it has made. It is a radio behind the ear aid, but I haven't had the chance to ask enough questions about why that type was chosen and if it is to do with the mixed hearing loss. We went from lots of inconclusive tests to suddenly having her able to do the masked test and bang - there you go hearing aid! We made the difficult decision to turn down grommits a few months previously which I am glad of now.
The NDCS leaflets are very good - I got them posted to us for easier reading than on the computer. The leaflet seem to say that there are 3 options for unilateral loss- radio aid, CROS aid (which I think is the one that you are talking about that just transfers the sound to the good ear) and bone anchored aid, but there is not much evidence about what is best to do for that type of loss. Our audiologist did say that if an older person came in with DD's hearing then she would just leave them be, but wanted to give my DD the best chance since her brain is plastic enough to adapt. I wasn't expecting much from it, but as I said the difference has been huge. I'll ask lots of questions the next time we are in audiology! It is all confusing as you say!
Good luck with it all. x

Bone Anchored Hearing Aids literally transmit the sound through bone. There is on the BAHA Divino a volume wheel and also a directional microphone to help boost the sound. The best way to test how a BAHA works is to (this is fiddly) mount the BAHA on the listening post, place it between your teeth and put your fingers in your ears. I turn my iPod on as that's pure sound. You will hear the sounds transmit through your teeth to your ears. Sounds freakish, but that's the closest you will get to understanding what a bone conductive hearing aid will give you in terms of sound.

A useful link. www.oticonmedical.com/