40 assistive listening devices distributed to students with hearing impairments

Two types of FM systems were distributed, the 'Smart Link (My Link)' - a device used for students with a cochlear implant and the 'Comfort Audio' - an assistive listening device for students with hearing aids.

During a workshop held in Abu Dhabi for more than 100 students and their parents to help familiarize them on the two new devices, Ms. Hana Ali Elsa Al Hamdani, Subject Support Specialist and Team Leader for ADEC's Special Needs committee, said, "FM systems are like miniature radio stations operating on special frequencies. The Smart Link and My Link devices consist of a receiver that's attached to the student's cochlear implant. The processor acts as a microphone which the teacher uses in order to help the student focus on what is being taught, it minimizes the noises around him, with focus on the teacher."

She added, "The Comfort Audio is an assistive tool for students with hearing aids. If the student hears up to 50 per cent, these devices will help increase his hearing ability to 80 per cent."

Ms. Amal Abdulla Abdul Rahman, Team Leader Special Education Needs in ADEC explained that 33 students from Abu Dhabi received either the Comfort Audio or the Smart Link (My Link), seven from Al Ain and five from the Western Region.

"Assistive tools are distributed whenever ADEC feels there's a need for that. That is why we have gathered students with hearing impairment and their parents, so that we can help guide them on how to use the FM system, and on ways to make best usage out of the devices," said Ms. Amal.

Six year old Mohammed Ali Al Shehhi is studying in KG2 at the Ibtihal School and has a Cochlear Implant. When speaking to his mother about his situation and on how she felt the device would help him, she said, "The device will definitely help him focus more with the classroom teacher without any other sound or distortion in the background."

Mohammed's parents are related, however Umm Mohammed explained that his condition is hereditary more than anything else. "Mohammed was also in the intensive care unit for four days when he was first born. He suffered from loss of breath and was prescribed antibiotics for some time, but I only realized that he had a hearing impairment when he entered a nursery and had difficulties hearing things around him," she said.