Creating an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive is a top priority for educational institutions. At Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception School in Sunshine, VIC, this commitment is evident in their recent adoption of Hear and Learn’s cutting-edge hearing augmentation solutions.
The school has outfitted 14 classrooms with Hear and Learn’s UConnect Mini hearing augmentation systems, complete with the innovative PowerPlate technology. This installation ensures that the voices of teachers are clearly heard, minimizing the impact of background noise, such as air conditioners or road noise, which can often interfere with learning.
One of the key benefits of these systems is the significant improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio in classrooms. This ratio measures the clarity of the desired audio—in this case, the teacher’s voice—over unwanted noise. By prioritising a high signal-to-noise ratio, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception School has optimized listening conditions for all students, ensuring that everyone, including those with hearing challenges, can engage fully in classroom activities.
Each classroom has also been equipped with a permanent soundfield system using Hear and Learn’s Redcat technology. This teacher voice amplifier system distributes sound evenly across the room, ensuring that every student, regardless of their seating position, can hear the teacher’s instructions clearly. This setup not only supports students with hearing impairments but also benefits all learners by reducing the cognitive load associated with trying to filter out background noise.
The decision by Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception School to implement these hearing augmentation solutions reflects a broader commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment. Their approach is backed by research, which shows that enhanced listening conditions lead to better academic outcomes for all students.
For more on the impact of soundfield amplification systems in schools, you can explore the research summary provided by Hear and Learn here.