Hear and Learn recently completed a hearing augmentation and soundfield installation in rural Victoria, showcasing the need for agile, future-ready solutions in schools. As required by the Victorian School Building Authority’s (VSBA) Building Quality Standard Handbook (BQSH), hearing augmentation systems must be compatible with various personal assistive listening devices used by Australian students who are hard of hearing.
For this project, Hear and Learn installed the UConnect Mini with PowerPlate in five classrooms. The UConnect Mini integrates amplified audio sources including PA systems, front office messaging, and TV. The PowerPlate, which enables the safe and convenient installation of the Redcat soundfield system with a Flexmike, is also connected to the UConnect Mini. This setup allows teachers to broadcast their voice clearly for all students, while simultaneously augmenting all sound sources to those using personal listening devices.
During a HearAssist visit, two specific cases were addressed. In one classroom, a student using a Phonak Roger receiver was being delivered voice only via a Phonak Roger Touchscreen and Digimaster soundfield system prior to the UConnect Mini being installed together with Redcat and Flexmike.
The teacher was shown the smaller and lighter Flexmike and the wall mounted Redcat (mounted to the PowerPlate) with no on-floor imprint. This meant simpler easy of use for the Teacher and the Learner received augmentation of voice, screen and PA.
In another classroom, a teacher using a Resound microphone was transmitting voice directly to a student’s cochlear implant. After integrating the Flexmike, Redcat, and UConnect Mini, the teacher could transmit their voice, PA messages, and TV audio directly to the student’s implant.
With hearing augmentation, it’s important not to assume that all students will use the same brand or transmission system. Hear and Learn’s solutions are designed to be flexible and future-focused, delivering on the promise of “All audio to all Ears. Always.” Contact us today to see how Hear and Learn can enhance your classroom environments.