Components: Sound Source
Instructor giving a lecture
Notes:
Now let’s evaluate the listening situation. What is it that the listener is trying to hear? One speaker giving a lecture, or several speakers, as in a panel discussion? Are there group discussions, questions from the audience, a comment from a neighboring student? Is electronic media, such as film, audio recordings, radio, CD, or computer being used? Will the audience member with the hearing loss need to speak-either to ask or answer a question, or make comments?
Before deciding the type of assistive listening device to use, the entire listening situation must be evaluated. Set ups that will work wonderfully with one speaker will fall flat if the situation involves a panel discussion. Why? Remember that no matter how many sound sources exist in the setting, the only sound that is being delivered to the individual using an ALD is what is directed into the microphone. Thus, one microphone for a panel of speakers is probably not enough, especially if they are expected to pass the mic back and forth between them. Most people will not consistently pass the mic around unless they are constantly reminded to do so. This is frustrating for both the student and the speaker. Do not put the hearing impaired student in this situation. Set it up in the first place so that everyone will experience success.