FM Systems and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD/CAPD)

Detecting sounds is the first step in a series of auditory mechanisms that are essential for understanding speech. The second step in the auditory process is the recognition and comprehension of speech and sounds in the environment.

Auditory processing disorder, also known as APD or CAPD, is an inability to correctly analyze and process sounds to understand them, even though there is no underlying hearing loss. People with this condition detect sounds, but have trouble making sense of them. There are several types of APD, and it can range from mild to severe. One sign of APD is difficulty understanding messages in noisy environments.

Most auditory environments have some background noise. In a home, for example, background noise can include the TV, radio or dishwasher, while the background noise in a classroom can be caused by papers, fans and chairs scraping.

Background noise can disrupt the speech signal and make it partly or totally incomprehensible. This is often the primary obstacle to understanding speech, especially for people with hearing loss or APD.

Because there is no medical treatment available for APD, an FM system is the best option for people with the condition. FM systems are the most effective way to improve speech comprehension in noisy environments where listening is more difficult. These systems are made up of two main parts: a microphone (emitter) and a receiver. The microphone captures the speech from the speaker and sends it to a receptor through a special frequency (frequency modulation). The speaker wears the microphone, while the receiver is paired to hearing aids, headphones or speakers. Emitters use specific FM bands (72–76 MHz and 216–217 MHz), which can be split into several channels. As long as the emitter and receiver are operating on the same channel, the sound will be transmitted.

The Amigo T5/R5 FM system is a way to counter comprehension problems in noisy environments by sending the speaker’s voice through a microphone to headphones worn by the person with APD. This system is flexible, reliable, affordable and easy to use. Not only can it be used by a speaker wearing a microphone, it can also be plugged into an audio source such as a computer or TV. The system comes with a wide range of accessories, and many types of headphones are available. This makes the Amigo T5/R5 a simple, effective solution for people with APD.