Question
Can FM systems be used with bone anchored hearing systems?
Answer
Yes! FM is a great solution to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) for our patients who use bone anchored hearing solutions by reducing background noise, enhancing the signal, and minimizing the negative effects of distance and reverberation on the signal. FM is compatible with both the Ponto Pro and Ponto Plus sound processor families.
Using FM with the Ponto Pro and Ponto families
The Oticon Amigo R2 BA receiver was created specifically for the Ponto Pro family. It’s important to note that the “Amigo R2” doesn’t work with the Ponto Pro family, the product name must have “BA” included, which stands for bone anchored.
The Amigo T5, T10, T20, T21, T30 and T31 transmitters are all compatible with the Ponto Pro family. The Amigo Arc and Amigo R5 with induction loop will work with the Ponto with the telecoil in place.
The fitting audiologist must define a FM/FM+M program by following these steps:
- Connect the FM receiver to the Ponto sound processor
- Turn on the receiver switch
- Press the push button on Ponto to change between programs
In addition to the Oticon Amigo R2 BA, ear-level FM receivers that are compatible with Ponto processors include the Phonak MLxS BAHA and Phonak MLxi BAHA.
A few things to note - the audio adapter from Oticon Medical has a 3-pin connector and can be connected to Ponto Pro and Ponto sound processors. Also, the telecoil from Oticon Medical has a 3-pin connector and can be connected to Ponto Pro and Ponto sound processors. There is no switch on the telecoil. Ponto processors do not have a telecoil built in, because of competing magnetic fields.
Linking Ponto Plus and Ponto Plus Power to FM Systems and other accessories
The Ponto Plus has a Euro design required for FM use. The Oticon Medical Streamer has a pin socket at the bottom of the device. There are more receiver options, and you’ll need to be sure to select a transmitter that’s compatible with the receiver.
FM receivers that can be used together with Ponto Plus and Ponto Plus Power are:
- Oticon Amigo R2 & Oticon Amigo R1
- Phonak MLxi universal receiver & Phonak Roger X universal receiver
- Widex universal receiver
- Comfort Audio DT‐20
The FM receiver is plugged into the bottom of the Oticon Medical Streamer. Then, press the auxiliary button when the transmitter and receiver are on the same channel.
The Oticon Medical Streamer can be used with other devices such as cell phones, tablets and GPS systems. It also connects to the ConnectLine app for easy use. The Oticon Medical Streamer works out of the box with any Ponto Plus. It pairs automatically to a Ponto Plus that is within one meter.
In terms of resources, we have created a number of videos that walk through FM and connecting to other devices with the Oticon Medical Streamer. In addition, please check out our AudiologyOnline course on this topic – it’s free to view and offered for continuing education through AudiologyOnline. And, please feel free to contact Oticon Medical at any time for further information and support.
