Soundfield

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Email: soundfield@soundfield.info

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Phonic Ear, FrontRow and the names of FrontRow products are trademarks or registered trademarks of Phonic Ear Inc in the US and other countries: 828-6880-112/Rev B/4637/0505

Good acoustics is central to classroom learning

See how we support the Soundfield concept with investment and real research.

The evidence for the effectiveness of our Soundfield systems comes from a mix of anecdotal and scientific sources. We know from the testimony of our customers that Soundfield works – they constantly tell us how much benefit they get from it. But there’s also a wealth of independent scientific evidence too. Here are two studies that have provided convincing demonstrations of the need for Soundfield speech enhancement systems in every classroom.

MARRS Project Studies (1979-1993), US Department of Education validated. In this report it was found that 30% of primary school children had a mild hearing loss due to otitis media and middle-ear fluid (glue ear). 75% of these children go on to have academic difficulties. The use of Soundfield Amplification produced statistically significant improvements in reading and language test scores in both those with normal hearing and those with a mild hearing loss, over children in non-Soundfield classrooms. Gains in academic scores became evident in less than one year and were sustained for study periods of up to three years. Soundfield cost less than other methods to improve scores. ( 1 C. Crandell, J. Smaldino, and C. Flexer, Soundfield FM Amplification: Theory & Practical Applications, San Diego: Singular Publishing Group,1995; pp 212-213) More info(pdf)

Evaluating Sound Field Amplification Technology in New Brunswick Schools: Rubin, Aquino-Russell, Flagg-Williams (2006) A pilot study of 60 classrooms in New Brunswick, Canada. Both quantitative and qualitative procedures were included, using FrontRow Pro infra-red soundfield systems. The study found a positive effect on children’s responses and listening skills, as well as a reduction in the time teachers had to spend with each child. In addition teachers and students noticed a reduction in background noise resulting in an improvement in the ability to hear what was being said anywhere in the room. Teachers also noted that children were more attentive, whilst the children felt more focused because they could hear better. For pupils with special needs it was found that Soundfield had positive effects for children with sensory impairments, autism, speech-language delays and central auditory processing disorders, increasing their ability to focus on lessons and participate in classroom activities. Teachers reported significantly less voice strain. More info(pdf)