Glossary: F

Feedback

The whistling sound sometimes produced by hearing aids. Feedback occurs when amplified sound from the hearing aid enters the microphone and causes a feedback loop. Caused by poor fitting or loose earmoulds, or a build-up of wax in the ear canal. 

Final Statement

The final copy of the Statement of Special Educational Needs issued by the Local Authority.  Parents are given written notice of their right to appeal the Local Authority decision to Tribunal. See also Education Health and Care (EHC) plan.

Frequency

Most sounds are made up of different frequencies. Frequency is often thought of as the pitch of the sound. For example, on a piano keyboard, the keys to the left play low frequency (or low pitch) notes, and the keys to the right play high frequency (or high pitch) notes. 

FM system

A system that can help reduce the effects of distance and background noise to make listening easier. Personal FM systems are known as radio aids and are used widely by children with hearing aids in schools. Group FM systems are known as soundfield systems and are used widely in classrooms with all children, deaf and hearing.