The Phonak Soundfield Amplification System (SFAS) presented to Albany Hills State School in May 2026 by Quota Brisbane was the eleventh SFAS donated to schools in and around Brisbane to support students who are hard of hearing. When President Cheryl Beaton addressed the assembly to presented the system an engraved plaque was mounted on the system’s speaker which noted the donation by the Quota Club of Brisbane. Proud Quota Brisbane members Margaret Vallance and Robyn Porter also attended on the day.
Although the Phonak SFAS is designed to assist students who wear hearing devices or have cochlear implants, all the students in the classroom benefit from being able to hear the teacher more clearly. Students who have attention difficulties and/ or English is their second language benefit too. The system from Jim Russell from the Hear Room was installed by Advisory Visiting Teacher Amanda Langdon. Jim provides the systems to Quota Clubs across Australia at a reduced price. The original ‘Listening to Learn’ Program was initiated by Quota International and Quota Brisbane has carried on the legacy. Quota Clubs in the South Eastern part of Queensland who have embraced the ‘Listening to Learn’ program include Redcliffe Quota, Beaudesert Quota, Carindale Quota and Sandgate Quota along with the Quota Club of Brisbane.
The classroom teacher wears a lanyard with a device attached that amplifies and transmits her voice. The teacher’s voice can be heard via the speaker benefiting all the students in the room and the device transmits her/his voice directly to the hearing devices worn by students in the classroom. The Phonak SFAS is mobile and can be relocated from room to room as needed.
Schools are supported by Advisory Visiting Teachers who work with Jim to set up the device and train the teachers to use it. This device will follow the students through their primary school years.
