As parents we lecture our kids to listen in school and the importance of communicating with others. However, when you’re an individual with a hearing loss what would come naturally for others doesn’t for them. When I am working with someone that has a hearing loss, it is my responsibility to provide easy-to-use technology that truly provides access to all sounds and words needed for speech and language development.
I’d like to review two amazing products that help accommodate those with hearing loss.
Roger On is a microphone dedicated for all conversations that occur in background noise and over distance. With its ability to distinguish the direction of incoming speech and Pointing mode 2.0, users have the flexibility to focus on important conversations at work, in lectures, and during social activities. Pointing mode 2.0 uses three microphones in a row allowing the user to zoom in on the person talking where noise is present or in a group conversation where there is a distance to a talker. This mode can be used when the microphone is held in the hand or when the microphone is inside its case and set on the table. Thanks to the built-in accelerometer Roger On recognizes the sound environment and its position, and switches automatically between Table mode, Presenter mode and Pointing mode.The cost ranges between $3,000-$6,000.
FM System is another option using a microphone to send a person’s voice to a loudspeaker. The speaker amplifies the voice and helps overcome the background noise in the room. This technology can also send a person’s voice directly to hearing aids, so it sounds like they’re talking right into your ears. FM stands for frequency modulation which is the technology that allows for wireless transmission sound. Many FM systems use DM, digital modulation which is a more preferred method today due to its flexibility and improved sound quality. Understand that speech can be inhibited especially if you have a hearing loss. This system helps overcome two problems: noise and distance. FM can be used in a classroom setting, auditorium, movie theater, or when speaking with others in noisy situations. This can help with reducing listener and speaker fatigue. The cost for the FM/DM system can range from $150 to up to several thousand dollars.
Computers and smartphones are prevalent in everyone’s life these days and with the use of the right websites, apps, and services they can be valuable tools in helping one to live well with hearing loss. Apps that have proven to be successful include:
Chatable (iOS) (Free & Paid Version): Reproduces the voice of the person talking to you during one-to-one conversations, but louder and clearer, while simultaneously reducing background noise, such as music, reverberation, and other sounds. One hundred free minutes a month are available.
RogerVoice (iOS) (Free): Designed to facilitate phone calls by captioning the content of the call in real time. Operates over an internet connection so an active Wi-Fi or 3g/4g service is required. Free to use between users.
