Directional microphones are specialised features of some hearing aids and can be added as an additional feature for others. The directional microphone emphasises sounds in front of the listener whilst reducing the noise from other directions.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are various different options regarding directional microphones including:
- configurable or steerable directional microphones which allow the manufacturer to position the microphone void to suit the person
- adaptive or switchable directional microphones which adapt into and out of directional mode.
Directional microphones are available from various suppliers, some of which allow for the microphone to be positioned to suit the person’s needs. One disadvantage to be noted with a directional microphone is that they can be heavily affected by wind noise when worn outdoors.
Persons with a hearing impairment may benefit from a hearing aid directional microphone in the workplace in order to carry out their role. However as hearing aids are considered medical aids, funding is not available for these through the Employment Assistance Fund.
Financial assistance may however be available from the Australian Government via the Hearing Services Voucher scheme providing the person meets the eligibility criteria. For more information see the link in the related links section.
When considering a listening device the following links may be useful:
References
Dillon, H. 2002, ‘What Can Hearing Aids Do Other Than Amplify Sounds’, National Acoustic Laboratories, Sydney, viewed 27 January 2011, http://www.nal.gov.au/search.shtml.
Dynamic Hearing 2006, Hearing Aids; Adaptive Directional Microphone, Dynamic Hearing Pty Ltd, Melbourne, viewed 27 January 2011, http://www.dynamichearing.com.au/professionals_white_papers.html.