AudiologyOnline Phone: 800-753-2160


Starkey Genesis - August 2023

Directional Microphones, Head Angle, and Classroom Hearing Aid Use

Jason Galster, PhD, CCC-A

January 25, 2010

Share:

Question

How is benefit from directional microphones affected by the listener's head angle, and how does this relate to children using hearing aids with directional microphones in a classroom setting?

Answer

We know from adult data that directional benefit will be maintained as long as the listener's horizontal head angle is within 15 degrees from the position of the speaker of interest. Any larger or more substantial deviations in head angle from the talker will reduce directional benefit. Our data with children in a classroom show that they do track (or follow) the teacher fairly accurately, and have an average deviation in head angle that approximates that 15 degree tolerance.

In addition to head angle, there are other acoustic factors for audiologists to consider when deciding whether a child should use directional microphones in a classroom setting. Some of these factors include distance from the teacher, the effects of room acoustics and reverberation, and the locations of the signal of interest and the noise, to name a few. Please refer to my AudiologyOnline recorded course, Directional Microphones in Classrooms, for a review of research in this area.

Jason Galster, Ph.D., is Director of Audiology Communications with Starkey Laboratories. He is responsible for ensuring that all product claims are accurate and backed by supporting evidence. Dr. Galster has held a clinical position as a pediatric audiologist and worked as a research audiologist on topics that include digital signal processing, physical room acoustics, and amplification in hearing-impaired pediatric populations.


jason galster

Jason Galster, PhD, CCC-A

Director of Audiology Communications with Starkey Laboratories

Jason Galster, Ph.D., is Director of Audiology Communications with Starkey Laboratories. He is responsible for ensuring that all product claims are accurate and backed by supporting evidence. Dr. Galster has held a clinical position as a pediatric audiologist and worked as a research audiologist on topics that include digital signal processing, physical room acoustics, and amplification in hearing-impaired pediatric populations.


Related Courses

Considerations for Patients with Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss
Presented by Luis F. Camacho, AuD, FAAA
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Luis F. Camacho, AuD, FAAA
Course: #37889Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Great information'   Read Reviews
The past decade has brought about changes in technology and criteria for treatment of severe to profound hearing loss. The capabilities of power hearing aids have dramatically improved with effective feedback management, Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeability, advanced noise management influenced by Artificial Intelligence, and the availability of a variety of innovative accessories. This session will focus on selection criteria and available options for fitting severe to profound hearing loss.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Meeting Patients Where They Are with TeleHear Synchronous Remote Programming
Presented by Andrea Hannan-Dawkes, AuD, FAAA
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Andrea Hannan-Dawkes, AuD, FAAA
Course: #37638Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'was a slow start, took about 15 minutes before content was interesting, but then turned around nicely after that'   Read Reviews
Telehealth applications like Starkey’s TeleHear synchronous remote programming feature provide opportunities to delight patients and professionals. With user acceptance ratings comparable to in-office sessions, it makes hearing aid programming effortless from the first fit forward. It’s easy to use, engaging, and ensures timely hearing healthcare can be provided for patients who lead busy lives or for whom obstacles make office visits difficult or impossible. This course will explain everything professionals need to know to use TeleHear to meet patients where they are.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Livio AI & Fall Detection
Presented by Cassie Billiet, AuD
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Cassie Billiet, AuD
Course: #32525Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Since this software is knew to me I feel more confident in recommending it to my clients'   Read Reviews
A fall can potentially be a life-threatening event for many seniors. Informing family and friends in the event of a fall is important. This session will focus on the new fall detection feature available with the Livio AI Heathable Hearing Technology.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Lasting Connections: Starkey Hearing Technologies 2.4 GHz Patient-focused Accessories
Presented by Michele Hurley, AuD, FAAA, Lawanda Chester, AuD
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenters

Michele Hurley, AuD, FAAALawanda Chester, AuD
Course: #32526Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'It is of significant benefit to the dispensing audiologist'   Read Reviews
Wireless connectivity is an integral part of the Livio AI and Livio hearing devices. Starkey's line of 2.4 GHz accessories provides patient's with connectivity when and how they need it. This session will focus on the 2.4 GHz accessories, their uses and how they are integrated into the user's daily life.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Empowering Patients to Pursue Hearing Health Part I
Presented by Andrea Hannan-Dawkes, AuD, FAAA
Recorded Webinar
Starkey

Presenter

Andrea Hannan-Dawkes, AuD, FAAA
Course: #38687Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'Loved the comprehensive information shared, all relative to forging strong relationships with hearing aid wearers and the clinician'   Read Reviews
Starkey is delighted to bring you a 2-part series on Empowering Patients to Pursue Hearing Health. The ability to counsel patients with hearing loss in a manner that educates and motivates them to prioritize hearing health is an important skill for hearing care professionals. This series will provide you with helpful strategies for encouraging patients to embark upon the journey to better hearing. This course will focus on how to establish great patient-provider relationships, share ideas on how to provide impactful education on hearing loss and amplification, and highlight valuable tools for identifying the unique listening needs and goals of patients.

View this Course for FREE.
Need CEUs? Become a AudiologyOnline member to get unlimited CEUs.

Only $129/yr

Learn More

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.