EduMic, a new wireless remote microphone system from Oticon, Inc, is said to “improve speech understanding in the classroom for children with hearing loss, overcoming the noise, distance, and reverberation challenges typical of classroom environments,” according to an an announcement from the company.
EduMic works together with Oticon pediatric hearing aids, Oticon Opn Play, and Oticon Xceed Play, to deliver “world-class sound quality that enables students to hear the teacher’s voice clearly while interacting with other students in the classroom.” Unlike many classroom microphone systems, EduMic reportedly requires no ear-level receiver. The device works “seamlessly with the wireless receiver system integrated into Oticon pediatric hearing aids and is compatible with existing classroom remote microphone systems,” according to the company. Teachers can connect EduMic to existing microphone systems using a Europin connection and multimedia sources, without having to wear two microphones. Oticon says that EduMic features a “sleek, modern design” and 10-hour battery life.
“With outstanding sound quality and excellent compatibility, EduMic simplifies the complexity of everyday listening and learning for students with hearing loss and their teachers,” said Laura Shiplett, AuD, director, Oticon Pediatrics. “EduMic works together with Oticon pediatric hearing aids and with Oticon Opn, Oticon Siya, and Oticon Medical Ponto 4 to maximize students’ speech understanding and improve their opportunities for language development, learning, and socializing. For teachers, EduMic is flexible, discreet, and easy to use, allowing them to communicate clearly and effectively with students by pushing a single button.”
Designed for Today’s Learning Environments
EduMic’s wireless remote system only needs to be paired one time, according to Oticon. The 2.4 GHz technology provides a “stable signal and connects to an unlimited number of hearing aids.” Even in a what is considered a “typical Wi-Fi-heavy classroom environment,” the signal strength reportedly “remains strong and stable when the teacher is speaking.” Teachers can also unplug the EduMic and take it with them when moving to another classroom.
According to Oticon, EduMic enables access to a variety of audio sources and teachers can plug EduMic into a computer, smartboard, or tablet using the 3.5 audio microphone jack connection. The audio jack also allows integration with existing sound field systems, accessing multiple audio sources and microphones simultaneously.
Powerful Partnership for Speech Understanding
EduMic works together with Oticon pediatric hearing aids and with all Oticon hearing aids powered by the Velox and Velox S platforms. The signal processing platforms feature the 2.4HGz TwinLink communication system that allows binaural hearing aid processing while streaming to the hearing aids simultaneously.
Built for the Classroom and the Educator
EduMic is designed to handle the demands of everyday life and withstand accidental dropping. Two LED indicators let teachers know the status of the device. Described as a “lightweight device” (32 grams) it can be worn in multiple ways to match the teacher’s personal preference and style. The rotating clip can be attached to a lapel, collar, or pocket or worn around the neck as a lanyard.
“EduMic lets teachers focus on what’s important—connecting with and teaching children, inside and outside the classroom,” said Shiplett.
For more information on EduMic and the entire Oticon family of pediatric hearing solutions, visit: www.oticon.com/edumic.
Source: Oticon
Images: Oticon
