Microphones & Directionality — ILE High -Yield

Where is the microphone located on a BTE?

on the top / back of the device

How many microphones does a directional system require

at least two

What is the biggest benefit of directional microphones?

improve speech in noise (SNR)

When do directional mics NOT work well?

• wind

• car (source behind or side)

• big vents

• very open fittings

What is omnidirectional mode good for?

• quiet environments

• natural sound

• listening to multiple talkers

What is adaptive directionality?

microphones change direction based on noise location

What is fixed directionality?

single forwards focus for front-facing talkers

What is automatic switching?

HA chooses omni ↔ directional without user input

When do you use omnidirectional?

• quiet

• outdoors (wind)

• kids

• open fit users

When do you use directional?

• speech in noisy places

• restaurants

• groups

• meetings

Directionality improves SNR by how many dB?

4-6 dB improvement (typical exam answer)

What feature uses mic + DSP to focus on the front?

beamforming (advanced directionality)

If the patient says “I can’t hear the person in front of me in noise,” what feature needs adjusting?

increase directional strength

If the patient hears too much behind them?

activate or strengthen rear noise suppression

Auto-directionality doesn’t seem to engage — why?

• quiet environment

• open vent

• poor mic input

• algorithm not being triggered