When Hearing Aids Are Not Enough
Research shows that 30% of hearing aid users struggle to hear in noise and over distance1, and the use of wireless microphones along with hearing aids can help help them better understand more speech in challenging listening situations.2
Phonak’s Roger technology has evolved since the Roger Pen in 2013 and the wireless microphone has improved to meet hearing needs/customer needs and better product design innovation.
There is a lot of challenging listening situations in our everyday life. For example, dining in restaurants, conversing at a cocktail party, listening to a lecturer, participating in an aerobics class, driving a car with people sitting in the back and even listening to television. The recently launched Roger On technology can help in all of those situations.
The Roger On microphone has received a lot of accolades in the hearing industry. It won a German innovation award, two design awards (IF and Red Dot design awards) and was named one of the 100 best inventions of 2021 by TIME magazine.
The New Roger ON accessory
A more elongated shape was designed, with an easy to access centre button, a display, a stable hold when placed on the table and an integrated clip that allows users to clip on the microphone.
Flat and stable for table use
Long and grippy to be held safely
Compact and with a functional clip for body worn use
Clear and distinct design that cannot be mistaken for other everyday tools
Easy-to-use controls and display for visual status feedback.
What does Roger On accessory do for hearing aid users?
With the elongated design, there are 4 different ways to use Roger On:
Thanks to an accelerometer, the device knows its use case and automatically applies the best microphone configurations. The display gives users easy-to-understand feedback through an icon-based user interface.
Customizing your own microphone settings
Users can use an app to access more advanced settings or to remotely change the mode. With the myRogerMic app, users can control their Roger On from their smartphone.
The app allows customisation of microphone settings according to environment and personal preferences, i.e.:
Steer the direction of the beam(s) towards the speaker(s) you want to listen to
Change microphone mode
Mute / unmute
Check current device status such as battery level and actual microphone mode.
4 more benefits to share with you
Other than design, there are more perks for those who want the flexibility to focus on conversations at work, in lectures or with friends:
It’s fully automatic so switches automatically between different microphone modes depending on if used on a table, clipped on clothing, or held in hand.
Pointing mode 2.0 uses three microphones in a row allowing your clients to focus on one person talking in a group conversation when background noise is present.
The device has a IP54 rating which means it is protected against splashes of water.
It can connect with other Roger microphones to create a multi-talker network (e.g., making it ideal for large meetings).
Learn more about our Roger premium wireless microphone portfolio:
References
1 Abrams, H. B., & Kihm, J. (2015). An Introduction to MarkeTrak IX: A New Baseline for the Hearing Aid Market. Hearing Review, 22(6), 16.
2 Thibodeau, L. (2014). Comparison of speech recognition with adaptive digital and FM wireless technology by listeners who use hearing aids. American Journal of Audiology, 23(2), 201-210.