What Is a Soundfield System?
A classroom SoundField system uses a wireless microphone and one or more loudspeakers to distribute a teacher’s voice around the room. It can help students hear spoken instructions while allowing the teacher to speak at a comfortable level.
The result depends on background noise, reverberation, system setup and students’ individual listening needs. SoundField should form part of a wider classroom listening plan, with compatible personal microphone systems where needed.
How SoundField Can Support Classroom Listening
Easier Access to Spoken Instructions
A suitable SoundField system can make the teacher’s voice easier to hear across the learning space. Clearer access to speech can support students in following explanations, instructions and classroom discussions.
A Comfortable Speaking Level for Teachers
Classroom speakers carry the teacher’s voice around the room, helping teachers speak at a comfortable, natural level. Good microphone use and appropriate volume settings are important for everyday operation.
Support for Individual Listening Needs
Some students may need a personal microphone system alongside SoundField. Hear Room checks how classroom audio, existing hearing devices and compatible personal receivers can work together to support the student’s listening needs.
Flexible Options for Teaching and Learning
Systems may include teacher microphones, student microphones and connections for teaching-media audio. Choose features that suit your teaching activities, and check the connections needed for your existing equipment.
Choosing a System for Your Classroom
Start with the listening needs of your classroom. Room size, background noise and reverberation should guide system choice and setup. Assess the proposed setup in the learning space before a broader rollout.
Consider how staff will wear and charge microphones, use media audio, carry out daily checks and access training and support.
Get Advice from Hear Room
Hear Room’s educational audiology services help schools review classroom listening and compare suitable options, including Lightspeed classroom audio and Roger systems for education.
Contact Hear Room with your school location, the classrooms involved, existing equipment and the listening challenges you want to address.
Further reading: ASHA’s guidance on classroom acoustics.
