<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/tag/accessibility/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>Hear Room - Connect Like Never Before #Accessibility</title><description>Hear Room - Connect Like Never Before #Accessibility</description><link>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/tag/accessibility</link><lastBuildDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 06:16:29 +1100</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Introducing Phonak Roger On Sphere]]></title><link>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/roger-on-sphere-australia</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.hearroom.com.au/Roger On Sphere in purple studio.png"/>Discover the newly announced Phonak Roger On Sphere, how its AI speech separation works, and what to check for hearing aid, cochlear implant and classroom compatibility.]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_2metR3lyS--4WSKtxTaM5A" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_hYApTX6MQKK-VoEB1PD5pg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_AfkeL0d6RLqiHewa5kN0Yw" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_Um__XY5CQcemYM27J4_8VA" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2
 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true">Roger On Sphere™</h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_DFBes0rE3w3UQKdn2rOZVw" data-element-type="image" class="zpelement zpelem-image "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_DFBes0rE3w3UQKdn2rOZVw"] .zpimage-container figure img { width: 1110px ; height: 624.38px ; } } </style><div data-caption-color="" data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="center" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimage-container zpimage-align-center zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-fit zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
                type:fullscreen,
                theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="/Roger%20On%20Sphere%20in%20purple%20studio.png" size="fit" data-lightbox="true"/></picture></span></figure></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_Uxzlc3e9QcuZE2CXPmZ-kA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><div><p><span>Phonak Australia has announced Roger On Sphere™, a new remote microphone that brings always-on AI speech separation to the Roger range. It is designed to support conversations in noise and over distance, working alongside compatible hearing aids, cochlear implants and Roger receivers. [1, 2]</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>At Hear Room, we are interested in how developments like this can address the situations people find difficult, whether that is following a group discussion at work or hearing a lecturer across a room.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why use a remote microphone</span></p><p>A remote microphone captures the speaker’s voice close to its source, then sends that audio wirelessly to compatible hearing technology. This can make the voice easier to follow when distance and background noise make listening more difficult. [1] <br/></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">AI processing inside the microphone</span></p><p><span>Roger On Sphere uses RogerSense OS™, which combines directional microphone processing, a deep neural network and automatic level adjustment. Phonak describes the Sphere processing as always on across microphone modes, designed to help distinguish voices from surrounding noise as the conversation happens. [1, 2]</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>Phonak reports an additional 3 dB signal-to-noise ratio benefit compared with its predecessor within the typical operating range. Signal-to-noise ratio describes how strong speech is relative to competing noise. Individual benefit will still depend on the listening environment, microphone placement and the person’s hearing needs. [1]</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Flexible use throughout the day</span></p><ul><li>Roger On Sphere offers several ways to capture or receive audio. Depending on the situation, you can: [2, 3]</li><li>Place it on a table for a conversation around a meeting or dining table.</li><li>Have a presenter wear it to pick up their voice during a talk or lecture.</li><li>Hold it and point it towards the person you want to hear.</li><li>Connect it by USB-C for supported online calls, or use its audio connections for multimedia.<br/></li><li>The redesigned device includes a glass display and a replaceable rechargeable battery. Phonak lists up to eight hours of use with RogerDirect™ devices and six hours with a Roger receiver. The myRogerMic app provides options for remote control and personalisation. [3]</li></ul><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Compatibility with your hearing technology</span></p><p><span>Roger On Sphere connects to hearing devices with RogerDirect or through an appropriate personal Roger receiver. This provides options across hearing aid and cochlear implant brands, subject to a compatible receiver and device connection. [1, 3]</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>The AI processing takes place in the microphone, so access depends on your Roger connection. Your existing hearing technology may be suitable. A compatibility check can establish the receiver or setup required. [2, 3]</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Considerations for schools and study</span></p><p><span>Personal listening and classroom audio need to be checked together. Phonak’s current technical data lists compatibility with personal Roger receivers and specifically excludes Roger SoundField. [3]</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>For schools, we recommend reviewing the complete arrangement, including the student’s devices, staff microphones and classroom audio equipment. Consider who needs to be heard during teacher instruction, group work and presentations, and how the microphone will move between those activities.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Choosing a setup around your needs</span></p><p><span>Start with the conversations you want to improve. Is the main difficulty hearing a colleague across a meeting table, following a presenter, or keeping up when several people are speaking? These situations call for different microphone positions and ways of using the equipment.</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>If you already use Roger, consider where your current setup works well and where you need more support. Discussing those specific situations helps establish whether the new model is relevant to your needs. A demonstration in a representative listening environment, where available, can help you assess the practical difference.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Australian availability</span></p><p><span>Phonak Australia currently lists Roger On Sphere availability from late November 2026. Contact Hear Room for local ordering and supply information. [2]</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Talk to Hear Room</span></p><p><span>We can help you understand the available options, check compatibility with your hearing technology and plan how a remote microphone could fit into daily life, work or education.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Contact Hear Room to discuss Roger On Sphere and your listening needs.</span></p><p><span><a href="https://www.hearroom.com.au/">www.hearroom.com.au</a></span></p><div><p><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br/></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sources</span></p><p><span>1. </span><a href="https://www.sonova.com/phonak-launches-roger-on-sphere-the-first-ai-powered-remote-microphone-to-separate-speech-from-noise-in-real-time/"><span>Sonova and Phonak launch announcement</span></a><span>. 14 October 2026.</span></p><p><span>2. </span><a href="https://www.phonak.com/en-au/professionals/campaign/roger-on-sphere"><span>Phonak Australia Roger On Sphere product information</span></a><span>. Accessed 22 October 2026.</span></p><p><span>3. </span><a href="https://phonakmarketing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/PH_Datasheet_RogerOnSphere_210x297_EN_V1.00.pdf"><span>Phonak Roger On Sphere technical data</span></a><span>. Version 1.00.</span></p><p><span><br/></span></p><p><span>Product information checked 22 October 2026.</span></p></div>
<br/></div></div></div><div data-element-id="elm_Yc6IBK6XT1Cx4KfThW3idw" data-element-type="button" class="zpelement zpelem-button "><style></style><div class="zpbutton-container zpbutton-align-center zpbutton-align-mobile-center zpbutton-align-tablet-center"><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-md zpbutton-style-oval " href="/contact" target="_blank" title="Discuss Roger On Sphere™" title="Discuss Roger On Sphere™"><span class="zpbutton-content">Discuss Roger On Sphere™</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:15:10 +1000</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When is Hearing Augmentation Required in Australia? A Simple Guide to NCC 2022]]></title><link>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/when-is-hearing-augmentation-required-in-australia-a-simple-guide-to-ncc-2022</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.hearroom.com.au/When_Is_HA_Required.png"/>If you've ever been involved in designing, constructing or upgrading a public building, you've probably come across the term&nbsp; hearing augmentation ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_mmjZt2eSTLuAPy-WVqPUag" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_R-anTqshTTC1D03XnQqmrA" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_Kpsnigs7SumHvC--ch5rUA" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_oAKvKr8qRhiuu5UyXbofCw" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p style="text-align:left;">If you've ever been involved in designing, constructing or upgrading a public building, you've probably come across the term&nbsp;<strong>hearing augmentation</strong>. But knowing&nbsp;<em>when</em>&nbsp;it's actually required isn't always straightforward.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 sets out the minimum accessibility requirements for buildings in Australia, including when hearing augmentation systems must be provided. These requirements are intended to ensure people with hearing loss have equitable access to spoken communication in public spaces.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><div><p><strong>Code edition note — checked 6 October 2026</strong></p><p><strong><br/></strong></p><p>This guide explains the hearing augmentation provisions in NCC 2022 Volume One, particularly D4D8. NCC 2022 continues to apply in Queensland, where adoption of NCC 2025 has been delayed until 1 May 2027. Adoption arrangements differ across states and territories. For your project, confirm the applicable edition and local variations with your building certifier or surveyor.</p><p><a href="https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/laws-codes-standards/delayed-adoption-ncc">Queensland’s NCC adoption update</a></p></div><br/><p></p><p style="text-align:left;">The good news is that the rules can be broken down into a few simple questions.</p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h2 style="text-align:left;"></h2><div><h2 style="text-align:left;">When is hearing augmentation required?</h2><p style="text-align:left;">For projects assessed under NCC 2022 D4D8, an inbuilt amplification system triggers hearing augmentation requirements in these settings:</p><ul><li><p style="text-align:left;">Rooms within a Class 9b building.</p></li><li><p style="text-align:left;">Auditoriums and rooms used for conferences, meetings or judicatory purposes.</p></li><li><p style="text-align:left;">Service points such as ticket offices, teller booths and reception areas, where a screen separates the public from the service provider.</p></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;">An amplification system used only for emergency warnings is excluded from this requirement.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Confirm the building classification, applicable code edition and project requirements with your building certifier or surveyor.</p></div><p style="text-align:left;"></p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h2 style="text-align:left;">Common places where hearing augmentation is required</h2><p style="text-align:left;">Under&nbsp;<strong>Clause D4D8</strong>&nbsp;of the NCC 2022, hearing augmentation must generally be provided where an inbuilt amplification system is installed in:</p><ul><li style="text-align:left;">Class 9b buildings (such as assembly buildings)</li><li style="text-align:left;">Auditoriums</li><li style="text-align:left;">Conference rooms</li><li style="text-align:left;">Meeting rooms</li><li style="text-align:left;">Courtrooms and rooms used for judicatory purposes</li><li style="text-align:left;">Ticket offices</li><li style="text-align:left;">Reception counters</li><li style="text-align:left;">Teller windows and other service counters where a screen separates the customer from the staff member.&nbsp;</li></ul><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">These are all environments where understanding speech is essential and where people may otherwise struggle to hear clearly.</p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h2 style="text-align:left;"></h2><div><h2 style="text-align:left;">Assessing the amplification system</h2><p style="text-align:left;">NCC 2022 D4D8 refers to an inbuilt amplification system. Assess the complete audio setup, including any fixed equipment, microphone connections and intended use. Describing a microphone or other component as portable does not, by itself, determine whether the requirements apply. Confirm the project’s circumstances with the building certifier or surveyor.</p></div><p style="text-align:left;"></p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h2 style="text-align:left;"></h2><div><h2 style="text-align:left;">What type of hearing augmentation can be used?</h2><p style="text-align:left;">NCC 2022 D4D8 describes induction loops and systems that use receivers or similar devices. A proposed system needs to meet the requirements applicable to the project.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">Where Auracast™ is proposed, confirm how listeners will receive the broadcast and check device compatibility. Bluetooth connectivity alone does not establish Auracast support.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">Consider coverage, receiver provision, interference, room construction and how people will find and use the system. Include commissioning and testing in the project plan.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;">Confirm the compliance pathway with the building certifier or surveyor. A technology name alone does not establish compliance.</p></div><p style="text-align:left;"></p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h2 style="text-align:left;"></h2><div><h2 style="text-align:left;">Coverage requirements</h2><p style="text-align:left;">Coverage is assessed against the floor area served by the inbuilt amplification system:</p><ul><li><p style="text-align:left;">Hearing loops: at least 80%.</p></li><li><p style="text-align:left;">Systems using receivers: at least 95%, plus the receiver quantity required by D4D8 for the space’s occupancy.</p></li></ul><p style="text-align:left;">Occupancy must be calculated using NCC 2022 D2D18.</p></div><p style="text-align:left;"></p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h2 style="text-align:left;">It's about more than compliance</h2><p style="text-align:left;">Meeting the NCC is only the starting point.</p><p style="text-align:left;">A hearing augmentation system should also be:</p><ul><li style="text-align:left;">Easy for people to find and use.</li><li style="text-align:left;">Appropriate for the way the space is used.</li><li style="text-align:left;">Correctly designed and installed.</li><li style="text-align:left;">Properly commissioned and tested.</li><li style="text-align:left;">Supported with clear signage and user information.</li></ul><p style="text-align:left;">A compliant system that people don't know exists—or can't easily access—won't deliver the communication outcomes it was intended to achieve.</p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h2 style="text-align:left;"></h2><div><h2 style="text-align:left;">Discuss your hearing augmentation project</h2><p style="text-align:left;">Hear Room’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hearroom.com.au/hearing-augmentation">hearing augmentation services</a>&nbsp;include independent advice, system design, commissioning and ongoing support across Australia.</p><p style="text-align:left;">Tell us your project location, building use, the rooms involved and any existing audio equipment. We can help identify listening needs, compare suitable technologies and plan the next steps.</p></div><p style="text-align:left;"></p><hr style="text-align:left;"/><h3 style="text-align:left;">Learn more</h3><p style="text-align:left;">This article provides a simplified overview of hearing augmentation requirements under&nbsp;<strong>NCC 2022 Part D4 – Access for People with Disability</strong>, particularly&nbsp;<strong>Clause D4D8 – Hearing Augmentation</strong>. For the complete legal requirements, exemptions and technical details, refer to the NCC itself or seek professional advice for your specific project.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br/></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Disclaimer:&nbsp;<span><span>This article provides general information only and does not replace the National Construction Code, professional certification or project-specific advice.&nbsp;<span><span>For the complete technical and legal requirements, refer to NCC 2022 Part D4 and Clause D4D8 on the Australian Building Codes Board website,&nbsp;<a href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/d-access-and-egress/part-d4-access-people-disability">https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/d-access-and-egress/part-d4-access-people-disability</a></span></span></span></span></span></p></div><p></p></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_bvmzQbbEBfHqbXgBJ50TjQ" data-element-type="buttongroup" class="zpelement zpelem-buttongroup "><style></style><div class="zpbutton-group-container zpbutton-group-align-center zpbutton-group-align-mobile-center zpbutton-group-align-tablet-center"><div data-element-id="elm_t0e0MiVSp7IAt44tsRK6_A" data-element-type="buttongroupInner" class="zpelement zpelem-buttonicon "><div class="zpbutton-container "><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-md zpbutton-style-oval zpbutton-icon-align- " href="https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022/adopted/volume-one/d-access-and-egress/part-d4-access-people-disability" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" title="Read NCC 2022 D4D8" title="Read NCC 2022 D4D8"><span class="zpbutton-icon "></span><span class="zpbutton-content">Read NCC 2022 D4D8</span></a></div>
</div><div data-element-id="elm_aRsX6TXqF5pOCMneyXTHpw" data-element-type="buttongroupInner" class="zpelement zpelem-buttonicon "><div class="zpbutton-container "><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-secondary zpbutton-size-md zpbutton-style-oval zpbutton-icon-align- " href="/contact" title="Discuss your project" title="Discuss your project"><span class="zpbutton-icon "></span><span class="zpbutton-content">Discuss your project</span></a></div>
</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> ]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:56:34 +1000</pubDate></item></channel></rss>