Hear Room - Connect Like Never Before #ClassroomHear Room - Connect Like Never Before #Classroomhttps://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/tag/classroomThu, 22 Oct 2026 15:07:25 +1100http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Queensland Education Facilities - Hearing Augmentation Technical Notes]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/queensland-education-facilities-hearing-augmentation-technical-notesQueensland Education’s New Hearing Augmentation Requirements for Schools The Queensland Department of Education (DoE) has released Version 1.0 of its ]]>

Hearing Augmentation in Queensland DoE Facilities.

Queensland Education’s New Hearing Augmentation Requirements for Schools

The Queensland Department of Education (DoE) has released Version 1.0 of its Hearing Augmentation Technical Note (December 2025), providing a clear framework for inclusive audio access in new and refurbished education facilities. These requirements ensure that students who are Deaf or hard of hearing have equitable access to learning environments, in line with the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010.


Key Highlights of the Requirements


1. Consistent, Inclusive Standards

  • All new and upgraded teaching spaces, halls, and resource areas must comply with NCC D1P9 and D4D8 provisions.
  • Classrooms and learning areas are now required to include hearing augmentation systems compatible with current and future assistive technologies.


2. Tailored Solutions for Different School Types

  1. Primary and Early Childhood Centres: Phonak Roger Multimedia Hubs with heavy-duty enclosures, minimum two NeckLoop receivers, and Braille/tactile signage at entries.
  2. Special Schools: Enhanced Phonak setups including SoundField speakers, pass-around microphones, and touchscreens to support multiple assistive technologies.
  3. Secondary Schools: Adoption of Auracast™ wireless audio transmission for low-latency, high-quality broadcast, including Auracast™ receivers and neckloops to support personal devices.
  4. Halls and Multi-Purpose Spaces: Dedicated Roger Base Stations or Auracast™ transmitters in communication racks, with WallPilots or repeaters to ensure full coverage.


3. Installation, Commissioning, and Compliance

  • Comprehensive testing, commissioning, and the provision of compliance documentation (Form 12 and Form 16) are mandatory before completion.
  • School staff receive training prior to handover, and a six-month post-installation inspection ensures continued system performance.


Why Qualified Installation and Commissioning Matter


The new DoE requirements set high standards not only for the technologies used but also for proper implementation. Incorrect installation can lead to signal dropouts, poor audio clarity, or incompatibility with assistive devices, undermining the intent of the policy. By engaging suitably qualified AV specialists for installation and commissioning, schools can ensure:

  • Systems function as designed across all learning spaces.
  • Compliance with NCC and DoE performance standards.
  • Students can reliably access audio information without disadvantage.


Commissioning


It is critical that the commissioning of hearing augmentation and related installations is carried out by suitably qualified professionals. Engaging experienced companies ensures compliance with relevant standards and guarantees the system performs as intended. 


Specialist providers such as Hear Room exemplify best practice in this space. With over 20 years of audiology expertise and more than a decade of experience in delivering education hearing augmentation solutions, Hear Room brings both technical knowledge and a deep understanding of user needs. Their comprehensive commissioning process ensures that installations are optimised for performance, reliability, and accessibility.


Selecting the right partner for commissioning is not just a technical requirement—it is essential for delivering effective solutions that support inclusive learning environments and meet regulatory obligations.


In summary, Queensland Education's updated hearing augmentation requirements mark a significant step toward inclusive learning. Professional installation and rigorous commissioning are essential to unlock the full benefits of these systems, creating environments where every student can participate fully and confidently.


Access a copy of the Technical Notes
]]>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:57:21 +1000<![CDATA[How SoundField Can Support Classroom Listening ]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/what-is-a-soundfield-system-and-why-every-classroom-needs-one

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.

Educational Audiology
Contact Hear Room
]]>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 08:38:18 +1000<![CDATA[Why Sound Matters: Unlocking Better Learning Through Voice Capture and Distribution]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/why-sound-matters-unlocking-better-learning-through-voice-capture-and-distributionClear classroom sound boosts engagement and comprehension. Poor audio from distance or noise hinders learning and strains teachers. Soundfield systems and UDL principles support inclusive environments that help all students.]]>

Access to spoken instructions, explanations and discussion is an important part of classroom communication. Background noise, distance from the teacher and reverberation can make speech harder to follow. The effects vary between learning spaces and individual students.


Classroom audio planning brings together three related areas:

  • Voice capture: Choosing a suitable microphone and positioning it near the person speaking.

  • Audio distribution: Selecting and positioning speakers to suit the room, seating arrangements and teaching activities.

  • Individual access: Checking whether students need personal remote microphones, visual supports or other communication adjustments.


A suitably selected and configured SoundField system can improve access to teacher speech. Its performance depends on room acoustics, background noise, equipment setup and individual listening needs. Acoustic improvements and additional student support may also be required.


Hear Room helps schools assess listening environments, select compatible equipment and plan installation, training and ongoing support.


Understanding signal-to-noise ratio

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compares the level of speech with background noise at the listener’s position. A positive SNR means the speech level is higher than the background noise level.


A more favourable SNR can support speech understanding. Listening also depends on reverberation, individual hearing and language needs, and the activity taking place. Managing noise and choosing suitable microphone and speaker arrangements can help improve listening conditions.

How distance affects classroom listening

As a listener moves further from the teacher, the direct speech signal becomes weaker. Background noise and reflected sound can then have a greater influence on what the listener hears.


The effect on speech understanding varies with room acoustics, seating position and individual needs. A classroom assessment can help identify suitable adjustments, such as seating changes, acoustic treatment, a SoundField system or personal remote microphones.


What research says about classroom SoundField

A 2022 review by Kiri Mealings found that SoundField amplification can benefit children’s listening and learning in primary schools. The review also highlighted the importance of students’ backgrounds, room reverberation, classroom layout and the type of learning activity.


These findings support considering SoundField as part of a classroom listening plan, with performance assessed in the actual room and for its intended users.

Putting evidence into practice

Classroom audio planning can include:

  • Assessing background noise and reverberation

  • Checking microphone position, speaker placement and volume settings

  • Considering personal remote microphones, visual supports and other individual adjustments

  • Gathering teacher and student feedback and checking performance after installation


A classroom SoundField system should work alongside suitable room acoustics and individual listening support.

Research reference: Mealings, K. (2022). A Review of the Effect of Classroom Sound-Field Amplification on Children in Primary School. American Journal of Audiology, 31(2), 470–486. Read the research abstract.


Plan for different ways of accessing information

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) encourages planning for learner differences from the outset. For classroom communication, this can mean combining spoken instructions with written key points, visual explanations, demonstrations and captioned media.

Choose options with students and teaching staff, and check whether the information is accessible in practice.

Respond to individual listening needs

Classroom-wide improvements may need to be combined with individual adjustments. These could include different seating, personal remote microphones, captioning or other support chosen for the person and activity.

Discuss listening concerns with the student, family and relevant school support staff. An individual assessment may help identify appropriate adjustments.

Review access across activities

Listening demands can change during group work, assemblies, outdoor lessons and movement between classrooms. Check how students will receive teacher and peer speech in each setting and how personal hearing technology will work with the classroom equipment.

Further reading: CAST Universal Design for Learning Guidelines.


Check compatibility before choosing technology

Wireless features vary between hearing devices and classroom audio systems. Confirm the exact models, software versions, connections and any required receivers or accessories before ordering.


Check the proposed setup for teacher instruction, student discussion and other activities where listening support is needed.

Help staff use the system consistently

Provide a demonstration and opportunities for staff to practise. Training should cover:

  • Wearing and positioning the microphone

  • Using mute, volume and audio-input controls

  • Charging equipment and carrying out daily checks

  • Reporting faults and arranging maintenance

Agree who will manage routine checks and provide support when equipment is moved or teaching arrangements change.

Review comfort and communication needs

Ask students and staff about comfortable listening levels, sudden sounds and situations they find difficult. Set audio levels for the room and activity, then review feedback after installation.


Manage background noise and reverberation alongside the amplified audio. Acoustic improvements, communication strategies or individual adjustments may also be needed.

Discuss your classroom listening needs with Hear Room

Hear Room supplies classroom audio equipment and provides assessment, system design, commissioning, training and support. We consider the room, teaching practices and students’ listening needs when recommending equipment and setup.


To discuss your classroom or building project, email info@hearroom.com.au or call 07 3387 0108.

Contact Us
]]>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:01:32 +1000<![CDATA[Sound Field Comparison]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/sound-field-comparisonComparison of Sound Field Systems in Australia]]>

Classroom Audio Distribution System (CADS) or Soundfield System Comparison

Frequently, I am asked about the optimal sound field system or which one to invest in. This is never a straightforward answer, particularly considering that we sell and support all three major sound field systems in Australia: Phonak’s Roger SoundField, Lightspeed Tek’s Redcat SoundField, and FrontRow’s Juno system. While there are other solutions available, these three are the most common, popular, portable, and retro-fitted options on the market.


To provide a comprehensive comparison, I have excluded financial interest from a company’s profitability standpoint and any school-specific requirements. I have then conducted a direct comparison of the main features on a datasheet.


Although it is challenging to separate the systems solely based on a datasheet, this may assist you in determining which system is most suitable for your school or student needs. I continue to encourage each school to contact our team to discuss each individual’s needs to ensure that you receive a system that meets your requirements and enables you to achieve your desired outcome.


While selecting the appropriate system for your needs is a crucial component of a system’s success in the classroom, Hear Room believes that the most significant success stems from the appropriate professional development for teachers and staff, ensuring that each system is utilised effectively and all its benefits are realised.



Download Comparison Now
]]>Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:45:15 +1000<![CDATA[Roger Touchscreen Mic]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/roger-touchscreen-micPhonak late in 2024 announced the release of Roger 3, including a Roger Touchscreen Mic 3,  this unit will be replacing the current Roger Touchsc ]]>

Phonak announced Roger Touchscreen Mic 3

Phonak late in 2024 announced the release of Roger 3, including a Roger Touchscreen Mic 3,  this unit will be replacing the current Roger Touchscreen Mic, which is scheduled to be phased out on 28th February 2025.


What's New


From 2024, the Roger Touchscreen Mic 3 introduces unlimited receivers integrated and ready for use with Phonak hearing aids, integrating RogerDirect™. This fundamental change eliminates the complexity of installation barriers.

New intuitive indicator lights and a user-friendly interface, backward compatible with all Touchscreen Mics via the Roger Upgrader™, enhance the user experience.

For discreetness and convenience, Roger Touchscreen Mic offers customisable settings for the mute indicator light. The intensity and behaviour of the LED light can be adjusted based on the preferences of the classroom.

The user-friendly interface of Roger Touchscreen Mic simplifies navigation through the menu by prioritising frequently used options.


Check out the post on Roger 3 for more details.


The Impact.

With the release of Roger Touchscreen Mic 3 the recommended retail price (RRP) has increased from $1205 to $1951.  This increase will impact the cost of all Phonak Soundfield kits that currently use a Roger Touchscreen Mic.  We are currently waiting to see the final impact to the price that is set to be introduced in March 2025 on these systems. As the current Roger Touchscreen Mic can be upgraded with the latest software giving you all the new user interface improvements with Roger 3, we encourage everyone that is looking at a Phonak Soundfield to beat the price rise and purchase before the increase in price in March 2025.

Contact Us to discuss options to suit your needs or for a quote.
Buy Now
]]>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:53:21 +1000<![CDATA[Roger Upgrader 1.30]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/roger-upgrader-1.30

Roger Upgrader 1.30

Phonak has recently released the latest version of the Roger Upgrader 1.30, which is designed to enhance the functionality and performance of your Roger devices.


Free firmware upgrade

Phonak Roger Upgrader™

Roger Upgrader™ is a tool designed to update the firmware of your Roger devices, for maximum efficiency. Can be used to upgrade the Roger Touchscreen Mic, Roger On, Roger Select and more. It also works for Roger loudspeaker such as Roger DigiMaster.

  • Helps to upgrade, automatically or manually, the firmware
  • Gives information on Roger devices compatibility
  • Provides a customisable inventory

What Roger Upgrader can do for you

Upgrade automatically

Choose [Automatic upgrade] if you want to upgrade a Roger device to the latest available version. 

Upgrade manually

Choose [Manual firmware change] if you already know which version a device requires.

Read your devices data

Choose [Read device data]  to learn more about a specific Roger device (such as its firmware version, serial number e.g.). 

Check which devices are compatible

Choose [Compatibility guide] to learn which devices (i.e. firmware versions) can be used together in the same Roger network. 

Manage multiple devices

Create a customisable inventory of your Roger devices with the [Equipment manager].



Download Roger 1.30
]]>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:26:51 +1000<![CDATA[Roger 3]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/roger-3What Roger technology does Roger™ is Phonak’s remote microphone technology. It sends speech wirelessly from a microphone near the person speaking to co ]]>

Understanding Roger wireless microphones

What Roger technology does


Roger™ is Phonak’s remote microphone technology. It sends speech wirelessly from a microphone near the person speaking to compatible hearing devices through an appropriate Roger receiver. It can support listening when background noise or distance makes speech harder to follow.


Roger Unlimited and receiver setup


Roger 3 models featuring Roger Unlimited include unlimited digital Roger receivers for installation into hearing aids with compatible RogerDirect™ support.

Each compatible hearing aid needs an installed Roger receiver before it can receive Roger audio. Hear Room can check whether installation has already been completed and assist with any required setup.


Other hearing aids and cochlear implant sound processors may require a compatible external Roger receiver or accessory. Compatibility should be checked for the exact hearing device and proposed configuration.


Choosing a suitable system


Roger microphones can be used in classrooms, meetings and everyday conversations. The appropriate microphone and receiver arrangement depends on the person’s hearing devices, listening needs and environment.


Results vary with microphone position, background noise, room acoustics and individual hearing. Hear Room can help assess suitability, check compatibility and explain how to use the system.


Roger On 3

Roger On 3 is a rechargeable remote microphone for use with compatible hearing devices and Roger receivers.

  • Table mode: Place the microphone on a table for group conversation.

  • Pointing mode: Direct it towards the person speaking.

  • Presenter mode: The speaker wears the microphone, positioned according to the user guide.

  • Stereo and wide pointing: Enabled through the myRogerMic app; stereo listening requires a supported hearing-device configuration.

  • Online calls: Connect by USB to a compatible computer to receive call audio through the Roger system and send your voice to the computer.

  • Media audio: Suitable wired connections allow audio from compatible TVs, computers and other sources.

Compatible Roger microphones can be combined in a network, subject to mode and placement requirements. When muted, compatible hearing aids may return to their automatic listening program.

Check device compatibility, receiver installation, firmware and setup before use.


Roger Touchscreen Mic 3

Roger Touchscreen Mic 3 is a rechargeable classroom microphone for teacher instruction and small-group activities.

Features include:

  • Touchscreen navigation and mute control

  • Automatic individual-talker and small-group modes, depending on microphone placement

  • Support for compatible Roger Pass-around microphones, Multimedia Hub and Roger SoundField systems

  • Transmission to compatible personal Roger receivers

Connected hearing devices and SoundField equipment must meet the relevant receiver and software requirements. Hear Room can check the proposed configuration, including any required RogerDirect receiver installation.


Discuss your Roger setup with Hear Room

Contact Hear Room for assistance with compatibility, receiver installation, equipment selection and training.

Phone: 07 3387 0108

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

]]>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 13:13:46 +1000<![CDATA[Ava Captioning 2.0]]>https://www.hearroom.com.au/blogs/post/ava-captioning-2.0Have you checked out the new design for Ava Web & Desktop? Ava is now tailored for all screens with improved readability and more intuitive icons. ]]>

Ava Desktop got a makeover!

Have you checked out the new design for Ava Web & Desktop?

Ava is now tailored for all screens with improved readability and more intuitive icons. Everything you adore about Ava remains — it just looks significantly better!


 

What's new?

Well... almost everything! The whole experience will appear and feel different, but rest assured, everything you love about Ava is still there — just with a more attractive design 😉


Themes - You now have the option to change your design theme on Desktop! The theme colours are inspired by nature and art, including Ocean, Starry Night, Fog, and Charcoal.


Menu Buttons - The menu bar's icons are now organised by use-case, making it much easier to locate what you need.

Hidden Menu Bar - When you’re in an active conversation, your menu bar will hide itself so you can concentrate on the captions.


Reach out to Hear Room to discover more.

 

]]>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 20:07:39 +1000