By Jim Russell, student of the Master in Clinical Audiology and Hearing Therapy

Abstract

Hearing impairment in children presents significant barriers to communication, academic achievement, and social engagement, particularly in acoustically challenging environments such as classrooms. Directional microphones (DMs), designed to enhance speech intelligibility by emphasizing sounds from the front and attenuating noise from other directions, represent a promising assistive technology for this population. This systematic review critically examines the efficacy of directional microphones compared to omnidirectional alternatives in improving speech perception for school-aged children with hearing impairment in noisy environments. Analysis of 17 peer-reviewed studies indicates that DMs consistently enhance speech understanding and listening comfort. The review also explores factors influencing user satisfaction, technological limitations, the adaptation process, and challenges associated with real-world implementation. Findings highlight the importance of optimizing DM technology and suggest directions for future research, including longitudinal outcomes and integration with complementary assistive devices.

Keywords: Directional microphones, school-aged children, children, teen, hearing loss, speech perception, auditory performance, hearing aids, speech intelligibility

Download the full Research Work: Russell, J. (2025). Systematic Review: Directional Microphones for School-Aged Children with Hearing Impairment in Noisy Environments. SAERA