Roger On^TM: A Microphone Dedicated for All Conversations

Roger On is a microphone dedicated for all conversations that occur in background noise and over distance. With its ability to distinguish the direction of incoming speech and Pointing mode 2.0, users have the flexibility to focus on the conversations that truly matter at work, in lectures and during social activities.

Pointing mode 2.0 uses three microphones in a row, instead of two, as in the Roger Pen™. The three microphones create different microphone beams that combine to create a very well-defined, zooming beamformer, allowing the patient to focus on one person talking or in a group conversation when background noise is present.

In addition, MultiBeam mode has also been improved from prior Roger™ microphones (Roger Table Mic II and Roger Select™). MultiBeam 2.0 technology selects the beam with the best SNR, while giving the hearing aid wearer spatial information to determine from which direction the speech is coming from. Roger On is the first Roger microphone that allows for stereo sound. It will switch to stereo sound transmission when a stereo capable receiver, such as a set of two hearing aids with RogerDirect, is paired to Roger On.

Now patients can use the myRogerMic app, which allows them to steer the microphone, mute and unmute, and more. The myRogerMic app allows patients to personalize their settings of the Roger On microphone according to the environment, giving them the freedom to simply enjoy the moment. We all know from our personal lives, that something that’s easy to use is more likely to actually be helpful.

All patient types can benefit from Roger technology

Market Track 9 indicates 31% of hearing aid wearers still experience difficulties in background noise!¹ Noise and distance are where Roger microphones thrive – and indeed these situations are commonplace in our modern society. Individuals of almost every age and hearing loss configurations can benefit from Roger technology. In fact, even individuals with APD or on the ASD can also find great results. Additionally, a review of Target data suggests 60% of Roger users have a mild to moderate hearing loss².

Roger On is great for working adults and students. Like the classroom, the modern workplace is inherently filled with noise and distance to the speaker of interest. Roger microphones are an ideal solution to bridge the communication gap that difficult scenarios like the workplace present. Whether it’s a group meeting, video chat, presentation or a just a stroll outside with a coworker – Roger keeps your patients connected to the conversation.

Implementing Roger On in your clinic and offering it to your patients

Phonak has put together a step-by-step guide for an in-office Roger demonstration, and could very easily be tailored to fit your office preferences. For a new or seasoned Roger office, this is a great tool to have on-hand to aid your Roger demonstrations. Speak to your Phonak representative to secure a copy!

The Roger EasyGuide is used to choose microphone set-ups. The Roger EasyGuide allows you to rank order the situations you are struggling in at work, home and social life, and provides results that speak to the best microphone set-up, along with descriptions of the recommended microphones themselves. This can be easily printed or emailed to bring along to share with a family member or human resources in the case of reasonable accommodations.

Reasonable Accommodation – what is it and what supports its use?

A reasonable accommodation is any change to the application or hiring process, to the job, to the way the job is done, or the work environment that allows a person with a disability who is qualified for the job to perform the essential functions of that job and enjoy equal employment opportunities. Accommodations are considered “reasonable” if they do not create an undue hardship or a direct threat to a company.

Reasonable Accommodation is supported by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability. Federal employees also protected by Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The Americans with Disabilities Act defines an individual of “disability” that would qualify them for reasonable accommodations if they have “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

Documented hearing loss would qualify an individual for RA. Under the ADA, employers who have 15 or more employees are usually required to provide reasonable accommodations. Some state and local laws may require that employers with fewer employees provide reasonable accommodations.

The first step in the reasonable accommodation process is disclosure of a disability, as employers are only required to accommodate disabilities of which they are aware. It is important to note that the process must be interactive, with participation by both the person with a disability and the employer, and in our case the HCP as well, so that an effective solution may be agreed upon.

Additionally, more information on Reasonable Accommodation can be found at: us.morethanahearingaid.com/ada, www.ada.com, and www.askjan.org.

Experience Roger On microphone technology by clicking here.