Amplification involves any method which acoustically enhances sound so that it is easier to hear. Amplification in hearing aids, mobile phones, telephones and other electronic devices increases the loudness of a sound so that it may be more easily received and understood.
As with all systems there are some considerations to take into account when choosing a sound amplification system that is not directly amplified and isolated to one person:
- straight amplification systems can increase overall noise levels in a room potentially making it more difficult to hear
- increased sound amplification in one area of a workplace may impact on surrounding workplace areas and create distraction
- sound amplification can cause reverberation or echoing which can make it more difficult to hear
- sound amplification systems may require regular maintenance and training.
Personal communication systems such as FM systems may be of greater benefit within the workplace with consideration given to overall design of noise control methods.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, background noise, groups of people especially in training or meeting situations or effectively listening to soft voices over the phone may prove difficult. It may result in mistakes being made at work if the person is not hearing accurately and potentially affect workplace productivity and performance, affect safety and result in considerable fatigue from constantly straining to hear. A thorough review of the workplace acoustics and installation of sound amplification or other assistive listening devices may assist in improving workplace communications.
More information on ways to improve workplace communications can be sourced at:
References
Acoustical Society of America 2011, Acoustics of Classrooms, Acoustical Society of America, New York, viewed 15 February 2011, http://acousticalsociety.org/about_acoustics/acoustics_of_classrooms.
Australian Hearing 2010, Assistive Listening Devices, Australian Government Department of Human Services, Sydney, viewed 15 February 2011, http://www.hearing.com.au/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=108&languageId=1&contentId=-1.
Better Hearing Australia (no date specified), Assistive Technology, Better Hearing Australia, Victoria, viewed 15 February 2011, http://www.betterhearing.org.au/node/16.