Microphones and Masks: Problem-solving Back-to-school 2020 (Post #1)

Image credit: Image by Sumanley xulx from Pixabay

​One of the big challenges with wearing a mask is being heard and understood. This may be particularly problematic for "face-to-face" learning this fall, when children are necessarily very spread out. Reading aloud, for example, to a group that is widely spread throughout the room would have its own challenges without a mask.

​In the video below, I show you how to use a personal voice amplifier while wearing a mask. The microphone is not a perfect solution to the challenges of teaching while wearing a mask, but it seems to offer quite a bit of volume and clarity. I also think it will reduce the fatigue of trying to project your voice through a mask all day, perhaps making this tricky back-to-school a tiny bit easier.

​There are a number of these devices available online, and the one I have is not a particularly sophisticated piece of equipment. I was excited, however, to see how well it worked while wearing a mask. Here are a few tips:

• When the microphone gets near the speaker, you will get screeching feedback, similar to when you use a handheld microphone near a full-sized amplifier. I've found it works best to attach the speaker to your waist and put on the headphones before turning the volume up.
• The microphone rests on your right ear, so it competes with your mask, as you will see in the video.
• The device I have charges with a USB connected to my computer. I have never used it for a full day, but I have used it for many hours at a time and I have never had to recharge it. Amazon says that it stays charged for 8 hours and requires 3-5 hours to charge fully.
• Here is the device on Amazon. (This is not an affiliate link.) It runs around $60.
• Anything that bumps the cord will be amped. When I first experimented with it my earings were bumping the wire.
• If you choose to put the microphone inside your mask, please consult with someone to make sure you aren't creating gaps in your facial coverage.