Voice amplifier

ifiddles

ifiddles

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
Question for all you techy guys on here, I need your help.

As many of you may know, I am a teacher and since having gone back into the classroom, between wearing a mask all day and having to speak louder than normal in order to be heard through it, my throat is getting pretty sore and raw by the end of the day.

I'm looking for some kind of wireless microphone that can be worn on my lapel (or a lanyard high up close to my chin) that can be connected to my Jam Plus bluetooth wireless speaker.

Some of my teacher groups on Facebook have suggested mini voice amplifiers (like this one on Amazon SHIDU Mini Voice Amplifier Portable Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker with Wired Microphone Headset 10W 1800mAh PA system Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Taxi Driver, Coaches, Training, Tour Guide. : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio ) but honestly, I don't want anything else on my ears because between the mask elastic and the goggles (I wear goggles as well because we have to if we're within 2 meters of a student, which in grade 2 is all the time), the area behind my ears is sore and causes headaches by the end of the day.

Any suggestions other than the thing above? I tried using Google, however, didn't find any fix (other than using my phone which I haven't tried yet, nor do I really want to). TIA
 
ifiddles said:
Question for all you techy guys on here, I need your help.

As many of you may know, I am a teacher and since having gone back into the classroom, between wearing a mask all day and having to speak louder than normal in order to be heard through it, my throat is getting pretty sore and raw by the end of the day.

I'm looking for some kind of wireless microphone that can be worn on my lapel (or a lanyard high up close to my chin) that can be connected to my Jam Plus bluetooth wireless speaker.

Some of my teacher groups on Facebook have suggested mini voice amplifiers (like this one on Amazon SHIDU Mini Voice Amplifier Portable Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker with Wired Microphone Headset 10W 1800mAh PA system Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Taxi Driver, Coaches, Training, Tour Guide. : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio ) but honestly, I don't want anything else on my ears because between the mask elastic and the goggles (I wear goggles as well because we have to if we're within 2 meters of a student, which in grade 2 is all the time), the area behind my ears is sore and causes headaches by the end of the day.

Any suggestions other than the thing above? I tried using Google, however, didn't find any fix (other than using my phone which I haven't tried yet, nor do I really want to). TIA
Click to expand...
All our classrooms have AV built in so fancy wireless mics amplified through professional large speakers arranged throughout the lecture theatre. Unless you have a tiny classroom your speaker might not do much. Probably better than nothing. If your kids all have laptops then you could do a simultaneous zoom meeting with them in the classroom and then they can listen with earphones on. Bonus the class is recorded.
 
ifiddles said:
I don't want anything else on my ears because between the mask elastic and the goggles ... the area behind my ears is sore and causes headaches by the end of the day.
Click to expand...

You can get a clip that hooks the mask's loops behind your head instead of around your ears if it bothers you that much. I get that pain around my ears from just shopping for an hour never mind a whole work day!

www.health.com

This Clever Accessory Makes Your Face Mask Fit Better and More Comfortably

These are the best face mask extenders from Amazon and Etsy to make wearing a cloth covering more comfortable—plus, how they can make it easier to follow CDC guidelines.
www.health.com www.health.com
 
ifiddles said:
Question for all you techy guys on here, I need your help.

As many of you may know, I am a teacher and since having gone back into the classroom, between wearing a mask all day and having to speak louder than normal in order to be heard through it, my throat is getting pretty sore and raw by the end of the day.

I'm looking for some kind of wireless microphone that can be worn on my lapel (or a lanyard high up close to my chin) that can be connected to my Jam Plus bluetooth wireless speaker.

Some of my teacher groups on Facebook have suggested mini voice amplifiers (like this one on Amazon SHIDU Mini Voice Amplifier Portable Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker with Wired Microphone Headset 10W 1800mAh PA system Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Taxi Driver, Coaches, Training, Tour Guide. : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio ) but honestly, I don't want anything else on my ears because between the mask elastic and the goggles (I wear goggles as well because we have to if we're within 2 meters of a student, which in grade 2 is all the time), the area behind my ears is sore and causes headaches by the end of the day.

Any suggestions other than the thing above? I tried using Google, however, didn't find any fix (other than using my phone which I haven't tried yet, nor do I really want to). TIA
Click to expand...
I like the idea of that mic/speaker. I doubt you will find something easier. How do you feel about a headband? Something to attach all of this crap to to get the pressure off your ears? A couple buttons sewn on the headband substitute for your ears (similar concept to the mask extender link above). You could clip the mic to the headband too. That leaves just the goggles propped up by your ears (athough those could be held by the headband too with a couple loops).
 
I know what you mean about masks, after a day of use my ears are hurting and bent outward too much. I would look into a different mask if you can. The kind which has pull ties elastic stings. They seem less forcefully on the ears. Also are face shields not possible instead of googles? Which also might relieve your ear fatigue.
 
I've taught all the way thru this pandemic but I've always taught m/c too so pretty used to elevating my voice over the sound of engines.

I'd suggest to look into the ones fitness instructors use. I am in awe of my coaches, switching on to instruct the class but off to provide private input to attendees. I work out at Orange Theory btw.

Hope.this helps
 
There's lots of things sold online at places like Etsy, amazon, etc (and I'm sure you can find them on FB Marketplace even for same day pickup) that will allow you to turn a mask into a headband vs using your ears.

41oxFRA519L._AC_.jpg


Way more comfortable for long term wear.

There's lots of bluetooth boom mics as well on Amazon. My wife bought one at the beginning of work from home for $35 there.

Regarding a microphone, I'd suggest a boom mike vs a lapel mike - they tend to pickup sounds way better without you having to raise your voice regardless for a lapel mike to pick you up, at which point the goal of not needing to raise your voice as much is greatly lost.

Some cheap or more unidirectional lapel mikes sometimes tend to pickup too much background noise, like tiny little farts that were supposed to be quiet. Ask me how I know that lol.
 
@PrivatePilot do you have a link to the one she bought?

I had a couple of those extender things for the loops, however I lost them...😥

Unfortunately I have to wear the disposable masks provided by the board...my personal masks have the adjusters but can't wear them...
 
ifiddles said:
Question for all you techy guys on here, I need your help.

As many of you may know, I am a teacher and since having gone back into the classroom, between wearing a mask all day and having to speak louder than normal in order to be heard through it, my throat is getting pretty sore and raw by the end of the day.

I'm looking for some kind of wireless microphone that can be worn on my lapel (or a lanyard high up close to my chin) that can be connected to my Jam Plus bluetooth wireless speaker.

Some of my teacher groups on Facebook have suggested mini voice amplifiers (like this one on Amazon SHIDU Mini Voice Amplifier Portable Rechargeable Bluetooth Speaker with Wired Microphone Headset 10W 1800mAh PA system Supports MP3 Format Audio for Teachers, Taxi Driver, Coaches, Training, Tour Guide. : Amazon.ca: Musical Instruments, Stage & Studio ) but honestly, I don't want anything else on my ears because between the mask elastic and the goggles (I wear goggles as well because we have to if we're within 2 meters of a student, which in grade 2 is all the time), the area behind my ears is sore and causes headaches by the end of the day.

Any suggestions other than the thing above? I tried using Google, however, didn't find any fix (other than using my phone which I haven't tried yet, nor do I really want to). TIA
Click to expand...
I spent a long time teaching in small auditoriums and very large classrooms where voice projection was tough. Here are a couple of things to try:

1. Lots of water. I found frequent sips keep the voicebox lubed up, no end of day gravel.
2. Deliver from the middle of the class, not the front. This reduces your volume a lot, it also make it a lot easier to hear your students.
3. Record the lecture parts of your delivery, play them back using the speakers on your computer. You can't do this with everything, but it works great for lectures and presentations. I used a little bluetooth Logitech pointer/clicker to start and stop the show.

When I delivered in auditoriums or halls I had to use a headset, in classrooms and small theatres I found them more trouble than they were worth.
 
Mad Mike said:
I spent a long time teaching in small auditoriums and very large classrooms where voice projection was tough. Here are a couple of things to try:

1. Lots of water. I found frequent sips keep the voicebox lubed up, no end of day gravel.
2. Deliver from the middle of the class, not the front. This reduces your volume a lot, it also make it a lot easier to hear your students.
3. Record the lecture parts of your delivery, play them back using the speakers on your computer. You can't do this with everything, but it works great for lectures and presentations. I used a little bluetooth Logitech pointer/clicker to start and stop the show.

When I delivered in auditoriums or halls I had to use a headset, in classrooms and small theatres I found them more trouble than they were worth.
Click to expand...
I like the ideas. Stupid masks really complicate #1. Stupid distancing complicates #2. I'm not sure what teachers are supposed to be doing, my kids wear masks and are spaced out but they also have a bunch of one way arrows around the classroom. If everyone is wearing masks and spread out, I don't see much advantage to making a mess of flow. I think #3 could work for a percentage of the material to give her voice a break (assuming the tiny kids stay engaged, sometimes they pay more attention to a real person than a recording).
 
First thing that came to mind as soon as I read the title:


Sorry lol

I like PrivatePilot's suggestion...seems to be the most convenient in terms of day to day use.
My aunt works with special needs kids...next time I see her, will ask her how she manages to go an entire day while dealing with what you mentioned above...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom