Microphone Testing

CII and Platinum BTE

Testing the Built-In Microphone
You can test or monitor the microphone of the CII and Platinum BTE Processors. You will need to use either a mini amplified speaker (available from an electronics store) or a personal computer speaker.

Perform a microphone test even when the processor is new to establish a baseline in which you can monitor the internal microphone for any sound quality changes.

CII BTE/Platinum BTE with Audio Auxiliary Earhook Cable       

Audio Interface Cable

Audio Interface Cable attached to mini amplified speaker
               

Procedures

1. To assess the microphone, you will need an empty program slot on the processor. Speak with the child’s audiologist to determine which program slot is empty.
2. Connect the Audio Auxiliary Earhook to the processor.
3. Connect the Audio Interface Cable to the Audio Auxiliary Earhook Cable.
4. Plug the other end of the Audio Interface Cable into the port on the mini amplified speaker (top port marked: Input) or the appropriate audio input port on your personal computer.
5. Hold the processor at an arm’s length away from the speaker to prevent feedback or distortion.
6. Turn on processor (attach battery) and select the microphone test position (the empty program position) using the toggle switch.
7. Increase the volume control on the speaker while speaking normally to monitor output.

Microphone testing is simple and important. When combined with the System Sensor, parents, educators, and clinicians have comprehensive diagnostic tools to ensure that young children get the most out of their cochlear implants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the microphone located on the BTE Processor?
A: The microphone is located behind the earhook. However, if you are using the T-Mic® Microphone, the microphone is located on the tip of the T-Mic at the entrance to the ear canal.

Q: Will a microphone test assess the headpiece cable as well?
A: No, the ear-level microphone tester only assesses the internal (built-in) microphone of the processor. Unlike the body-worn processors, where the microphone is in the headpiece and therefore both microphone and cable are assessed, the microphone is in the BTE processor itself located at the base of the earhook. Hence, the cable is not required to test the internal microphone.

Q: Can I test the T-Mic as well?
A: No, the BTE microphone testers only assess the internal microphone of the processor and require the use of the Auxiliary Audio Earhook as opposed to the T-Mic Earhook.

Q: Does the headpiece need to be on or attached to test the microphone of the processor?
A: No, the headpiece does not have to be attached or even locked to the patient to test the microphone.

Q: Do I have to have a program slot empty?
A: Yes, to test the microphone, one program slot must be empty.

Q: Is there any issue with leaving a program slot empty on the processor?
A: No, this is similar to the microphone test position on the body-worn processor.

Q: Does the audio-mixing ratio setting matter?
A: No, mixing ratio does not affect the Mic Test. Remember, an empty slot should be used for the Mic Test position; hence no program is downloaded to the program slot that will be used for testing.

Q: What will happen if I try to test the microphone with a program slot that has a program downloaded to it?
A: If the person is wearing the processor at the time, you will not hear any sound from the microphone-testing speaker and will therefore not be able to monitor the microphone. If the person is not wearing the processor at the time, you will hear an intermittent signal from the speaker. Therefore, to properly test the internal microphone of the BTE, you should leave one program slot empty.