Starkey Table Microphone - an honest review.
The Starkey Table Microphone is a multi-functional device designed to improve listening in group gatherings or noisy restaurants. Eight built-in microphones detect the primary speaker's voice and stream it directly to Starkey's Evolv AI or Livio hearing aids. It also functions as a TV streamer or even a body-worn remote microphone.
With thanks below to the ‘Senan of Somerset’ for his thoughts on using the table microphone out in the ‘wild’…
I am a retired writer and poet of very little consequence… but I have some loss of hearing. My writings and musings are dominated by a pursuit of the peaceful, quiet, and contemplative life, so why on earth would I want another device to make things louder… Bare with me for a moment because I bought (on a whim) a table microphone - conclusion - a very useful little gizmo.
Starkey Table Microphone.
Case one... Work.
I used to work in a hardware store. At the outset of the pandemic, it was all face masks and Perspex screens. Definitely not ideal for the hard of hearing and amateur lip reader. The solution was to put my table microphone at the gap at the bottom of the covid screen set as shown below, using the selected directional microphones. Quite simply life-changing! Personally, I find the direct sound a little raw, but adjusting the hearing aids up and down one notch will blend in the hearing aid microphones giving a very acceptable response. Incidentally, the double-tap option on the hearing aids works really well to switch on and off the stream. (It prevents you from hearing unwanted conversations while you are at the other end of the shop.)
Directional microphones selected to improve hearing at work.
Case two... The pub.
I’m sure all will be familiar with the difficulties in a crowded pub and the background noise. Sitting opposite my friend and his wife, and with their permission, I place the microphone on their side of the table right between them, configured as below. At first, they found it peculiar having this thing on the table between them, and I think the temptation was to turn and speak into it, but soon they forgot it was there. Ok, so it’s not perfect surround sound, BBC newsreader quality in this environment, but it does mean you can lean back in your chair with a pint and enjoy a conversation as opposed to the incessant leaning over and cocking your head to one side to favour the ear that is slightly better!
Additional microphones selected to help hear conversations in background noise.
Case three... Music.
One of my true loves and big losses due to hearing loss is music. I have a room set up for old school stereo music. The Thrive app is excellent with regard to the facility to customise your hearing to a specific situation. But, I think a bit like a classical organist adding a few more stops and ranks of pipes to his registration when playing Bach, Handel or perhaps Widor; more is definitely better when it comes to microphones!
So I set up the microphone on a small coffee table halfway between me and the speakers as below. This case definitely takes a little more time and effort. Using the app for equalisation and blending in the table microphone (also on the app)... I’ve tried it with classical, rock, folk and pure choral, and it is transforming.
Transforming music through additional microphones.
Cons...
Another gadget and charger lead
It is expensive
It takes a little time to optimise
Nothings perfect
Pros...
Very useful in certain work environments
Beer can be consumed in a more reclined (correct) position
Music - you may have a different experience to me, but I like it
It’s a great talking point in the pub - “What on earth is that!”
Senan of Somerset
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