Video Call Guide: Master Digital Communication

Key Takeaways

If you wear a hearing aid, make sure you select a quiet, enclosed space to minimize echo and background noise during your video call.

Check if you have a special program for calls on your hearing aid.

Enable live captions to follow along with the conversation more easily.

Adjust your audio settings on the video calling platform for optimal sound.

20 Tips to Hear Better During Video Calls

Ensuring a clear and comfortable audio experience during video calls is essential, especially for those wearing hearing aids. The right equipment and environment can make a significant difference. Here are some tips to enhance your hearing during video calls:

Choose the Right Microphone - A high-quality external microphone such as Blue Yeti USB Microphone, Zoom H1n Portable Recorder, and Rode NT-USB Mini can vastly improve sound quality by reducing ambient noise and capturing your voice clearly.

Create the Ideal Environment - Select a quiet room, close windows and doors to minimize street noise, and use soft furnishings to dampen echo, ensuring your microphone captures clearer audio.

Use a Device with Bluetooth Connectivity - Many modern hearing aids, such as Nano’s Audacity® RIC, can connect directly to devices via Bluetooth, which makes them especially convenient for video calls.

Ensure a Strong Internet Connection - Opt for a wired connection or stay close to your router for stable internet, and close unnecessary applications to improve call quality.

Optimize Your Audio Settings - Adjust the volume and sound settings in your video call software to find the optimal level for your hearing aid. Ensure the microphone and speaker settings are correctly configured.

Enable Live Captions - Use live captioning services available in video call applications like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. This can help you follow along with the conversation more easily. In Google Meet, click on the "Captions" button on the bottom right of the Meet screen. You can select the caption language by clicking on the three dots (more options) and going to "Captions" to choose your language. In Zoom, the host needs to enable closed captioning for the meeting. This can be done by clicking on the "Closed Caption" icon in the meeting toolbar and selecting "Enable Auto-Transcription."

Use background Noise Reduction Features - Utilize built-in noise suppression features in communication apps or third-party software such as Krisp, Google Meet, and Discord to minimize distractions during calls.

Utilize Hearing Aid Features - Many hearing aids have specific settings or programs for phone or video calls. Consult your audiologist to optimize these settings for your devices.

Ask Participants to Speak Clearly - Politely ask the other participants to speak clearly, at a moderate pace, and to face the camera while speaking.

Do Regular Audio Equipment Checks - Regularly check and maintain your audio equipment to ensure it's in optimal condition, preventing unexpected malfunctions during important calls.

Check Lighting and Camera Position - Adjust your lighting and camera angle to make sure you're clearly visible during video calls, aiding in visual cues and lip-reading for better communication.

Take Breaks - Plan for short breaks during longer video calls to prevent auditory fatigue and maintain high levels of concentration and communication efficiency.

Confirm Audio Clarity - At the start of each call, ask participants if they can hear you clearly to make necessary adjustments early.

Familiarize Yourself with Mute Functions - Know how to quickly mute and unmute your microphone to minimize background noise when not speaking.

NANO Hearing Aids are FDA-registered, Class I devices. Our OTC hearing aids are designed for individuals over 18 years of age with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. With prices starting at just $297, they offer a viable solution for those looking to improve their hearing without breaking the bank.

How Nano OTC Hearing Aid Helps You Hear Better in Meetings

Video calls can be challenging for people with mild hearing loss.

Video calls can be challenging for people with hearing difficulties due to factors like poor audio quality, background noise, and lack of visual cues. Hearing aids can significantly enhance the video call experience for individuals with hearing loss by amplifying sound and improving clarity. Modern hearing aids often come equipped with features such as directional microphones, noise reduction, and Bluetooth connectivity, which means they can be directly connected to computers, tablets, or smartphones.

At Nano Hearing Aids, we offer a selection of affordable OTC devices for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, with our basic First Ear Plus CIC model starting at $297. Our hearing aids come in both completely-in-canal (CIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) designs and are equipped with various features that can enhance your hearing in various situations, including video calls.

Easy Customization for Personal Needs

Nano OTC hearing aids have customizable settings that allow users to adjust the sound profiles according to their hearing preferences and the environments they're in.

Background Noise Reduction Features

One of the biggest challenges during video calls is the interference of background noise. Nano OTC hearing aids minimize such noises, ensuring that you can hear the person on the other end of the call without distractions.

Long Battery Life for Extended Calls

When choosing a hearing aid, the duration of battery life is a key factor. Nano OTC rechargeable hearing aids are equipped with a battery designed to last all day. This means fewer interruptions for charging - a significant advantage for those with busy schedules filled with back-to-back meetings.

To efficiently manage charging times with the Nano battery, you could plan to recharge the device during lunch breaks or while completing tasks that don't require active participation in calls.

Bluetooth Connectivity

If you opt for a device with Bluetooth connectivity, such as our Audacity® RIC, you can use your hearing aid for audio and call streaming. Here's a simplified guide on how to set it up:

Activate Bluetooth on the Hearing Aid: Depending on your model, this might be done by pressing a button on the hearing aid or through its app.

Open Your Laptop's Bluetooth Settings:

On Windows: Go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Bluetooth & other devices." Click "Add Bluetooth or other device" and select "Bluetooth."

On Mac: Open "System Preferences," click "Bluetooth," and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.

Put the Hearing Aid in Pairing Mode: Follow your hearing aid's instructions to make it discoverable to other devices. This often involves holding down a specific button.

Select Your Hearing Aid on the Laptop: Your hearing aid should appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices on your laptop. Click on it to initiate pairing.

Complete the Pairing Process: Follow any on-screen instructions to finish connecting the devices. You might need to enter a PIN.

Adjust Audio Settings if Needed: Once paired, you may want to adjust the laptop's audio output settings to ensure sound is transmitted through your hearing aid.

Nano Audacity® RIC OTC hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity are especially suitable for video calls.

Hearing better on video calls doesn't have to be a challenge. By following these tips and investing in the right equipment, you can transform your online communication experience. Clear sound will not only make your calls more enjoyable but also more productive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Do I Stop My Microphone from Picking Up Background Noise?

To minimize background noise pickup:

- Use a directional microphone that focuses on your voice.

- Activate noise cancellation features on your video call application or use third-party software.

- Maintain a quiet environment by closing doors and windows, and turning off noisy appliances.

Can a Hearing Aid Be Connected to a Computer for Video Calls?

Many modern hearing aids now come with Bluetooth connectivity that allows them to be paired with computers, smartphones, and tablets. Check with your hearing aid manufacturer for specific pairing instructions and compatibility with your devices.

How Can One Adjust the Audio Settings on Popular Video Calling Platforms?

Most video calling platforms have an 'Audio' or 'Settings' section where you can adjust your microphone and speaker settings. Look for options to test your microphone and speakers, adjust the volume, and enable noise cancellation.

What Are the Best Practices for Ensuring Clear Audio During Video Calls?

Best practices for clear audio during video calls include using an external microphone for better sound quality, ensuring a stable internet connection, optimizing your video call platform's audio settings, and choosing a quiet environment to reduce background noise.