A volume controlling system and method for regulating the output volume of a headset in order to protect the hearing ability of a user. The system includes a volume sensor/controller for monitoring the volume output of the headset by adjusting the volume to be within a predetermined threshold. A warning indicator indicates to the user or a person monitoring the listening user that the volume is set too high. The method include the steps of comparing the received audio signal to the predetermined volume threshold and adjusting the volume accordingly. The method also includes the steps of notifying that the volume has been set at too high a level by providing a warning signal, such as an audible or visual alarm.
Improper microphone position and speech level on a telephone headset is sensed by comparison of a speech envelope to multiple signal threshold levels. A first threshold is used to determine whether a headset user is talking. A second threshold is used to determine whether a signal level at the microphone is sufficiently strong for proper communication. An indicator is activated when the user is talking and the signal level is too weak. Typically, a weak signal is caused by a mispositioned microphone or a user talking too softly.
Methods for generating a directional sound environment include providing a headgear unit having a plurality of microphones thereon. A sound signal is detected from the plurality of microphones. A transfer function is applied to the sound signal to provide a transformed sound signal, and the transformed sound signal provides an approximation of free field hearing sound at a subject's ear inside the headgear unit.
