Break the Learning Sound Barrier with Classroom Audio Technology

Clear communication can help alleviate the confusion and frustration that students experience, leading to greater engagement in the classroom. But not every student hears the lesson equally. Whether it’s a diagnosed hearing condition, temporary conditions, or just being seated in the back row, some students face real challenges simply hearing what’s being said.

No student should miss out on learning because of a sound barrier.

“Students are more confident learners when they know they are hearing instruction well,” says Christine Otte, Doctor of Audiology at CESA 6. She provides educational audiology services across 16 school districts, and she sees firsthand how sound clarity directly impacts learning outcomes.

Fortunately, there are technological solutions out there that help students overcome these challenges and create better learning opportunities with sufficient access to appropriate sound.

Technology That Speaks Volumes

Audio systems vary greatly depending on the unique application desired. From fun and engaging tools to ADA-compliant systems, today’s solutions are as flexible as they are functional. Here’s a quick look at what’s available:

• Infrared (IR) – Secure, room-contained signal ideal for confidential spaces, cannot be used in rooms with glass walls, and microphones do not have to be assigned to a specific room.
• Radio Frequency (RF) – Greater range and signal penetration through walls so the transmitter and receiver can be out of sight; best for larger, open areas, 72 MHz or 216 MHz frequency.
• DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) – Clear, interference-free, supports two-way communication, 1.9 GHz frequency.
• Wi-Fi Streaming – Integrates with existing networks and supports smartphones, QR codes and hyperlinks make it easy for BYOD, 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency.
• Auracast – Newest technology available, Bluetooth LE-based broadcast audio for personal or public listening, not compatible with Bluetooth classic.
• Induction Loop – Copper wire installed under floors or in ceilings, works with hearing aids using the “T” setting, perimeter or multiloops, 100 Hz to 5,000 Hz frequency.
• Dante Audio – Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet, transmission of uncompressed, multi-channel digital audio, low latency, combination of hardware and software.

Now, let’s explore how these solutions are applied in real-world school settings.

1. The Student in the Back Row

We all know this scenario: a student quietly sitting at the back of a classroom struggles to keep up—not because they’re disengaged, but because they literally can’t hear the teacher well enough.

Here’s the science: A teacher’s voice averages 50–65 dB at three feet away. According to the inverse square law, the sound drops by 6 dB every time you double the distance. By the time the voice reaches the back row (say, 24 feet away), it’s lost 18 dB. Factor in classroom noise, and suddenly comprehension drops dramatically.

Otte says, “If a child isn't able to hear well, he or she will often have more challenges with the development of reading and writing skills.” That’s where a TeachLogic Classroom Audio System comes in. With a properly designed setup (ceiling speakers, teacher mics, amplifiers), every student can hear the lesson clearly, no matter where they sit. And teachers? They can speak naturally without straining their voice.

2. Disengaged Class Discussions

If your students are zoning out during discussions, it might not be a lack of interest—it could be an issue with sound and interaction.

In his article “How Do We Know When Students Are Engaged,” educator Ben Johnson notes, “If a teacher wants to increase student engagement, then the teacher needs to increase student activity.”

One fun and effective solution? Try the Catchbox Throwable Microphone. Not only does it deliver clear audio directly from the source, but it also injects some much-needed enthusiasm into classroom discussions.

Want something a bit more traditional? Try a Catchbox Plus Stick Microphone for student presentations. Hearing a mix of voices naturally turns a monologue into a vibrant dialogue.

Both tools operate on the license-free DECT frequency and can be paired with Dante-enabled systems to support broader audio distribution across classrooms or campuses.

3. What About Students with Hearing Aids?

According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 6 school-age children has some degree of hearing loss. That’s significant and just further highlights why proper sound accessibility in classrooms is critical.

“Many people think that if a student with hearing loss is wearing hearing aids, then that access issue is not a problem. We know, however, that hearing aids do NOT correct hearing loss, unlike a student with nearsightedness, who has corrected vision with glasses,” says Otte.

And that’s the issue: hearing does not equal understanding. Hearing aids have an effective range of only 3-6 feet from the source, and they amplify all sound, even barriers like background noise and reverberation, which reduce speech clarity and comprehension.

This is where assistive listening systems (ALS) shine. ALS solutions provide crystal-clear audio directly to hearing aids, cochlear implants, or headphones, minimizing distractions and maximizing comprehension.

Whether you're installing one of Listen Technologies’ permanent solutions or using one of their portable kits, these devices support technologies like IR, RF, Wi-Fi, Loop, DECT, and Dante—and they’re transforming the learners' listening experience.

4. Ensuring ADA Compliance in Your School

Here’s something every public school needs to know: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires effective communication in public spaces, including classrooms, auditoriums, and meeting rooms.

To comply with the requirements, these spaces must have:

• A transmitter (installed or portable)
• Receivers (based on seating capacity)
• Neck loops (for at least 25% of receivers)
• Signage at all entrances

Sounds like a lot? It doesn’t have to be. At CESA 6, we’ve installed RF assistive listening systems in our Oshkosh Conference Center to ensure accessible audio for everyone.

Use the Listen Technologies Accessibility Calculator to ensure your assistive listening system meets the latest compliance guidelines. And if you want to dive deeper, their ADA White Paper is a must-read.

Let’s Build Sound Learning Environments Together

If you have assessed your assistive listening systems and need more support, we have the experts to make lasting improvements for your students.

The CESA 6 Technology Solutions team is here to help schools deliver equitable learning experiences through smart, accessible, and engaging audio solutions. Whether you're planning a brand-new space or upgrading an existing one, we’ll help you find the right system that’s user-friendly, ADA-compliant, and built to last.

We proudly partner with Catchbox, Listen Technologies, and TeachLogic to bring you trusted tools that fit your environment and budget.

Want to learn more or see these tools in action? We would be happy to arrange a hands-on demo and give your school a competitive quote.

Let’s connect—because every student deserves to hear, engage, and succeed.