For live telehealth applications, the ability to hear and be heard is one of the most basic functions. For many setups, speakerphones may be one of the most straightforward ways to upgrade the telehealth audio experience. In this innovation watch article, we are exploring some of the characteristics of a good speakerphone and the potential pitfalls of having unnecessary complexity within what should be a foolproof component for any telehealth setup.
About this Technology
There are many manufacturers and models of speakerphones on the market. There are also a wide variety of feature sets and connectivity options. Some devices feature Bluetooth functionality while others support only wired functions. The wired and wireless speakerphone offerings from HP Poly and Jabra GN are representative of current market offerings and are featured here as a representative sample of the technology. TTAC does not recommend or provide a specific endorsement for any products mentioned here.
Jabra Speak 410
Poly Sync 10
Jabra Speak 510
Poly Sync 20
The Jabra Speak 410 and Poly Sync 10 represent the solely wired speakerphone, while the Jabra Speak 510 and the Poly Sync 20 represent speakerphones with Bluetooth capabilities.
Innovative Features
Generally, speakerphones will connect via a USB cable that can be plugged directly into a computer for amplified audio as well as a higher-fidelity microphone function than compared to built-in laptop audio solutions. They can typically be used within a range of 3-5 feet away from the user (or users), enabling a more natural form of communication. The audio from the speakerphone is generally loud enough that the user should be able to hear without straining or use of other audio enhancements.
“The price of reliability is the pursuit of the utmost simplicity.” —C. A. R. Hoare, 1980.
In many telehealth applications, a wired speakerphone will have the best chance of success. Wired devices only connect with the device they are physically connected to. This creates a one-to-one relationship with the connected device and the attached speakerphone. These wired speakerphones work best for simple telehealth solutions running a single computer endpoint as opposed to a more complex multiple-device setup that might need the speaker switched back and forth between computers/tablets.
Wireless speakerphones work best for a provider with a setup that includes a computer and mobile device for a specific function. Having the freedom to connect to different devices adds multifunctionality, but may introduce frustration if the desired device is not connecting to the desired speakerphone at the appropriate time. Additionally, because these devices are wireless they will need to use an internal battery for power when using their wireless functionality. The charge status of the battery becomes a critical factor in whether or not the device will work when it is needed.
Function
From a wired USB perspective, all devices should function similarly. The user will need to plug into a USB port and verify that the operating system has discovered the device. Users may need to select the speakerphone as an Output/Input in their operating system settings. When using video/audio conference software (Teams, Zoom, etc.) the speakerphone may also need to be selected as Output/Input in the conference software.
For wireless devices, the pairing function is relatively simple. Press and hold the Bluetooth/pair function and then select it from the Bluetooth menu on your device. Once the device is paired and the speaker is on, the speaker will automatically connect to the paired device. Users may run into problems if trying to use the USB function in the presence of a previously paired Bluetooth device, which may take over use of the speaker. Even more problematic, if content is ready to play it will often auto-play after connecting to the speaker. This means that an important telehealth appointment might be interrupted when music from a previously paired device starts playing on your speakerphone instead.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is generally similar between wired and wireless device models. In the devices featured in this article, we see that the Jabra audio is more limited by its smaller size. The Poly Sync devices have a wider audio range due to their larger form factor and additional audio chamber.
Supported Use Cases
Speakerphone functionality can be beneficial in a variety of telehealth visit applications and use cases. Here are some examples:
- Group Consultations: In situations where multiple healthcare professionals need to participate in a telehealth meeting, a speakerphone allows everyone to hear and contribute to the conversation. It facilitates collaborative decision-making and ensures that all participants are engaged and informed.
- Patient Education: A speakerphone can be useful for patient education sessions conducted remotely. Healthcare providers can use it to share important information, explain treatment plans, or discuss preventive measures. The patient and their family members can listen together, enabling better comprehension and a collective understanding of the instructions.
- Multilingual Interactions: Telehealth services often cater to diverse populations where language barriers may exist. Speakerphone functionality allows for the use of interpreter services during a telehealth session. The interpreter can be on the line using a separate device, facilitating communication between the healthcare provider and the patient in their native language.
- Hearing-Impaired Patients: For individuals with hearing impairments or those who use hearing aids, a speakerphone can enhance accessibility during telehealth meetings. It ensures that the audio is loud and clear, allowing the patient to understand the conversation without straining to hear or relying solely on subtitles or text-based communication.
- Family or Caregiver Inclusion: In cases where a patient requires the involvement of family members or caregivers, using a speakerphone can be beneficial. It allows for easy participation and enables discussions about the patient’s condition, treatment options, and care coordination. The speakerphone feature can promote a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to healthcare delivery.
- Remote Team Meetings: Telehealth often involves coordination among various healthcare professionals working remotely. Speakerphone functionality allows for effective team meetings, where participants can discuss patient cases, share updates, and collaborate on treatment plans. It promotes seamless communication and coordination among the healthcare team members.
- Clinician-to-Clinician Consultations: A speakerphone can be used during telehealth consultations between clinicians for second opinions or specialist referrals. By enabling both healthcare professionals to hear the conversation clearly, it facilitates the exchange of information, enhances collaboration, and ensures that critical details are not missed.
Remember that privacy and confidentiality are crucial in telehealth. When using speakerphone functionality, it’s important to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect patient information and comply with relevant healthcare regulations.
Product Specs:
| Poly Sync 10 | Poly Sync 20 | Jabra Speak 410 | Jabra Speak 510 | ||
|
Manufacturer |
HP Poly | HP Poly | Jabra GN | Jabra GN | |
|
Manufacturer Address |
Poly Worldwide Headquarters:
345 Encinal Street |
Poly Worldwide Headquarters:
345 Encinal Street |
Jabra GN Headquarters:
Lautrupbjerg 7 2750 Ballerup, Denmark |
Jabra GN Headquarters:
Lautrupbjerg 7 2750 Ballerup, Denmark |
|
|
Manufacturer Web Address |
Poly | Video Conferencing, Conference Phones & Headsets | Poly, formerly Plantronics & Polycom | Poly | Video Conferencing, Conference Phones & Headsets | Poly, formerly Plantronics & Polycom | Wireless Headsets and Headphones for Office, Music & Sport | Jabra | Wireless Headsets and Headphones for Office, Music & Sport | Jabra | |
|
Product Dimensions |
32.5 x 89.2 x 182 mm / 1.3 x 3.5 x 7.2 in | 34 mm x 95 mm x 182 mm / 1.3 in x 3.7 in x 7.2 in | 143×132.5×45.5mm | 120mm (4.72 inches) in diameter, 33mm (1.30 inch) in height | |
|
Weight |
280 g / 9.9 oz | 360g / 12.7 oz | 180.3g | 195.4g | |
|
Cable Length |
715 mm / 28.1 in | 715 mm / 28.1 in | 900mm | 900mm | |
| Battery | |||||
|
Power Supply |
Wired USB | Wired/Battery | Wired USB | Wired/Battery | |
|
Talk Time |
N/A | up to 20 hours | N/A | Up to 15 hours (phone/network dependent) | |
|
Standby Time |
N/A | Not specified | N/A | Over 200 days with an Automatic power-off feature | |
|
Charge Time |
N/A | 4 Hours | N/A | Approximately 2 hours | |
| Connectivity | |||||
|
Connectivity |
USB | Bluetooth v5.1/USB | USB | Bluetooth version 3.0/USB | |
|
Range |
N/A | Not specified | N/A | Up to 100ft/30m | |
|
Number of paired devices |
N/A | Not specified | N/A | Up to 8 | |
|
Multiuse |
Connect 2 devices at the same time, with 1 active audio connection | ||||
| Audio | |||||
|
Noise Cancelation |
Noise and echo reduction | Noise and echo reduction | In-built echo cancellation with 360 degree/1 meter coverage | In-built echo cancellation with 360 degree/1 meter coverage | |
|
Microphone Type |
Two microphones steerable array | Three-microphone steerable array | Omnidirectional microphone | Omnidirectional microphone | |
|
Microphone frequency range |
100 Hz to 7.8 kHz | 100 Hz to 6.7 kHz | USB mode 150Hz to 6.5KHz | USB mode & BT mode 150Hz to 6.5KHz | |
|
Microphone pick-up range |
Up to 5 ft/1.5 m | up to 7 ft / 2 m | Up to 1.5m | Up to 1.5m | |
|
Speaker size |
1 x 40 mm high-performance music speaker | 1 x 40 mm high-performance music speaker | Ø 50mm x 22.6mm | Ø 50mm x 22.6mm | |
|
Certifications |
Teams, Zoom,
|
Teams, Zoom,
|
Certified for Skype for Business and optimized for all leading UC platforms | Certified for Skype for Business and optimized for all leading UC platforms | |
| Other | |||||
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Physical Device Controls |
Touch-sensitive user controls for:
|
Touch-sensitive user controls for
Push button user controls for
|
Built-in call control for easy call handling, when connected by USB to a PC | Built-in call control for easy call handling, whether connected by USB to PC and desk phones (corded), connected by Bluetooth to mobile phones, or Bluetooth to PC using Jabra Link 370 adapter* | |
|
Device Software |
|
|
Jabra Direct app | Jabra Direct app | |
| MSRP | $99.95 | $129.95 | $149.00 | $172.00 | |
From time to time TAC will choose a piece of technology to show or demonstrate in the “Innovation Watch” section of our website. No endorsement of any products or services is expressed or implied by any information, hyperlink text, product, service, material, or content referred to or included on, or linked from, or to the TTAC website.
From time to time TAC will choose a piece of technology to show or demonstrate in the “Innovation Watch” section of our website. No endorsement of any products or services is expressed or implied by any information, hyperlink text, product, service, material or content referred to or included on, or linked from or to the TTAC web site.