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Contact microphone testing: Variability between devices of the same brand and model
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Contact microphone testing: Variability between devices of the same brand and model

Fernanda P. Figueroa-Martinez, Adrian Castillo-Allendes, Mark L. Berardi and Eric J. Hunter
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Vol.159(4_Supplement), pp.A33-A33
08/01/2026
DOI: 10.1121/10.0044981

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Abstract

High background noise environments remain a major challenge for voice evaluations. Contact microphones present a promising, affordable alternative, but the most accessible models often lack manufacturer data on frequency response and device variability. There is limited literature regarding the consistency of devices from the same brand and model, highlighting a need for further research in this area. We assessed device variability using a standardized shaker platform, using an accelerometer as reference. Devices were tested with different stimuli (logarithmic sine sweep and white noise) and two surfaces (platform and neck): (1) microphones on the platform using built-in loudspeaker stimuli, (2) microphones on the platform with stimuli from a loudspeaker one meter away, and (3) microphones on the neck with stimuli from a loudspeaker one meter away. Devices of the brand Alomejor showed the strongest correlations and agreement (Bland–Altman) between devices in terms of corrected frequency response. All the devices maintained a low sensitivity and good flatness in background noise conditions, and sensitivity was even lower when the microphones were attached to a neck instead of the testing platform. Alomejor contact microphones are a reliable low-cost alternative to regular microphones in challenging contexts with high background noise. [Work partially supported by the National Institutes of Health Grant R01 DC012315 from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, awarded to Eric J. Hunter, Ph.D.]

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