Throat microphone

A throat microphone, also laryngophone is a type of microphone that picks up sound directly through sensors in contact with the neck. Because of this design, it is able to pick up speech in loud environments such as on a motorcycle or in a night club where other types of microphones would not function well because the speech would be drowned out by background noise. This type of microphone is also able to pick up whispers and works well in an environment where one has to keep quiet while communicating with others at a distance such as during a covert military operation. Throat microphones were also extensively used in World War II-era aircraft, and by German tank crews.

Newer Single element designs are available that make the Throat mic much more comfortable to wear. Additionally this next generation of throat microphones are available varying outputs and frequency responses to accommodate a wide variety of communication devices such as digital and analogue portable radios, Tetra & P25 systems, & Cellular phones. Throat Microphones are very useful in high noise areas or when respiratory protection is required. Many full face SCBA, SAR ,SABA PAPR or Re-breather Masks do not have a provision for a microphone inside the mask. The throat microphone can be used safely as it positioned outside the mask's face seal and as such does not compromise the respiratory protection provided by the mask nor does it violate mask approvals and certification.