This means that you either get a directional micro-microphone that works well at one (and crucially only one) frequency, or a mic that is directional across a larger (audible) bandwidth, but isn't very sensitive.

'These attempts, though, tend to be too biomimetic: very close copies of the mechanics of the actual fly ear. 'When you consider that the complaints that accompany hearing loss are so often about communicating in noisy situations (difficult for those without loss, even), it's not surprising that there are several different groups worldwide that have focused on redesigning the hearing-aid microphone - it is the most robust way to try and control noise, as opposed to taking in all sounds from all directions and trying to sort them out digitally,' says Whitmer. The Scottish team, however, has a partner in Knowle, described by Windmill as 'probably the premier microphone manufacturer (for hearing aids) in the world'. Teams from the University of Texas, Binghampton University and the University of Maryland have been working on their own versions. The Scottish team is far from the only one working on mimicking the sneaky Ormia fly's hearing capabilities. 'By providing directionality that comes from a single miniature element, and has the potential to work not just along the axis of the two ports of conventional aids, this mic design could finally deliver on what drives people to seek out help - making it a huge step forward in providing hearing assistance.' 'Currently hearing aids excel at audibility, but are only partially successful in providing intelligibility in noisy situations (whether that noise is another talker, a rickety fan or echoes in a hall,' Whitmer tells .uk. However it will only be tested as part of a hearing aid when the grant money arrives. It has already been tested in the lab and works, says Windmill, as expected. The microphone was designed using 3D modelling software, and will be built using silicon microfabrication - ideal for mini structures.

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