This guide covers how to set up microphone permissions for your browser and troubleshoot issues when your workstation isn’t detecting or recognizing microphone input. It also includes tips to optimize audio quality and transcription accuracy
Setting Up Microphone Permissions
If your microphone isn’t working on a website (e.g., AvodahMed Nsight), ensure your browser has the correct permissions. Follow these steps based on your browser:
For Chrome:
- Click the lock icon in the address bar (next to the URL).
- Select Site Settings.
- Scroll to Microphone and set it to Allow.
- Refresh the page to apply changes.
For Safari:
- Open Safari Preferences from the top menu.
- Go to Websites > Microphone.
- Find the website and set it to Allow.
- Restart Safari.
For Edge:
- On the website where the microphone isn’t working, click the lock icon (or camera/microphone icon) in the address bar.
- Select Permissions for this site.
- Under Microphone, ensure it’s set to Allow (change from Block if needed).
- If no microphone option appears, click Manage permissions to adjust in Edge Settings.
- Refresh the page.
Note: Nsight recommends using Chrome for the best experience, especially for transcription features like patient exam recordings or dictation. Avoid Firefox or Edge, as they don’t support audio recording in AvodahMed Nsight.
Checking System Settings
- Confirm your microphone is set as the default recording device in your computer’s sound settings.
- Adjust recording levels for optimal performance.
- Change your device’s sleep settings to exceed the length of an average appointment. If your device enters sleep or power-saving mode, AvodahMed Nsight will stop recording and transcribing.
Troubleshooting Microphone and Webcam Issues
If your microphone or webcam isn’t working in AvodahMed Nsight, start by checking your setup:
- Go to Settings > Audio & Video in AvodahMed Nsight to test your audio and video devices (see screenshot in the original article for navigation).
- Ensure your internet speed meets minimum requirements: 25 MB/sec download and 3 MB/sec upload. Speeds may vary based on network traffic or connected devices.
Tips for Better Audio Quality and Transcription Accuracy
To improve microphone performance and AvodahMed Nsight’s transcription results, consider these best practices:
- Positioning: Place the microphone within three feet of the speaker, ideally between the patient and provider. Avoid moving or touching it to reduce background noise.
- Speaking: Speak clearly and naturally at a normal tone and pace.
- Minimize Noise: Reduce background noise (e.g., fans, typing) to prevent transcription errors like misspellings or omissions.
- Avoid Overlap: Prevent speakers from talking over each other, as this can confuse Nsight’s transcription and lower accuracy.
- Use External Devices: Opt for an external microphone instead of built-in laptop or device mics for better quality.
- Stabilize Your Device: Avoid holding or resting your laptop/device in your hand or lap to minimize noise.
- Voice Training: Train Nsight to recognize your voice for automatic name-tagging in transcripts (go to Settings > Voice Recognition).
Addressing Transcription Issues
If Nsight misses audio or transcribes inaccurately:
- Review the Post-Encounter Transcription View: During a live session with a microphone-equipped device, you’ll see a single text block. After the encounter, re-enter the patient session card to access a detailed dialog transcript.
- Check for Noise Cancellation Interference: Disable noise cancellation software or headset features, as they may filter out voices AvodahMed Nsight needs to detect. Uninstall or disable third-party audio-altering apps if necessary.
Additional Recommendations
- Verify browser microphone permissions are enabled in AvodahMed Nsight (see browser-specific steps above).
- Test your setup in AvodahMed Nsight’s Audio & Video Settings page before starting a session
Need a Script for Voice Recording?
Voice registration is no longer required. All transcriptions are now speaker-agnostic and do not require microphone calibration to user profiles.