Abstract: The invention is directed to a hearing instrument for positioning in the ear of a user, incorporating a faceplate having first and second spatially separated sound openings for receiving sound to be provided to respective inlets of a microphone; at least one screen partially blocking the sound openings and positioned to increase effective distance between the first and second spatially separated sound openings; and a housing for containing the microphone, the housing having the faceplate mounted thereon and being sized to fit within the ear of a hearing instrument wearer.