Work

Cross-Modal Sensory Boosting to Improve High-Frequency Hearing Loss: Device Development and Validation

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High-frequency hearing loss is one of the most common problems in the aging population and with those who have a history of exposure to loud noises. This type of hearing loss can be frustrating and disabling, making it difficult to understand speech communication and interact effectively with the world. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the impact of spatially unique haptic vibrations representing high-frequency phonemes on the self-perceived ability to understand conversations in everyday situations. METHODS: To address high-frequency hearing loss, a multi-motor wristband was developed that uses machine learning to listen for specific high-frequency phonemes. The wristband vibrates in spatially unique locations to represent which phoneme was present in real time. A total of 16 participants with high-frequency hearing loss were recruited and asked to wear the wristband for 6 weeks. The degree of disability associated with hearing loss was measured weekly using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). RESULTS: =2.14; P=.10, 2-tailed independent t test). The average benefit score across all participants for ease of communication was 15.44 (SD 13.88; N=16; P<.001, 2-tailed dependent t test). The average benefit score across all participants for background noise was 10.88 (SD 17.54; N=16; P=.03, 2-tailed dependent t test). The average benefit score across all participants for reverberation was 10.84 (SD 16.95; N=16; P=.02, 2-tailed dependent t test). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that vibrotactile sensory substitution delivered by a wristband that produces spatially distinguishable vibrations in correspondence with high-frequency phonemes helps individuals with high-frequency hearing loss improve their perceived understanding of verbal communication. Vibrotactile feedback provides benefits whether or not a person wears hearing aids, albeit in slightly different ways. Finally, individuals with the greatest perceived difficulty understanding speech experienced the greatest amount of perceived benefit from vibrotactile feedback.

Source: JMIRx Med

DOI: 10.2196/49969

Authors: Izzy Kohler, Michael V. Perrotta, Tiago Ferreira, David M. Eagleman

Institutions: Stanford Medicine, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Tactile and Sensory Interactions

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000