Smartphone Technology Improves Hearing Devices
Topic: Disability Apps
Author: University of Texas at Dallas
Published: 2015/02/06 - Updated: 2021/09/08
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main Item - Related Topics
Synopsis: Harnessing the power of smartphones to improve life of people who use hearing assistive devices including hearing aids, cochlear implants and personal sound amplifiers. Current hearing aids don't enhance speech signals optimally in an automatic manner. The success of this project will open the door to the development of a wide collection of smartphone apps to be used in conjunction with hearing aid devices. UT Dallas researchers are especially interested in the automatic classification of various background noise signals and enhancement of both quality and intelligibility of speech signals in noisy environments and crowded places.
Introduction
Many scientists agree: The smartphone offers many applications and has become one of the most sophisticated technologies out there. With the support of a $522,000, two-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, a UT Dallas team wants to harness the power of smartphones to help improve the quality of life of people who wear hearing assistive devices (HAD), including hearing aids, cochlear implants and personal sound amplifiers.
Main Item
Also known as "Personal Sound Amplification Devices," or by the acronym PSAP, are defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as wearable electronic products that are intended to amplify sounds for people who are not hearing impaired. They are not hearing aids, which the FDA describes as intended to compensate for impaired hearing. PSAPs can be a useful alternative to a hearing aid.
"Current hearing assistive devices are able to fit inside or behind the ear, but come with small, not very powerful processors to keep the device small, low power and low cost," said Dr. Issa Panahi, associate professor of electrical engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and principal investigator of the research.
"On the other hand, smartphones used by billions of people have very powerful processors and other features such as large memories, microphones, speakers, wireless technology and long-lasting batteries that could aid HAD wearers."
"Current hearing aids don't enhance speech signals optimally in an automatic manner. The success of this project will open the door to the development of a wide collection of smartphone apps to be used in conjunction with hearing aid devices."
Dr. Issa Panahi,associate professor of electrical engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science HAD algorithms can differentiate between a limited number of noises, Panahi said. More sophisticated algorithms are needed to cover more types of background noise signals, and these algorithms for noise classification and speech enhancement require more powerful processors and additional power consumption - the capabilities that smartphones can provide.
UT Dallas researchers are especially interested in the automatic classification of various background noise signals and enhancement of both quality and intelligibility of speech signals in noisy environments and crowded places.
"Current hearing aids don't enhance speech signals optimally in an automatic manner," Panahi said. "The success of this project will open the door to the development of a wide collection of smartphone apps to be used in conjunction with hearing aid devices."
The research team also includes Dr. Nasser Kehtarnavaz, professor of electrical engineering in the Jonsson School, and Dr. Linda Thibodeau, a professor in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences and member of the Callier Center for Communications Disorders.
"We are lucky at UT Dallas that we have the Callier Center," Panahi said. "Not many universities have the technological, signal processing, real-time algorithm development, and engineering capabilities and experiences, as well as expertise in clinical testing and interfacing with HAD users in one place."
Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by University of Texas at Dallas, and published on 2015/02/06 (Edit Update: 2021/09/08), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, University of Texas at Dallas can be contacted at utdallas.edu. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.
Explore Related Topics
1 - Abilibee App: Enhancing Daily Life for Those with Developmental Challenges - Abilibee app is an all-in-one lifeline designed to guide users through critical NY State system changes and life transitions, from Early Intervention to adulthood.
2 - MaMoo App Transforms Stock Charts Into Music for Accessibility - App transforms stock chart movements into real-time music, offering an accessible and innovative tool for traders, especially those with visual impairments.
3 - All Aboard App Assists Blind and Visually Impaired Find Bus Stops - Micro-navigation smartphone app provides assistance to those who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) in finding bus stops.
4 - Panopreter Review: Transforming Text into Speech with Ease - In this article we breakdown the key features and performance of Panopreter text-to-speech software that transforms written text into natural-sounding audio.
5 - How to Tell if Your Cellphone Has Spyware - Smartphone spyware apps that allow people to spy on each other are hard to notice and detect, and they easily leak sensitive personal information.
Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer
Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.
Cite This Page (APA): University of Texas at Dallas. (2015, February 6 - Last revised: 2021, September 8). Smartphone Technology Improves Hearing Devices. Disabled World. Retrieved October 9, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/apps/improve.php
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/assistivedevices/apps/improve.php">Smartphone Technology Improves Hearing Devices</a>: Harnessing the power of smartphones to improve life of people who use hearing assistive devices including hearing aids, cochlear implants and personal sound amplifiers.
Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.