An assistive device for direction estimation of a sound source

Area of Science:

• Assistive Technology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Acoustics

Background:

• Hearing impairment affects sound localization.
• Existing assistive devices may not be discreet.
• Visual cues can aid in sound source identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a wearable device for visual sound source indication.
• To provide discreet assistance for individuals with hearing loss.
• To compare directional estimation methods for accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Acoustical data acquired via microelectromechanical-system microphone array on eyeglasses.
• Real-time sound source direction estimation using two methods: delay-and-sum beamformer and sound pressure level (SPL) comparison.
• Performance evaluated using a head-and-torso simulator.

Main Results:

• The sound pressure level (SPL) comparison method demonstrated 92% accuracy.
• The delay-and-sum beamformer method achieved 84% accuracy.
• The device is designed as common eyeglasses to minimize attention to hearing impairment.

Conclusions:

• The developed eyeglasses effectively provide visual cues for sound source direction.
• The SPL comparison method offers superior accuracy for this application.
• This discreet wearable device shows promise for enhancing environmental awareness in the hearing impaired.