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Development and Technical Validation of the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System: A Smartphone-Based Remote
Esteban Alejandro Lopez1, Orozimbo Alves Costa2, Deborah Viviane Ferrari2
1PhD candidate, Interunit Program on Bioengineering, São Carlos School of Engineering, University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil.
This study introduces the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System (MoBALS), a free smartphone app acting as a remote microphone. MoBALS enhances accessibility for users with hearing impairments using affordable technology.
Area of Science:
- Assistive technology development
- Mobile health applications
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Hearing impairment affects millions globally, necessitating accessible and affordable assistive listening devices.
- Existing remote microphone systems can be costly and complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and technical validation of the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System (MoBALS).
- To introduce MoBALS as a free, smartphone-based remote microphone application.
Main Methods:
- MoBALS Version 1.0 was developed for Android using Java and the Android Software Development Kit.
- Technical validation involved debugging with a Wi-Fi router and two smartphones, assessing multicasting, data packet loss, and battery consumption.
Main Results:
- MoBALS enables signal transmission and reception between two smartphones on the same Wi-Fi network, without needing SIM cards or internet.
- The system can be used independently or connected to hearing aids/cochlear implants.
- Maximum data packet loss was 99.28%, with a minimum battery life of 5 hours.
Conclusions:
- MoBALS functions as a remote microphone with enhanced accessibility features.
- The system leverages affordable, existing technology, reducing overhead costs.
- Future work includes further development, revalidation, and clinical evaluation with individuals experiencing hearing impairment.
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