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Using haptic stimulation to enhance auditory perception in hearing-impaired listeners
1University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service, Southampton, UK.
Expert Review of Medical Devices
|December 29, 2020
Summary
Haptic stimulation can provide crucial sound information to individuals with hearing impairments, enhancing sound localization and segregation. Further development is needed for a wearable device to improve daily experiences for users of hearing-assistive devices.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Haptic Technology
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Hearing-assistive devices like hearing aids and cochlear implants improve hearing but often fail to restore sound localization and segregation.
- Impaired sound localization and segregation hinder threat detection and speech comprehension in noisy environments.
- Haptic stimulation shows promise in conveying missing auditory information to improve these deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting haptic stimulation for auditory information transfer.
- To discuss the R&D needed for a clinically viable haptic device for hearing impairment.
- To identify essential sound information and delivery methods for haptic systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing research on haptic feedback for auditory information.
- Analysis of requirements for translating haptic sound transfer into a practical device.
- Exploration of signal processing and transducer technologies for haptic delivery.
Main Results:
- Evidence confirms haptic stimulation can effectively transfer sound information.
- Haptic stimulation is particularly effective for cochlear implant users in providing missing sound cues.
- Significant research and development are still required for a functional wearable device.
Conclusions:
- Haptic stimulation is a promising non-invasive method to enhance auditory perception.
- A successful haptic device could significantly improve educational, professional, and social outcomes for hearing-impaired individuals.
- This technology may benefit even those without access to current hearing-assistive devices.
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