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Real-World Effectiveness of Wearable Augmented Reality Device for Patients With Hearing Loss: Prospective Study
Ul Gyu Han1,2, Jung-Yup Lee3, Ga-Young Kim2
1Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|March 23, 2022
Summary
Wearable augmented reality devices (WARDs) show promise for mild to moderate hearing loss, improving communication and sound clarity. While some aspects like sound aversiveness may worsen, overall user satisfaction and audiological benefits are significant.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Hearing loss impacts communication and social engagement.
- Hearing aids (HAs) improve communication and psychosocial comfort.
- Over-the-counter devices like wearable augmented reality devices (WARDs) offer alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of WARDs for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- To assess user satisfaction and audiological outcomes with WARDs.
Main Methods:
- 40 participants with mild to moderate hearing loss used WARDs (Galaxy Buds Pro) for 2 weeks.
- Questionnaires (K-APHAB, K-IOI-HA) assessed satisfaction and benefit.
- Audiologic tests (sound field audiometry, WRS, K-HINT) were performed unaided and aided.
Main Results:
- WARDs significantly improved ease of communication, reverberation, and background noise perception (K-APHAB).
- User satisfaction was high (K-IOI-HA), but sound aversiveness scores worsened.
- Audiologic tests showed significant improvements in hearing thresholds and word recognition scores with WARDs.
Conclusions:
- WARDs are a beneficial, cost-effective alternative for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- WARDs enhance audiological function and user satisfaction.
- Further research may explore optimizing WARDs to mitigate negative aspects like sound aversiveness.
