Cross-Modal Sensory Boosting to Improve High-Frequency Hearing Loss: Device Development and Validation

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• High-frequency hearing loss is a prevalent issue affecting the aging population and individuals with noise exposure history.
• It significantly impairs speech comprehension and social interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of spatially unique haptic vibrations for high-frequency phonemes in improving perceived speech understanding.
• To assess the impact of a machine learning-powered wristband on daily communication for individuals with hearing loss.

Main Methods:

• A multi-motor wristband was developed, utilizing machine learning to identify high-frequency phonemes and translate them into distinct haptic vibrations.
• Sixteen participants with high-frequency hearing loss wore the device for six weeks, with hearing disability measured weekly using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB).

Main Results:

• Participants showed a significant average improvement of 12.39 points in APHAB benefit scores over six weeks (P=.002).
• Improvements were noted in ease of communication (15.44 points, P<.001), background noise (10.88 points, P=.03), and reverberation (10.84 points, P=.02).
• Individuals without hearing aids experienced a slightly greater improvement than those with hearing aids.

Conclusions:

• Vibrotactile sensory substitution via a wristband effectively enhances perceived speech understanding in individuals with high-frequency hearing loss.
• The benefits of this technology are applicable regardless of hearing aid usage.
• Greater perceived communication difficulties correlated with greater perceived benefits from vibrotactile feedback.