Trying to help through design

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Ryan Jones

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Hi all,

Im posting here on this forum with the intention of gaining some insights in what its like to suffer from a hearing impairment.
Im a Product Designer looking to design a device that helps the deaf through restoring the awareness of sound in their environment.
I currently have a concept, its a Augmented Reality headset, basically a pair of glasses which senses sound and where it is in relation to you, the user. It then displays on the lens of the glass a subtle icon telling you where the sound is coming from (sounds like... someone calling you, door bell, car beeping, baby crying). This way you visually see the sounds around you (it won't pick up everything, just appropriate sounds).

I would greatly appreciate some feedback from your point of view on this concept and if it would benefit you. As well as things you would like to see incorporated into this type of device.

also, any insights into how being deaf effects you, hinders you, changes the way you live and overall the struggles that come with it.

any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Ryan.AR Features board.jpg
 
Hi Ryan, I'm a scientist, interested in the signal processing problems of auditory neuropathy (amongst other things). I've a background in innovative design (Cambridge Consultants and a VC start up). Like your idea, good use of technology. Stay in touch?
 
You have a spelling error in your graphic. It's "speech" not "speach" ^.^

Also you may want to change "hearing impaired" to "hard of hearing" because HOH people generally prefer that language.

Speech to text glasses would be really helpful!
 
AmputeeOT said:
You have a spelling error in your graphic. It's "speech" not "speach" ^.^

Also you may want to change "hearing impaired" to "hard of hearing" because HOH people generally prefer that language.

Speech to text glasses would be really helpful!
Click to expand...


Hi, thanks for the reply!

That graphic has been updated thanks. Are there any features that would be really useful that I could add?
 
Also.. we don't "suffer from a hearing impairment" rather.. "...gaining some insights in what it's like to be deaf/hard of hearing". :).

The idea of a sound locator is intriguing. I know for HOH/deaf who do wear hearing aids that would be a bonus. At least for me- I can't always figure out where a sound is coming from- what direction. Identifying the sound isn't too much of a problem (for me) but where it is in relation to me is another story.

Speech to text is something that would be great, though 'live speech' to text is and has been a challenge for years for anyone that attempts to make an advancement- like many apps for mobiles.
 
Thanks for the reply!

I knew as I was writing my initial message, that I was unintentionally going to use words and phrases that weren't the most appropriate or preferred and would portray me as naive. So I apologise for that and all of your feedback is really helpful in helping me farmiliarise myself with the issue and therefore be better informed on how I can help through design. Thanks!
 
I would say have an option where the user can change the microphone direction for speech to text.

If I am in a group of people I might want it to pick up what everyone is saying, or I might want to focus on only what the person in front of me is saying, in which case I would not want the circumferential microphones to pick up speech from people around me.

It would be good if I could hook the glasses to my phone via bluetooth so that I could make phone calls, stream podcasts and have real-time captioning, or to pair with a wireless microphone so if I am attending a lecture where the speaker is far from me, I could give them the microphone.

An option to pair with a CART (live remote captioner) would be good because electronic speech to text, while improving, really isn't accurate enough yet.

An option to pair with Hamiltom Captel or other FCC IP relay services for phone...

Options to save transcripts...
 
^^ all good points and I agree with :)

Only downside for me is I already wear Rx glasses so having another pair on top is.. bulky (see: Regal Cinema captioning glasses lol).
 
That's really good information, I love the lecture situation you brought up, that could be really cool. And I agree with the connection to the phone, that's essential!
 
DeafDucky said:
^^ all good points and I agree with :)

Only downside for me is I already wear Rx glasses so having another pair on top is.. bulky (see: Regal Cinema captioning glasses lol).
Click to expand...

Yep and then if you go to a 3D movie, you have to wear THREE PAIRS OF GLASSES.
 
AmputeeOT said:
Yep and then if you go to a 3D movie, you have to wear THREE PAIRS OF GLASSES.
Click to expand...

LMAO true... I skip 3D movies anyway because I can't see those anyway (my depth perception is not good- I'm horrible at the magic eye/stereogram things).
 
DeafDucky said:
^^ all good points and I agree with :)

Only downside for me is I already wear Rx glasses so having another pair on top is.. bulky (see: Regal Cinema captioning glasses lol).
Click to expand...

This made me think of something! I assume they would have glass in them already; so how about the option of having you prescription (for vision) in that glass as well. Two functions in the one pair of glasses.
 
I understand that tech people 'expect' consumers to get accustomed to bulky glasses but those of us who wear glasses long-term are very aware of the inherent discomfort. This is why very light-weight glasses become increasingly popular.

I am sure many HOH people would use glasses with a speech-to-text function, just as I'm sure we will eventually get one. Or wifi communication text appearing on glasses.

BUT I personally could not use such a device because my vision is also somewhat impaired. Another alternative that would not require glasses would be a simple electronic strap worn in a place comfortable to the individual user. that strap could create a mild vibration in the direction of the sound source. I think it would be less expensive and the adaptability would mean a paralyzed person :)applause:) could wear it where their sensation was best. As a quad I'd put one around my neck and make it stylish with fabric covers to match my outfit. Someone else could wear it around their belt line. That is my 2 cents.
 
AmputeeOT said:
You have a spelling error in your graphic. It's "speech" not "speach" ^.^

Also you may want to change "hearing impaired" to "hard of hearing" because HOH people generally prefer that language.

Speech to text glasses would be really helpful!
Click to expand...
Omg. I did not look at the graphic until you pointed out the spelling error. I also totally agree with taking out the impaired part, we all hate that term. "Deaf or hard of hearing" is the way to go. But speach? That's terrible. Lol.
 
AlleyCat said:
Omg. I did not look at the graphic until you pointed out the spelling error. I also totally agree with taking out the impaired part, we all hate that term. "Deaf or hard of hearing" is the way to go. But speach? That's terrible. Lol.
Click to expand...

Speak for yourself! All is not right as not everyone is bothered by the use of "hearing impaired"! In fact, some of us even use it to describe ourselves. The only thing I can think of is that you were referring to those that are part of the Deaf Culture and forgetting those that are not even if they are deaf or hard of hearing.
 
Jane B. said:
Speak for yourself! All is not right as not everyone is bothered by the use of "hearing impaired"! In fact, some of us even use it to describe ourselves. The only thing I can think of is that you were referring to those that are part of the Deaf Culture and forgetting those that are not even if they are deaf or hard of hearing.
Click to expand...
Speak for yourself! I'm not part of the Deaf Culture but I don't mind AC saying "we all hate that term". I respect those that hate the term and do not use it except perhaps to describe MYSELF sometimes...in private, not in public.
 
Jane B. said:
Speak for yourself! All is not right as not everyone is bothered by the use of "hearing impaired"! In fact, some of us even use it to describe ourselves. The only thing I can think of is that you were referring to those that are part of the Deaf Culture and forgetting those that are not even if they are deaf or hard of hearing.
Click to expand...
I did say deaf or hard of hearing. Who else is not part of hearing loss? ("Forgetting those") who is "those"?
 
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Calvin said:
Calm down, there's no reason for this.

I'm wondering about that too. Jane, who are "those" people?
Oh wait.... Jane probably won't answer us anyway.
Click to expand...

I was referring to those people that are physically deaf or hard of hearing but not part of Deaf Culture.

Jane B. said:
Speak for yourself! All is not right as not everyone is bothered by the use of "hearing impaired"! In fact, some of us even use it to describe ourselves. The only thing I can think of is that you were referring to those that are part of the Deaf Culture and forgetting those that are not even if they are deaf or hard of hearing.
Click to expand...
 
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