Stylish glasses assist people with Single-Sided Deafness
According to a study developed by students from the University of Tokyo, it is estimated that more than 7% of adults in the U.S. have a certain degree of SSD (Single Sided Deafness), also known as UHL (Unilateral Hearing Loss). However, unlike people with bilateral hearing loss, people with SSD can hardly be distinguished in daily life because they act and speak normally.
Now, there is a solution which is both comfortable and stylish. Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed prototype glasses to assist people with the condition. Called “asEars”, these high-tech glasses consist of a tiny microphone in the upper rim on the side of the impaired ear.
The microphone is connected to an integrated audio processing unit that helps detect what direction the sound is originating from and helps filter out noise. The sound is transmitted through a bone conduction transducer that is embedded in the temple closest to the working ear.
Unlike most of the hearing aids for severe SSD, called CROS (Contralateral Routing Of Signals), asEars are less expensive and more parctical. Currently, the team is actively looking for partners to help commercialise their device and help get them into production next year.
Image credit: asEars.
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