Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Hearing Assistance
With Google Glass
point in the search for apps that fit a spe-
cific need.
First are amplifier apps, which re-
ceive sound via the microphone of the
smart device, amplify the signal, and then
deliver a more intense sound via internal
or external speaker, or via headphones.
Many of these apps are free but typically
have a noticeable delay; however, some
apps have significantly reduced the delay
issue.
Bluetooth microphone apps, like
amplifier apps, start with the micro-
phone, but the signal is transmitted to
an output device via Bluetooth instead of
going to the smart device's speaker. Any
Bluetooth-enabled device can be paired
with the transmitting device to become
part of a piconet (see Chapter 9).
As previously mentioned in the
Intercom System section, trying to com-
municate from one room to the next
is best facilitated by the two individu-
als coming closer to one another. Yet,
speakers and listeners will almost always
choose to shout, instead of moving to the
same room. Bluetooth speakers, when
strategically positioned, can become part
of a system that allows for clearer com-
munication between rooms, compared
to shouting. Presently, there are bet-
ter methods to deal with the challenges
of communication in these situations,
like the use of intercom systems (see the
Intercom System section). Similarly, there
are “walkie-talkie” apps that transform a
smart device into a “walkie-talkie.” As this
technology is improved it may become
more applicable to these challenges in
the future.
Google Glass is a smart device that is
worn on the head in a structure designed
to be worn much like that of common
eyeglasses. These wearable computers
offer interactive controls for features
which include video/camera operations,
local memory storage, wireless connec-
tivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and bone
conduction audio. Like bone conduction
headphones, Google Glass audio does
not block sounds from entering the ear,
while providing sound, by way of bone
conduction, to the inner ear. Even though
these devices are not designed as hear-
ing assistive technology, they may benefit
those with hearing loss. In addition to the
use of bone conduction audio transmis-
sion, Google Glass may help individuals
with hearing loss by taking advantage of
the glass for the projection of live, auto-
matic, and pre-scripted captions, sub-
titles, and manual interpretation. The
possibilities for Google Glass are endless.
Additional information about Google
Glass can be found at https://www.google
.com/glass
Smart Apps
Downloadable applications, or
apps
, for
smart devices can assist those with hear-
ing loss. There are too many possible
applications related to hearing assistance
and access to be covered in this text.
Therefore, this section merely introduces
a few apps that may provide a starting
