• Information Systems Review
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.23-41
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• 2022

This case research investigates on how hearing aids, which is one of disability aids, is becoming a smart device, focusing on the case of Starkey Hearing Technologies(Starkey Inc.). Starkey, founded in 1967, has been a leader in innovating forms and functions of hearing aids, and has recently introduced the world's first hearing aid implemented with AI and biological sensors. In this study, history of disability aids, hearing aids(especially Starkey Inc.'s), smart wearable devices and smart earphones are compared. It has been found that recently, there has been a breakdown of boundaries between hearing aids and smart wearable devices in terms of their functions, since entertainment and life assistant functions are added to hearing aids. Based on this trend, the development model of disability aids and smart wearable devices are derived, and according social changes are discussed.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.272-279
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• 2016

In this paper, the realization of a hearing aid adaptively cancelling feedback noise was considered. Conventional least mean square method in time domain was transformed into frequency domain in order to minimize computational burden. The adaptive filter algorithm was evaluated by Matlab (Matrix laboratory), and it was confirmed by CSR 8675 Bluetooth DSP IC (Digital Signal Processor Integrated Circuit) chip firmware realization. Some remote control features by a smart phone was added to the smart hearing aid for user interface easiness.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2015

In this paper, wireless communication from a smart phone to a hearing aid using audible frequency band sound was considered. 1kHz single channel carrier frequency was applied for amplitude shift keying (ASK) binary data modulation, and the result of the transmission and reception was tested. The overall system process was precisely explained and experimentally evaluated. The result will be applied for realizing a digital hearing aid with remote control feature by a smart phone.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.123-129
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• 2017

In this paper, the realization of a directional digital hearing aid was considered. Conventional time domain time delay method was replaced with digital filters in order to make any general-purposed DSP (Digital Signal Processing) chip to produce the similar directivity pattern. Both the time delay algorithm and the digital filter algorithm were initially evaluated by Matlab (Matrix laboratory) for comparison, and it was confirmed by CSR 8675 Bluetooth DSP IC (Digital Signal Processing Integrated Circuit) chip firmware realization. Some remote control features by a smart phone was added to the smart hearing aid for user interface easiness.

• Smart Media Journal
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.29-34
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• 2018

This paper presents a study on adapting optical communication technology using infrared ray for the enhancement of hearing aids in noisy environment. The transmitter module containing microphone and infrared ray-emitting diode converts audio signal to infrared optical signal and sends it out in the air. The receiver module located in a distance receives the infrared signal, converts it to electrical signal, and transfers it to an input of a digital hearing aid. Especially, the receiver module needs to be small, low voltage, and consume low power since it will be attached to hearing aids. Experiments with applying infrared communication technology of digital modulation method and analog non-modulation method show that the analog non-modulation method is adequate for infrared communication of approximately 5m distance indoor. Prototypes of transmitter module and receiver module were manufactured, and internal parameters of the digital hearing aid were adjusted to confirm normal transmit-receive operation of audio signals.

• Journal of rehabilitation welfare engineering & assistive technology
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.121-128
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• 2015

In this paper, we introduce our smart phone application for hearing impaired people. Unlike previous hearing aids application, our application has both functions of self hearing tests and sound amplification. We provide user with two types of self hearing test, those are standard hearing test and detail hearing test. Each test has different advantages like short test time and accurate test result, however both tests provide reliable result. Our hearing test allows that user can measure their hearing loss level according to the frequency. Sound amplification function provide proper fitting formula by using NAL-NL1, and it guarantees high speech intelligibility. Our application can also memorize user's fitting data at specific test condition. Therefore those who using our hearing aids application can easily reset their hearing aids / earphone properties periodically. Our application is advanced at the aspect of self fitting function that no other previous application did. So we are expecting these comfortable processes about fitting lead the number of hearing aids user to be increased.

• 재활복지
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.225-257
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to find the application point of hearing augmentation technology development through examining the risk context experience of people with hearing impairment and the use of assistive device used as an alternative technology. Data of 355 people with hearing impairment with official disability grading was analyzed. The results of this study are first, research participants had no experience of recognizing any sound or vibration in situations highest in the order of means of transportation, material, and nature. Especially the ratio of being unable to recognize the sound and vibration of means of transportation was high, which implies the high possibility of people with hearing impairment experiencing risk. Secondly, the risk context that people with hearing impairment will most likely to experience are highest in the order of traffic accident, pedestrian accident, and daily life at home. Thirdly, the recognition of 2G phone/smart phone, vibrating digital alarm clock, light bar, vibrating wrist watch as assistive device for risk context awareness and notification was high and the satisfaction level of 2G phone/smart phone was the highest. Fourthly, the research participants had high recognition of assistive device for communication in the order of hearing aid, smart phone, videophone, cochlear implant and 2G phone and it was found that the satisfaction level and communication improvement level was the highest using the smart phone. Lastly, for the development of hearing augmentation technology the research participants recognized the importance of portable/wear convenience, price, and motion accuracy and for notification delivery means they preferred the method of using sight(text and light). Based on the results of this study policy and practical plans for hearing augmentation technology development for people with hearing impairment in risk context are proposed.