Bone Conduction Auditory Navigation Device for Blind People

A navigation system using a binaural bone-conducted sound is proposed. This system has three features to accurately navigate the user to the destination point. First, the selection of the bone-conduction device and the optimal contact conditions between the device and the human head are discussed. Second, the basic performance of sound localization reproduced by the selected bone-conduction device with binaural sounds is confirmed considering the head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) obtained in the air-borne sound field. Here, a panned sound technique that may emphasize the localization of the sound is also validated. Third, to ensure the safety of the navigating person, which is the most important factor in the navigation of a visually impaired person by voice guidance, an appropriate warning sound reproduced by the bone-conduction device is investigated. Finally, based on the abovementioned conditions, we conduct an auditory navigation experiment using bone-conducted guide announcement. The time required to reach the destination of the navigation route is shorter in the case with voice information including the binaural sound reproduction, as compared to the case with only voice information. Therefore, a navigation system using binaural bone-conducted sound is confirmed to be effective.

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Clinical and functional results after implantation of the bonebridge, a semi-implantable, active transcutaneous bone conduction device, in children and adults

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology ◽

10.1007/s00405-021-06626-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ingmar Seiwerth ◽

Laura Fröhlich ◽

Sebastian Schilde ◽

Gerrit Götze ◽

Stefan K. Plontke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Conduction ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Sound Field ◽

Functional Results ◽

Virtual Surgery ◽

Ear Surgery ◽

Mixed Hearing Loss ◽

Bone Conduction Implant ◽

Single Sided Deafness ◽

Bone Conduction Device

Abstract Purpose Aim of the study was to evaluate the surgical, clinical and audiological outcome of 32 implantations of the Bonebridge, a semi-implantable transcutaneous active bone conduction implant. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data for 32 implantations in 31 patients (one bilateral case; seven age < 16 years) with conductive or mixed hearing loss, malformations, after multiple ear surgery, or with single-sided deafness as contralateral routing of signal (CROS). Results Four implantations were done as CROS. Five cases were simultaneously planned with ear prosthesis anchors, and 23 implantations (72%) were planned through three-dimensional (3D) “virtual surgery.” In all 3D-planned cases, the implant could be placed as expected. For implant-related complications, rates were 12.5% for minor and 3.1% for major complications. Implantation significantly improved mean sound field thresholds from a preoperative 60 dB HL (SD 12) to 33 dB HL (SD 6) at 3 postoperative months and 34 dB HL (SD 6) at > 11 postoperative months (p < 0.0001). Word recognition score in quiet at 65 dB SPL improved from 11% (SD 20) preoperatively to 74% (SD 19) at 3 months and 83% (SD 15) at > 11 months (p < 0.0001). The speech reception threshold in noise improved from − 1.01 dB unaided to − 2.69 dB best-aided (p = 0.0018). Conclusion We found a clinically relevant audiological benefit with Bonebridge. To overcome anatomical challenges, we recommend preoperative 3D planning in small and hypoplastic mastoids, children, ear malformation, and simultaneous implantation of ear prosthesis anchors and after multiple ear surgery.

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Implementation of Navigation System for Visually Impaired Person

International Journal of Scientific Research ◽

10.15373/22778179/aug2013/60 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (8) ◽

pp. 181-182

Author(s):

Tanika Gupta ◽

◽

Sakshi Jain ◽

Rajat Bhatia ◽

Ms. Anuradha Ms. Anuradha

Keyword(s):

Navigation System ◽

Visually Impaired ◽

Impaired Person

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Functional Results and Subjective Benefit of a Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Device in Patients With Single-Sided Deafness

Otology & Neurotology ◽

10.1097/mao.0000000000000791 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (7) ◽

pp. 1151-1156 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Roman D. Laske ◽

Christof Röösli ◽

Flurin Pfiffner ◽

Dorothe Veraguth ◽

Alex M. Huber

Keyword(s):

Bone Conduction ◽

Functional Results ◽

Single Sided Deafness ◽

Bone Conduction Device

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Analysis of sound propagation in human head for bone-conduction headphones using finite element method

2014 IEEE 3rd Global Conference on Consumer Electronics (GCCE) ◽

10.1109/gcce.2014.7031290 ◽

2014 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Satoki Ogiso ◽

Koichi Mizutani ◽

Keiichi Zempo ◽

Naoto Wakatsuki

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Method ◽

Finite Element ◽

Sound Propagation ◽

Bone Conduction ◽

Human Head ◽

Element Method

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Differences in Force Levels, Word Recognition in Quiet, Sentence Reception Threshold in Noise, and Subjective Outcomes for a Bone-Anchored Hearing Device Programmed Using Manufacturer First-Fit, Aided Sound-Field Thresholds and Programmed to DSL-BCD Using a Skull Simulator

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1730412 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 32 (07) ◽

pp. 395-404

Author(s):

Adam Voss ◽

Alison Brockmeyer ◽

Michael Valente ◽

John Pumford ◽

Cameron C. Wick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Word Recognition ◽

Best Practice ◽

Hearing Aid ◽

Bone Conduction ◽

Sound Field ◽

Double Blind ◽

Best Practice Guidelines ◽

Data Collection And Analysis ◽

Hearing Devices ◽

Subjective Outcomes

Abstract Background Best practice guidelines for verifying fittings of bone-anchored hearing devices (BAHD) recommend using aided sound-field thresholds (ASFT), but express caution regarding the variables impacting obtaining valid and reliable ASFTs.1 Recently, a skull simulator was introduced to facilitate programming BAHD devices in force level (FL) to desired sensation level-bone conduction devices (skull simulator/DSL-BCD)2 3 targets in a hearing aid analyzer. Currently, no evidence is available reporting if differences in measured FL using the manufacturer first-fit (FF) and word recognition in quiet, sentence reception threshold in noise, and subjective outcomes are present for a BAHD programmed using ASFT versus programmed using skull simulator/DSL-BCD targets. Purpose The aim of this study was to examine if significant differences were present in FL using the FF and word recognition in quiet at 50 and 65 decibel of sound pressure level (dB SPL), sentence reception threshold in noise and subjective outcomes using the abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit (APHAB), and speech, spatial, and qualities of hearing (SSQ) between a BAHD fit using ASFT or skull simulator/DSL-BCD targets. Research Design A double-blind randomized crossover design with 15 adults having unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. All participants were successful users of the Cochlear America Baha 5. Data Collection and Analysis Baha Power 5 devices were fit using FF, ASFT, and skull simulator/DSL-BCD targets. Order of the three fitting strategies was randomly assigned and counter-balanced. Results No significant differences were found for a BAHD device programmed using ASFT versus skull simulator/DSL-BCD targets for consonant-nucleus-consonant words in quiet at 50 or 65 dB SPL, sentence reception threshold in noise, the APHAB or SSQ. There were, however, significant differences, at primarily 500 to 2,000 Hz in measured FLs between the FF, ASFT, and skull simulator/DSL-BCD targets at 50 and 65 dB SPL. Conclusions There were no significant differences in subject performance with two speech measures and subjective responses to two questionnaires for BAHD fittings using ASFT versus using skull simulator/DSL-BCD targets. Differences in FL between the three fitting strategies were present primarily at 500 to 2,000 Hz. Limitations of the study are highlighted along with situations where the skull simulator can play a significantly beneficial role when fitting BAHD devices.

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Assessment of reproductive potential in patients after myomectomy

V F Snegirev Archives of Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.17816/2313-8726-2021-8-1-35-39 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 35-39

Author(s):

Yan Van ◽

Yuliya A. Romadanova ◽

Alla A. Bakhvalova ◽

Ekaterina V. Fedina ◽

Aleksandr A. Zinov’yev ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surgical Approach ◽

Ovarian Function ◽

Reproductive Potential ◽

Morphological Structure ◽

Clinical Situation ◽

Functional Restoration ◽

Hormonal Profile ◽

Abdominal Myomectomy ◽

Time Required ◽

Selection Of

The aim of the study is to assess the restoration of anatomical and functional integrity of the uterus and identify changes in hormonal profile in women after laparoscopic and abdominal myomectomy. Material and methods. 58 patients aged 36,2 5,9 years old with uterine myoma underwent myomectomy: 31 patients underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and 27 patients underwent abdominal myomectomy. The selection of surgical approach didnt depend on the size, the number and localization of uterine myomas and the patients concomitant pathology. The hormonal profile of the patients including AMH level was assessed befor myomectomy and in the 6 months after the operation. Postoperative assessment was performed on day 5th8th after surgery and in 1 and 6 months after myomectomy. Results. No significant differences were found in the processes of reparation of the uterus and in hormonal profile of the patients after laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy. The time required for the patients reabilitation and for the restoration of the ovarian function and uterine morphological structure was similar in both groups. Conclusion. The hormonal profile of the patients and the anatomical and functional restoration of myometrium after myomectomy doesnt depend on the surgical approach if myomectomy is performed by an experienced surgeon after the correct assessment of the clinical situation.

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Critical appraisal of speech in noise tests: a systematic review and survey

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20164525 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 13 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Suhani Sharma ◽

Rajesh Tripathy ◽

Udit Saxena

Keyword(s):

Critical Appraisal ◽

Measurement Model ◽

Test Time ◽

Hearing Research ◽

Speech In Noise ◽

Hearing In Noise ◽

Instrument Bias ◽

Noise Test ◽

Time Required ◽

Selection Of

Speech in noise tests that measure the perception of speech in presence of noise are now an important part of audiologic tests battery and hearing research as well. There are various tests available to estimate the perception of speech in presence of noise, for example, connected sentence test, hearing in noise test, words in noise, quick speech-in-noise test, bamford-kowal-bench speech-in-noise test, and listening in spatialized noise-sentences. All these tests are different in terms of target age, measure, procedure, speech material, noise, normative, etc. Because of the variety of tests available to estimate speech-in-noise abilities, audiologists often select tests based on their availability, ease to administer the test, time required in running the test, age of the patient, hearing status, type of hearing disorder and type of amplification device if using. A critical appraisal of these speech-in-noise tests is required for the evidence based selection and to be used in audiology clinics. In this article speech-in-noise tests were critically appraised for their conceptual model, measurement model, normatives, reliability, validity, responsiveness, item/instrument bias, respondent burden and administrative burden. Selection of a standard speech-in-noise test based on this critical appraisal will also allow an easy comparison of speech-in-noise ability of any hearing impaired individual or group across audiology clinics and research centers. This article also describes the survey which was done to grade the speech in noise tests on the various appraisal characteristics.

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