MOTIVATIONAL TOOL FOR HEARING CONSERVATION USING HEARING LOSS SIMULATION

描述(申请人提供)：建议的工作旨在开发一种新的以计算机为基础的听力保护教育/激励工具。在设计这一工具时采用的新方法是将听力损失的模拟纳入到教育演示中，以强调展示潜在听力损失的削弱作用。将要使用的听力损失模拟是基于对听力障碍对检测、辨别和语音接收的影响的心理声学研究。该工具将包括演示噪音导致的听力损失(包括老化造成的额外损失)对听音乐和语言交流等活动的影响的模块，以及助听器可能提供的帮助。通过选择要包括的模块，听力保护者将能够根据特定群体的需求和背景定制演示。其他功能将允许演示文稿为个人用户个性化。从历史上看，对这类激励工具的最大需求是在高噪音的工作环境中。但是，对高水平音乐的接触越来越多，也产生了对面向年轻人的此类材料的需求。凭借其灵活的设计，将开发的演示系统将能够满足职业和娱乐环境中一对一或小组情况下的听力保护需求。第一阶段工作将开发整个系统设计，并将实施几个用于评估的职业噪声模块。原型工具的有效性将通过两种方式进行评估：1)通过听力保护领域专家小组的反馈；2)通过对接触噪声的工人进行现场试验评估。假设这些评估的结果是积极的，随后的第二阶段工作将：1)完成产品的第一阶段职业噪音版本的开发，以及2)开发针对过度暴露在嘈杂音乐中的对应版本。公共卫生相关性该项目旨在为人们开发一种更有效的激励手段，以保护他们的听力。拟议中的系统将使用听力损失的模拟来演示过度暴露在嘈杂声音中对日常活动的潜在后果，如与他人交谈和听音乐。该系统将产生基于模拟的多媒体演示，可根据职业和娱乐环境中的个人或群体特征进行定制。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The proposed work is aimed at developing a new computer-based educational/motivational tool for hearing conservation. The novel approach taken in designing this tool is to incorporate simulations of hearing loss into educational presentations to demonstrate emphatically the debilitating effects of potential hearing loss. The hearing loss simulation to be used is based on psychoacoustical research into the effects of hearing impairment on detection, discrimination, and speech reception. The tool will consist of modules demonstrating the impact of noise-induced hearing loss (including added loss from aging) on such activities as listening to music and speech communication, as well as the possible assistance that might be available from hearing aids. By selecting which modules to include, a hearing conservationist will be able to customize the presentation to the needs and context of a specific group. Additional features will allow the presentation to be personalized for an individual user. Historically, the greatest need for such motivational tools has been in high-noise work environments. But increased exposure to high levels of music has created a need for such materials addressed to young people as well. By its flexible design, the presentation system to be developed will be able to accommodate hearing conservation needs in both occupational and recreational settings, in either one-on-one or group situations. Phase 1 work will develop the overall system design and will implement several of the occupational noise modules for evaluation. Efficacy of the prototype tool will be assessed in two ways: 1) via feedback from a panel of experts in the hearing conservation field; and 2) by field trial evaluations administered to noise-exposed workers. Assuming positive outcomes of these evaluations, subsequent Phase 2 work will: 1) complete the development of the Phase 1 occupational-noise version of the product, and 2) develop a counterpart version aimed at over-exposure to loud music. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE This project is aimed at developing a more effective motivator for people to safeguard their hearing. The proposed system will use simulations of hearing loss to demonstrate the potential consequences of over-exposure to loud sounds for everyday activities such as speaking with others and listening to music. The system will result in simulation-based multimedia presentations that are customizable to individual or group characteristics in both occupational and recreational settings.