Abstract
A binaural earmold sound-to-tactile aid was constructed by inserting a vibrating element into a Lucite earmold. The earmold could be vibrated at either 80 Hz (when incoming acoustic signals were below 2000 Hz), at 300 Hz (when incoming acoustic signals were above 2000 Hz), or both (when incoming acoustic signals were broadband). Subjects were fitted with one of these bimodal vibrating earmolds in each ear. Normal-hearing and hearing-impaired subjects were tested in three tasks: sound localization, environmental sound identification, and syllable rhythm and stress. Possible modifications in device design, and potential combinations of auditory and tactile input via earmold systems, are discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 51-66 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Journal of rehabilitation R&D |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 2 |
State | Published - Mar 1987 |