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The goal is to design and develop an auditory substitution device that through the use of vibro-tactile stimulation can substitute for regional frequency hearing loss. The main focus of this semester is to conduct clinical trials and develop a real-time system.
From left to right: Matt Valaskey, Becky Jones, Ryan Thome, Jimmy Fong, Jack Page
Over the course of the project we have researched various aspects of speech and high frequency hearing loss. We’ve developed a prototype that uses vibrational pulses to alert the user of the presence of high frequency sounds. The current device uses four channels that offer the user different vibrational patterns depending on the nature of the sound. This semester we created a prototype that operates effectively in real time through the use of a DSP. We are continuing the application process for IRB approval and are hoping to test the device in a clinical setting this coming spring semester.
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7 | Met with client, established goals and a timeline for the semester, began creating a clinical testing method |
| 2 | September 14 | We have contacted several resources on campus at the suggestion of our client for aid in developing a real-time system |
| 3 | September 21 | We met again with our client, obtained voice samples, discussed digital processing programs and methods, attachment and placement options, as well as a testing protocol and IRB concerns |
| 4 | September 28 | The team continued the application process for IRB approval as well as our research in digital signal processing and methods to interface a DSP with our device. |
| 5 | October 5 | The IRB applications are nearly complete. We have performed spectral analysis of speach sounds and defined new filter parameters. We are continuing to make progress in alternative attachment methods as well as the use a DSP to make our device real-time |
| 6 | October 12 | We have submitted our application for IRB research approval and gave our midsemester presentation |
| 7 | October 19 | IRB froms were returned w/ comments which we addressed and then resubmitted, completed midsemester presentations, obtained more viscoelastic memory foam samples, attended distinguished entrepreneur lecture |
| 8 | October 26 | Materials were found to construct the motor housing unit, the team worked on implementing digital filters using LabView |
| 9 | November 2 | Continued work on LabView filtering, continued programming with DSP, began construction on motor housing, obtained word list recordings for testing purposes |
| 10 | November 9 | Completed and tested final prototype, gave final poster presentation and demonstration, began final report |
| 11 | November 16 | |
| 12 | November 23 | |
| 13 | November 30 | |
| 14 | December 7 | |
| 15 | December 14 |
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Product Design Specifications (Oct 24 2007, 21 kb) |
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Midsemester Presentation (Oct 24 2007, 2885 kb) |
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Final Poster (Dec 12 2007, 5993 kb) |
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Final Report (Dec 12 2007, 721 kb) |
