Development of an Auditory Rehabilitation Tool for children with Cochlear Implants through a Mobile-Based VR and AR serious game

Authors

  • Paul D Hatzigiannakoglou University of Macedonia
  • Areti Okalidou University of Macedonia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v15i02.9709

Keywords:

mobile-based, auditory rehabilitation, children with cochlear implants, virtual reality, augmented reality

Abstract


It is known that the development of auditory skills in children with hearing loss, who use assistive listening devices, requires training and practice. The aims of this research were a) to describe an auditory training software developed in order to help children with cochlear implants and/or hearing aids improve their auditory skills and monitor their performance,  and b) to demonstrate the usability of the auditory training tool. The software is mobile-based and uses VR (Virtual Reality) and Immersive technology. In order to use it, the user must wear a VR headset. This technology was adopted because these devices are considered to be innovative, and are especially popular among children. The software was tested on fourteen hearing-impaired children. Eleven of these children use a cochlear implant and three use hearing aids. The results of this research show that the children with hearing loss were able to play the game successfully. This positive outcome supports the use of VR and Immersive technology as Auditory Training Tools.

Author Biographies

Paul D Hatzigiannakoglou, University of Macedonia

P. D. Hatzigiannakoglou is an electronic engineer, he holds a master degree in Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Macedonia, and he is a Ph.D. candidate at the same University. For several years he has designed and developed serious games.

Areti Okalidou, University of Macedonia

Areti Okalidou is a Greek speech scientist/speech-language pathologist, who specializes in speech production, perception and aural rehabilitation of children with cochlear implants. She is a member of the Audiology Committee of IALP and is currently a visiting professor at HSLS department at Gallaudet University. She has recently collaborated in a European research Innovative Training Network and is a member of the editorial board of Communication Disorders Quarterly.

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Published

2019-01-31

How to Cite

Hatzigiannakoglou, P. D., & Okalidou, A. (2019). Development of an Auditory Rehabilitation Tool for children with Cochlear Implants through a Mobile-Based VR and AR serious game. International Journal of Online and Biomedical Engineering (iJOE), 15(02), pp. 81–90. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijoe.v15i02.9709

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 02 (2019)

Section

Papers