Title :
Quality-of-life technology for vision and hearing loss [Highlights of Recent Developments and Current Challenges in Technology]
Author :
Seelman, Katherine D. ; Palmer, Catherine V. ; Ortmann, Amanda ; Mormer, Elaine ; Guthrie, O´Neil ; Miele, Joshua ; Brabyn, John
Abstract :
Quality-of-life technology (QoLT) provides an ideal of human-centered intelligent systems. These technologies are tested and evaluated in both clinical and natural end-user testbeds. QoLT ranges from individual devices to comprehensive environments that can compensate for or replace diminished function. Hearing and vision technology provides a reality replete with challenges for QoLT research. Having been somewhat isolated from the mainstream of assistive technology (AT) development and engineering, hearing and vision technology offers clinically prescribed individual devices, such as hearing aids, or task-related devices, such as reading machines. This article describes the state of the art and some of the challenges in the development of hearing and vision technology.
Keywords :
handicapped aids; hearing aids; vision defects; assistive technology; hearing aids; hearing loss; human-centered intelligent systems; quality-of-life technology; reading machines; task-related devices; vision loss; Acoustical engineering; Auditory system; Blindness; Computer graphics; Computer interfaces; Computer vision; Deafness; Hearing aids; Isolation technology; Testing; Biomedical Engineering; Blindness; Communication Aids for Disabled; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Hearing Loss; Humans; Quality of Life; Self-Help Devices; Technology Assessment, Biomedical;
Journal_Title :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Magazine, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/EMB.2007.907393
