Development and Technical Validation of the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System: A Smartphone-Based Remote Microphone

The purpose of this research note is to describe the development and technical validation of the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System (MoBALS), a free-of-charge smartphone-based remote microphone application. MoBALS Version 1.0 was developed for Android (Version 2.1 or higher) and was coded with...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of audiology 2016-10, Vol.25 (3S), p.288-294
Main Authors: Lopez, Esteban Alejandro, Costa, Orozimbo Alves, Ferrari, Deborah Viviane
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Auditory Evaluation
Communication systems
Design specifications
Developing countries
Handicapped
Hearing Aids
Hearing Impairments
Hearing loss
Hearing Loss - rehabilitation
Humans
Internet
LDCs
Listening
Listening Comprehension
Market penetration
Medical screening
Microphones
Mobile applications
Noise
Product development
Receivers & amplifiers
Sensory Aids
Signal processing
Smart phones
Smartphone
Smartphones
Software
Speech Perception
Speeches
Stigma
Technology application
Transplants & implants
Wireless Technology
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Summary:The purpose of this research note is to describe the development and technical validation of the Mobile Based Assistive Listening System (MoBALS), a free-of-charge smartphone-based remote microphone application. MoBALS Version 1.0 was developed for Android (Version 2.1 or higher) and was coded with Java using Eclipse Indigo with the Android Software Development Kit. A Wi-Fi router with background traffic and 2 affordable smartphones were used for debugging and technical validation comprising, among other things, multicasting capability, data packet loss, and battery consumption. MoBALS requires at least 2 smartphones connected to the same Wi-Fi router for signal transmission and reception. Subscriber identity module cards or Internet connections are not needed. MoBALS can be used alone or connected to a hearing aid or cochlear implant via direct audio input. Maximum data packet loss was 99.28%, and minimum battery life was 5 hr. Other relevant design specifications and their implementation are described. MoBALS performed as a remote microphone with enhanced accessibility features and avoids overhead expenses by using already-available and affordable technology. The further development and technical revalidation of MoBALS will be followed by clinical evaluation with persons with hearing impairment.
ISSN:1059-0889
1558-9137
DOI:10.1044/2016_AJA-16-0016