Search Results (175)

Background: Ear advantage (EA) reflects hemispheric asymmetries in auditory processing. While a right-ear advantage (REA) for speech and a left-ear advantage (LEA) for music are well documented in typically developing individuals, it is unclear how these patterns manifest in young children with cochlear implants (CIs). This study investigated whether pupillometry could reveal asymmetric listening efforts in toddlers with bilateral CIs when listening to speech and music under monaural stimulation. Methods: Thirteen toddlers (mean age = 36.2 months) with early bilateral CIs participated. Pupillary responses were recorded during passive listening to speech and music stimuli, presented in quiet or with background noise. Each child was tested twice, once with only the left CI active and once with only the right CI active. Linear mixed-effects models assessed the influence of session (left/right CI), signal type (speech/music), and background noise. Results: A significant interaction between session and signal type was observed (p = 0.047). Speech elicited larger pupil sizes when processed through the left CI, while music showed no significant lateralized effects. Age and speech therapy frequency moderated pupil responses in speech and music trials, respectively. Conclusions: Pupillometry reveals subtle asymmetric listening effort in young CI users depending on the listening ear, suggesting early emerging functional lateralization despite sensory deprivation and device-mediated hearing. Full article

This study investigates how augmented-reality (AR) technology can enhance the presentation and preservation of cultural heritage, using Kayseri Castle as a case study. Although previous studies have explored AR applications in heritage contexts, few have addressed their role in representing multi-layered architectural histories of complex sites. The research focuses on the development and evaluation of the KAISAREIA-AR application, which integrates historical, architectural, and cultural narratives into an interactive AR platform. By reconstructing the castle’s distinct historical layers—spanning the Roman, Seljuk, Ottoman, and Republic periods—the study seeks to assess AR’s effectiveness in providing immersive visitor experiences while maintaining the authenticity of heritage sites. Three-dimensional models of the castle were created using 3ds Max, enriched with visual and auditory information, and deployed via Unity software on wearable AR devices. The study employed the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to evaluate the application’s usability and impact on user engagement. The findings indicate that AR significantly enhances the accessibility, understanding, and appreciation of cultural heritage by providing dynamic, immersive experiences. The KAISAREIA-AR application demonstrated its potential to bridge historical authenticity with modern technology, offering a replicable model for integrating AR into cultural heritage conservation and education. Full article

(1) Virtual reality (VR) technologies have shown significant potential for diagnosing and treating vision-related impairments. This rapid review evaluates and characterizes the existing literature on VR technologies for diagnosing and treating vision-based diseases. (2) Methods: A systematic search was conducted across Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Ovid), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid). Abstracts were screened using Rayyan QCRI, followed by full-text screening and data extraction. Eligible studies were published in peer-reviewed journals, written in English, focused on human participants, used immersive and portable VR devices as the primary intervention, and reported on the clinical effectiveness of VR for therapeutic, diagnostic, or screening purposes for vision or auditory–visual impairments. Various study characteristics, including design and participant details, were extracted, and the MMAT assessment tool was used to evaluate study quality. (3) Results: Seventy-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these, sixty-four (84.2%) were non-randomized studies exploring VR’s effectiveness, while twenty-two (15.8%) were randomized-controlled trials. Of the included studies, 38.2% focused on diagnosing, 21.0% on screening, and 38.2% on treating vision impairments. Glaucoma and amblyopia were the most commonly studied visual impairments. (4) Conclusions: The use of standalone, remotely controlled VR headsets for screening and diagnosing visual diseases represents a promising advancement in ophthalmology. With ongoing technological developments, VR has the potential to revolutionize eye care by improving accessibility, efficiency, and personalization. Continued research and innovation in VR applications for vision care are expected to further enhance patient outcomes. Full article

Optically pumped magnetometer OPM-MEG has the potential to replace the traditional low-temperature superconducting quantum interference device SQUID-MEG. Coherence analysis can be used to evaluate the functional connectivity and reflect the information transfer process between brain regions. In this paper, a finger tapping movement paradigm based on auditory cues was used to measure the functional signals of the brain using OPM-MEG, and the coherence between the primary motor cortex (M1) and the primary motor area (PM) was calculated and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the coherence of the three frequency bands of Alpha (8–13 Hz), Beta (13–30 Hz), and low Gamma (30–45 Hz) and the selected reference signal showed roughly the same position, the coherence strength and coherence range decreased from Alpha to low Gamma, and the coherence coefficient changed with time. It was inferred that the change in coherence indicated different neural patterns in the contralateral motor cortex, and these neural patterns also changed with time, thus reflecting the changes in the connection between different functional areas in the time-frequency domain. In summary, OPM-MEG has the ability to measure brain coherence during finger movements and can characterize connectivity between brain regions. Full article

Navigational aids play a vital role in enhancing the mobility and independence of blind and visually impaired (VI) individuals. However, existing solutions often present challenges related to discomfort, complexity, and limited ability to provide detailed environmental awareness. To address these limitations, we introduce SnapStick, an innovative assistive technology designed to improve spatial perception and navigation. SnapStick integrates a Bluetooth-enabled smart cane, bone-conduction headphones, and a smartphone application powered by the Florence-2 Vision Language Model (VLM) to deliver real-time object recognition, text reading, bus route detection, and detailed scene descriptions. To assess the system’s effectiveness and user experience, eleven blind participants evaluated SnapStick, and usability was measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS). In addition to the 94% accuracy, the device received an SUS score of 84.7%, indicating high user satisfaction, ease of use, and comfort. Participants reported that SnapStick significantly improved their ability to navigate, recognize objects, identify text, and detect landmarks with greater confidence. The system’s ability to provide accurate and accessible auditory feedback proved essential for real-world applications, making it a practical and user-friendly solution. These findings highlight SnapStick’s potential to serve as an effective assistive device for blind individuals, enhancing autonomy, safety, and navigation capabilities in daily life. Future work will explore further refinements to optimize user experience and adaptability across different environments. Full article

In the era of artificial intelligence, the demand for rapid and efficient data processing is growing, and traditional computing architectures are increasingly struggling to meet these needs. Against this backdrop, memristor devices, capable of mimicking the computational functions of brain neural networks, have emerged as key components in neuromorphic systems. Despite this, memristors still face many challenges in biomimetic functionality and circuit integration. In this context, a starch–glycerol-based hydrogel memristor was developed using starch as the dielectric material. The starch–glycerol–water mixture employed in this study has been widely recognized in literature as a physically cross-linked hydrogel system with a three-dimensional network, and both high water content and mechanical flexibility. This memristor demonstrates a high current switching ratio and stable threshold voltage, showing great potential in mimicking the activity of biological neurons. The device possesses the functionality of auditory neurons, not only achieving artificial spiking neuron discharge but also accomplishing the spatiotemporal summation of input information. In addition, we demonstrate the application capabilities of this artificial auditory neuron in gain modulation and in the synchronization detection of sound signals, further highlighting its potential in neuromorphic engineering applications. These results suggest that starch-based hydrogel memristors offer a promising platform for the construction of bio-inspired auditory neuron circuits and flexible neuromorphic systems. Full article

Virtual fencing (VF) technology represents an innovative approach to livestock management, utilizing GPS-enabled collars to establish invisible boundaries through auditory and mild electrical stimuli. While VF offers potential benefits such as enhanced pasture management flexibility and reduced labor costs, its widespread adoption faces challenges including high initial investment costs, connectivity issues, GPS accuracy limitations, potential device durability concerns, and individual animal variability in learning and response. Furthermore, despite studies showing rapid learning and generally minimal long-term welfare impacts, questions remain regarding optimizing training protocols, addressing occasional short-term behavioral disruptions and collar abrasions, assessing long-term welfare effects across diverse systems (especially intensive and dairy), and improving scalability. To comprehensively assess the potential and limitations of this technology and guide its future development and implementation, a review integrating existing knowledge on the efficacy, welfare implications, and practical applications of VF in cattle production systems is essential. This review examines the efficacy, welfare implications, and practical applications of VF in cattle production systems. Studies demonstrate that cattle rapidly learn to associate auditory cues with electrical pulses, achieving high containment rates (≥90%) within days, with minimal long-term welfare impacts as indicated by stable cortisol levels. However, short-term behavioral disruptions and occasional collar-related abrasions have been reported, particularly in dairy cattle. While VF enhances pasture management flexibility and reduces labor costs, challenges such as connectivity issues, individual animal variability, and high initial investment costs limit its widespread adoption. The findings suggest that VF is a promising tool for precision livestock farming, though further research is needed to optimize training protocols, assess long-term welfare effects, and improve scalability across diverse farming systems. Full article

This paper presents an intelligent navigation wearable device for visually impaired individuals. The system aims to improve their independent travel capabilities and reduce the negative emotional impacts associated with visible disability indicators in travel tools. It employs an RGB-D camera and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor to facilitate real-time obstacle detection and recognition via advanced point cloud processing and YOLO-based target recognition techniques. An integrated intelligent interaction module identifies the core obstacle from the detected obstacles and translates this information into multidimensional auxiliary guidance. Users receive haptic feedback to navigate obstacles, indicating directional turns and distances, while auditory prompts convey the identity and distance of obstacles, enhancing spatial awareness. The intuitive vibrational guidance significantly enhances safety during obstacle avoidance, and the voice instructions promote a better understanding of the surrounding environment. The device adopts an arm-mounted design, departing from the traditional cane structure that reinforces disability labeling and social stigma. This lightweight mechanical design prioritizes user comfort and mobility, making it more user-friendly than traditional stick-type aids. Experimental results demonstrate that this system outperforms traditional white canes and ultrasonic devices in reducing collision rates, particularly for mid-air obstacles, thereby significantly improving safety in dynamic environments. Furthermore, the system’s ability to vocalize obstacle identities and distances in advance enhances spatial perception and interaction with the environment. By eliminating the cane structure, this innovative wearable design effectively minimizes social stigma, empowering visually impaired individuals to travel independently with increased confidence, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hearing loss represents an important communication barrier which can lead to social isolation and can be a challenge for mental health status. It is generally accepted that hearing aid (HA) users can develop a stigma related to hearing loss despite the perceived benefits due to most modern technologies. Nevertheless, stigma toward HAs may persist even when patients have been well acclimatized to their use. This study aims to evaluate their experiences in everyday life, the underlying social aspects and the utility of psychometric multidimensional approach in skilled HA users. Methods: In total, 96 HA users and 85 normally hearing subjects were enrolled and asked to complete three psychometric questionnaires that investigated social functioning, body image perception, and psychological distress. HA users were additionally asked to fulfill a disease-specific survey, the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids. The performance of the devices was also investigated by HA’s functional gain through free-field audiometry. Results: Even if auditory devices help with compensating the sensorial deprivation, patients often suffer from social anxiety, social phobia and body image concerns about their appearance while wearing HAs. Conclusions: This study discloses psychopathological factors associated with the HA experience that are surprisingly present after long satisfying HA use. Despite the benefits, the satisfaction and the daily use, HA users continue to be worried about body image and report more psychopathological distress in comparison to their normal hearing peers. Full article

Firefighters experience high noise levels from various sources, such as sirens, alarms, pumps, and emergency vehicles. Unlike industrial workers who experience continuous noise exposure, firefighters are subject to intermittent high-intensity noise, increasing their risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Despite global concerns regarding firefighters’ auditory health, research on Korean firefighters remains limited. This study aimed to assess personal noise exposure among Korean firefighters across three primary job roles—fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS)—and to predict worst-case noise exposure scenarios. This study included 115 firefighters from three fire stations (one urban, two suburban). We measured personal noise exposure using dosimeters attached near the ear following the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) criteria. Measurements included threshold levels of 80 dBA, exchange rates of 5 dB (MOEL) and 3 dB (ISO), and a peak noise criterion of 140 dBC. We categorized firefighters’ activities into routine tasks (shift handovers, equipment checks, training) and emergency responses (fire suppression, rescues, EMS calls). We performed statistical analyses to compare noise levels across job roles, vehicle types, and specific tasks. The worst-case exposure scenarios were estimated using 10th percentile recorded noise levels. The average 8 h time-weighted noise exposure levels varied significantly by job role. Rescue personnel exhibited the highest mean noise exposure (MOEL: 71.4 dBA, ISO: 81.2 dBA; p < 0.05), whereas fire suppression (MOEL: 66.5 dBA, ISO: 74.2 dBA) and EMS personnel (MOEL: 68.6 dBA, ISO: 73.0 dBA) showed no significant difference. Peak noise levels exceeding 140 dBC were most frequently observed in rescue operations (33.3%), followed by fire suppression (30.2%) and EMS (27.2%). Among vehicles, noise exposure was the highest for rescue truck occupants. Additionally, EMS personnel inside ambulances had significantly higher noise levels than drivers (p < 0.05). Certain tasks, including shift handovers, equipment checks, and firefighter training, recorded noise levels exceeding 100 dBA. Worst-case scenario predictions indicated that some work conditions could lead to 8 h average exposures surpassing MOEL (91.4 dBA) and ISO (98.7 dBA) limits. In this study, Korean firefighters exhibited relatively low average noise levels. However, when analyzing specific tasks, exposure was sufficiently high enough to cause hearing loss. Despite NIHL risks, firefighters rarely used hearing protection, particularly during routine tasks. This emphasizes the urgent need for hearing conservation programs, including mandatory hearing protection during high-noise activities, noise exposure education, and the adoption of communication-friendly protective devices. Future research should explore long-term auditory health outcomes and assess the effectiveness of noise control measures. Full article

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common type of sensorineural hearing loss caused by exposure to high-intensity noise that leads to irreversible cochlear damage. Despite extensive research on cochlear pathophysiology, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, and no established treatment exists. This is due to the challenges in imaging and the inability to perform biopsies in human patients. Consequently, animal models, particularly mice, have been widely used to study NIHL. Clinically, NIHL presents as either a temporary threshold shift, in which hearing recovers, or a permanent threshold shift, which results in an irreversible loss. Histopathological studies have identified the key features of NIHL, including outer hair cell loss, auditory nerve degeneration, and synaptic impairment. Recent findings suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation are major contributors to NIHL, highlighting the potential for therapeutic interventions, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Given the increasing prevalence of NIHL owing to occupational noise exposure and personal audio device use, addressing this issue is a pressing public health challenge. This review summarizes the clinical features, underlying mechanisms, and emerging treatment strategies for NIHL while identifying current knowledge gaps and future research directions. Full article

Background: Single-sided deafness (SSD) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) impair spatial hearing and speech perception, often reducing quality of life. Cochlear implants (CIs) and bone conduction implants (BCIs) are rehabilitation options used in SSD and AHL to improve auditory perception and support functional integration in daily life. Objective: We aimed to evaluate hearing outcomes after auditory implantation in SSD and AHL patients, focusing on localization accuracy, speech-in-noise understanding, tinnitus relief, and perceived benefit. Methods: In this longitudinal observational study, 37 patients (adults and children) received a CI or a BCI according to clinical indications. Outcomes included localization and spatial speech-in-noise assessment, tinnitus ratings, and SSQ12 scores. Statistical analyses used parametric and non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). Results: In adult CI users, localization error significantly decreased from 81.9° ± 15.8° to 43.7° ± 13.5° (p < 0.001). In children, regardless of the implant type (CI or BCI), localization error improved from 74.3° to 44.8°, indicating a consistent spatial benefit. In adult BCI users, localization error decreased from 74.6° to 69.2°, but the improvement did not reach statistical significance. Tinnitus severity, measured on a 10-point VAS scale, decreased significantly in CI users (mean reduction: 2.8 ± 2.0, p < 0.001), while changes in BCI users were small and of limited clinical relevance. SSQ12B/C scores improved in all adult groups, with the largest gains observed in spatial hearing for CI users (2.1 ± 1.2) and in speech understanding for BCI users (1.6 ± 0.9); children reported high benefits across all domains. Head shadow yielded the most consistent benefit across all groups (up to 4.9 dB in adult CI users, 3.8 dB in adult BCI users, and 4.6 dB in children). Although binaural effects were smaller in BCI users, positive gains were observed, especially in pediatric cases. Correlation analysis showed that daily device use positively predicted SSQ12 improvement (r = 0.57) and tinnitus relief (r = 0.42), while longer deafness duration was associated with poorer localization outcomes (r = –0.48). Conclusions: CIs and BCIs provide measurable benefits in SSD and AHL rehabilitation. Outcomes vary with age, device, and deafness duration, underscoring the need for early intervention and consistent auditory input. Full article

This work presents a memristive device based on a composite of Scindapsus aureus (SA) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), which exhibits excellent resistive switching characteristics and supports multiple forms of synaptic plasticity such as paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), spike-rate-dependent plasticity (SRDP), and spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). The device demonstrates reliable retention, reproducibility, and switching stability. The SA:Au NP composite originates from a natural plant source and possesses green, biodegradable, and biocompatible features, highlighting its potential as a sustainable bio-memristive material for neuromorphic systems. Furthermore, the device exhibits sensitivity to the time interval between paired input pulses, simulating the neural response to interaural time differences (ITDs) in the auditory system. Although not a conventional acoustic sensor, its Δt-responsiveness based on synaptic behavior reveals promising potential in neuromorphic auditory perception and perceptual computing applications. This study provides a foundational synaptic unit for future artificial hearing systems capable of spatial sound localization. Full article

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique that measures weak magnetic fields generated by neural electrical activity in the brain. Traditional MEG systems use superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors, which require cryogenic cooling and employ a dense array of sensors to capture magnetic field maps (MFMs) around the head. Recent advancements have introduced optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) as a promising alternative. Unlike SQUIDs, OPMs do not require cooling and can be placed closer to regions of interest (ROIs). This study aims to optimize the layout of OPM-MEG sensors, maximizing information capture with a limited number of sensors. We applied a sequential selection algorithm (SSA), originally developed for body surface potential mapping in electrocardiography, which requires a large database of full-head MFMs. While modern OPM-MEG systems offer full-head coverage, expected future clinical use will benefit from simplified procedures, where handling a lower number of sensors is easier and more efficient. To explore this, we converted full-head SQUID-MEG measurements of auditory-evoked fields (AEFs) into OPM-MEG layouts with 80 sensor sites. System conversion was done by calculating a current distribution on the brain surface using minimum norm estimation (MNE). We evaluated the SSA’s performance under different protocols, for example, using measurements of single or combined OPM components. We assessed the quality of estimated MFMs using metrics, such as the correlation coefficient (CC), root-mean-square error, and relative error. Additionally, we performed source localization for the highest auditory response (M100) by fitting equivalent current dipoles. Our results show that the first 15 to 20 optimally selected sensors (CC > 0.95, localization error < 1 mm) capture most of the information contained in full-head MFMs. Our main finding is that for event-related fields, such as AEFs, which primarily originate from focal sources, a significantly smaller number of sensors than currently used in conventional MEG systems is sufficient to extract relevant information. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unilateral hearing loss (UHL) is a relatively common disability condition comprising around 20–50% of all congenital hearing loss (HL). The adverse effects of UHL affect the typical development of auditory function with implications for communication, speech and language acquisition, academic development and quality of life. Current literature suggests an early intervention treatment in order to avoid developmental delays, but there is a lack of evidence about the effectiveness and use of hearing devices. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the benefits of rehabilitative strategies such as hearing aid (HA) and cochlear implant (CI) in UHL children by exploring audiological and parent-reported outcomes. Methods: A total of 18 UHL children, between the ages of 3 and 17, were enrolled in the study designed as a prospective longitudinal study from July 2023 to July 2024. All children were evaluated for speech perception in quiet and noise and subjective benefits before and after rehabilitative treatment with HA in 15 (83.3%) children and with CI in 3 (16.7%) children. Results: The evaluation of audiological outcomes in children with UHL, based on assessment of aided sound field thresholds and speech perception scores assessment versus unaided, shows improvements in audiometric thresholds and how the hearing devices adequately support listening and spoken language. Scores with hearing devices were significantly higher than baseline-only scores when averaging both SSQ and CHILD questionnaires, pointing to an overall rehabilitative benefit. Conclusions: Rehabilitative interventions, particularly HA and CI, offer notable benefits when introduced early, but achieving optimal outcomes requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach. Full article