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Hearing Companion: Handheld Portable Sound Identification and Critical Alerting Functionality for People Who Are Deaf or Have Hearing Loss

Award Information
Agency: Department of Education
Branch: N/A
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: H133S080075
Amount: $500,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2008
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
5610 Crawfordsville Road
Indianapolis, IN 46224
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 () -
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Based on previous research, this project develops and demonstrates the HearingCompanionwhich: (1) automatically recognizes specific sounds in the environment on a pocket-sized device; and(2) alerts the user on their mobile device via vibration, images, and captions that identify these recognizedsounds. This efficient, wearable system utilizes existing and developing technology, improvingthe ability of a person who is deaf to function more naturally in a work or school environment. Phase IIproject goals include: (1) enhance the Hearing Companion device and application; (2) expand thenumber of mobile communication devices supported; (3) perform an extended usability evaluation ofthe device in a range of activities in vocational, public, and daily living scenarios; and (4) prepare fortransition into commercialization. The portable handheld system significantly enhances the user¿s senseof safety, security, and independence by providing a means of sound recognition heretofore unavailableto these individuals. Moreover, the personal devices provide a convenient and powerful tool formobile information and communication.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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