Abstract
Sound source localization is important for spatial awareness and immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experiences. Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) persons have limitations in completing sound-related VR tasks efficiently because they perceive audio information differently. This paper presents and evaluates a special haptic VR suit that helps DHH persons efficiently complete sound-related VR tasks. Our proposed VR suit receives sound information from the VR environment wirelessly and indicates the direction of the sound source to the DHH user by using vibrotactile feedback. Our study suggests that using different setups of the VR suit can significantly improve VR task completion times compared to not using a VR suit. Additionally, the results of mounting haptic devices on different positions of users’ bodies indicate that DHH users can complete a VR task significantly faster when two vibro-motors are mounted on their arms and ears compared to their thighs. Our quantitative and qualitative analysis demonstrates that DHH persons prefer using the system without the VR suit and prefer mounting vibro-motors in their ears. In an additional study, we did not find a significant difference in task completion time when using four vibro-motors with the VR suit compared to using only two vibro-motors in users’ ears without the VR suit.
Highlights
Deafness and hearing loss are issues that affect millions of people around the world (World Federation of the Deaf (Available Online: http://wfdeaf.org/our-work/))
The Wilcoxon test revealed a statistically significant main effect of “Setups 1, 2, and 3” vs. “Setup 0”, as well as “Setup 2” and “Setup 3” vs. “Setup 1”, but no significant main effect was found for “Setup 2” vs. “Setup 3”. These results indicate that the position of vibro-motors on the Virtual Reality (VR) suit affects the task completion times of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) users
We investigated different setups of a haptic VR suit for DHH persons that helps them to complete sound-related VR tasks
Summary
Deafness and hearing loss are issues that affect millions of people around the world (World Federation of the Deaf (Available Online: http://wfdeaf.org/our-work/ (accessed on 5 October 2021))) These issues are manifested in different intensities related to different causes and can affect different aspects of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) persons’ social life [1]. Recent advances in technology and medicine, such as Cochlear Implants (CIs), help these groups of people to use and enjoy technology more than before [2], but CI technology has some disadvantages. It is costly and not practical for all DHH persons [3]. Using alternative technologies to help DHH persons is beneficial
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