Earphone Type Research Articles

Can Stylized Products Generated by AI Better Attract User Attention? Using Eye-Tracking Technology for Research

The emergence of AIGC has significantly improved design efficiency, enriched creativity, and promoted innovation in the design industry. However, whether the content generated from its own database meets the preferences of target users still needs to be determined through further testing. This study investigates the appeal of AI-generated stylized products to users, utilizing 12 images as stimuli in conjunction with eye-tracking technology. The stimulus is composed of top-selling gender-based stylized Bluetooth earphones from the Taobao shopping platform and the gender-based stylized earphones generated by the AIGC software GPT4.0, categorized into three experimental groups. An eye-tracking experiment was conducted in which 44 participants (22 males and 22 females, mean age = 21.75, SD = 2.45, range 18–27 years) observed three stimuli groups. The eye movements of the participants were measured while viewing product images. The results indicated that variations in stimuli category and gender caused differences in fixation durations and counts. When presenting a mix of the two types of earphones, the AIGC-generated earphones and earphones from the Taobao shopping platform, the two gender groups both showed a significant effect in fixation duration with F (2, 284) = 3.942, p = 0.020 < 0.05, and η = 0.164 for the female group and F (2, 302) = 8.824, p < 0.001, and η = 0.235 for the male group. They all had a longer fixation duration for the AI-generated earphones. When presenting exclusively the two types of AI-generated gender-based stylized earphones, there was also a significant effect in fixation duration with F (2, 579) = 4.866, p = 0.008 < 0.05, and η = 0.129. The earphones generated for females had a longer fixation duration. Analyzing this dataset from a gender perspective, there was no significant effect when the male participants observed the earphones, with F (2, 304) = 1.312 and p = 0.271, but there was a significant difference in fixation duration when the female participants observed the earphones (F (2, 272) = 4.666, p = 0.010 < 0.05, and η = 0.182). The female participants had a longer fixation duration towards the earphones that the AI generated for females.

App-Based Hearing Screenings in Preschool Children With Different Types of Headphones: Diagnostic Study.

Hearing disability in preschool children can delay or impact oral communication and social skills. Provision of hearing screening tests by standard audiometry in low- to middle-income countries is problematic due to a lack of pediatric audiologists, standard hearing equipment, and standard soundproof rooms. Therefore, an innovative hearing screening tool that is easily accessible and inexpensive such as a mobile app should be considered. Headphones have been a crucial part of hearing screenings. Audiometric headphones, which serve as the reference standard, have been used in most studies. However, since audiometric headphones are not accessible in rural areas, we hypothesized that generic headphones can also be used in hearing screenings. This study aimed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, κ coefficiency, and time consumption of the PASS-Pro (Preschool Audiometry Screening System-Pro) app when using TDH39 headphones, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones, and generic earmuff headphones compared to standard conditioned play audiometry. We recruited preschool children aged 4 to 5 years to participate in this study. The children received 3 PASS-Pro screening tests using different types of headphones in a quiet room and 1 standard conditioned play audiometry in a soundproof room. All tests were administered in random order. The agreement coefficient, sensitivity, specificity, and mean test duration were determined. A total of 44 children participated in this study. For mild hearing loss screening, the κ coefficients between standard conditioned play audiometry and the PASS-Pro app using TDH39 headphones, Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones, and generic earmuff headphones were 0.195, 0.290, and 0.261 (P=.02, P=.002, and P=.004), respectively. The sensitivity for all headphones was 50% and the specificity was more than 88%. For moderate hearing loss screening, the κ coefficients were 0.206, 0.272, and 0.235 (all Ps=.001), respectively. The sensitivity for all headphones was 100% and the specificity was more than 92%. There were no statistical differences in sensitivity and specificity between the reference headphone (TDH39), Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphone, and generic earmuff headphones (all Ps >.05). The PASS-Pro app used significantly less time to carry out hearing tests than conditioned play audiometry (P<.001). The PASS-Pro app, used with generic headphones, is effective for conducting hearing screening tests in preschool children with high sensitivity and specificity.

Boothless audiometry: Ambient noise considerations

Ambient noise in the test environment will impact signal detection during hearing threshold measurements due to psychoacoustic masking effects. Technical standards specify the maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) for use during audiometric testing. MPANLs are dependent on several factors, including transducer characteristics (supra-aural, circumaural, type of ear cushions or earphone enclosures, and insert earphones), the nature of the hearing test being performed (air conduction vs bone conduction and threshold test vs screen at a suprathreshold level), and measurement instrumentation. The nature of the ambient noise (spectrum and constant vs variable) at the test site must be determined and continually accounted for during the boothless hearing test procedure. Ambient noise monitoring procedures are reviewed and examples of ambient noise characteristics in real-world settings, where hearing testing might be performed outside of a sound-treated environment, are provided. Practical considerations are presented, including examples of available tools for ambient noise monitoring, selection of test locations, and transducer attenuation. These are discussed in the context of calculating MPANLs and how best to ensure that ambient noise levels are not negatively impacting the validity of hearing thresholds.

Influence of the Noise-Canceling Technology on How We Hear Sounds

Purpose: This study explores the influence of the noise-canceling technology in commercial earphones on sound pressure levels and preferred listening levels in terms of hearing protection. Materials and Methods: Thirty individuals completed puretone audiometry and real-ear measurements to assess sound pressure levels at the level of the eardrum with and without the activation of the noise-canceling function. The Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research was used to investigate the acoustic characteristics of two environmental sounds (bus and café). Two types of earphones (wireless and wired canal type) were utilized in the study. Results: For both bus and café noises, in the low-frequency range, sound pressure levels were significantly decreased for all types of earphones when the noise-canceling function was turned on. The same results were observed for the whole frequency range. In terms of preferred listening levels, the wireless canal type and wired canal type earphones showed significant reduction in volume levels. Conclusion: The findings of the study show that for both low- and whole frequency range, the use of noise-canceling function significantly decreases the sound pressure levels of the signal for all styles of earphones, suggesting a potential of the noise-canceling technology in hearing protection.

The study for the influence of acoustic silencer foam on the output of sound based on the software of room EQ wizard

Stimulated by market demand and technological progress, the audio industry is booming. Many high-fidelity earphones are no longer satisfactory with simply providing customers with products but tend to provide customers with more opportunities to adjust their own tuning, one of which is to add the earphones with different acoustic silencer foam. This study begins by introducing the different types of earphones and their development history. After that, the specific research content is raised by questioning the prevailing perception of acoustic silencer foam in earphones. By comparing and analyzing the differences reflected by the frequency response curves of headphones equipped with different types of acoustic silencer foam, it is concluded that the smaller the cells of acoustic silencer foam and the presence of membrane will increase its ability to reduce the loudness at high frequency. This study reveals two significant characteristics which affect the performance of acoustic silencer foam and provides a reliable theoretical basis for the tuning technology of foam.

Ambient Noise Monitoring during Pure-Tone Audiometry.

There is an increasing need to administer hearing tests outside of sound-attenuating rooms. Maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) from published in standards (Occupational Health and Safety Administration [OSHA] 1983; American National Standards Institute [ANSI] S3.1-1999 (R2018)) can be modified to account for the additional attenuation provided by circumaural earphones (relative to supra-aural earphones) that are used for pure-tone audiometry. Ambient noise can influence the results of pure-tone audiometry by elevating thresholds by direct masking and by producing distractions that affect the accuracy of the test. The effects of these distractions have not been studied in relation to pure-tone audiometry in adult listeners. In Part I MPANLs provided by ANSI and OSHA standards are extended to account for the greater attenuation provided by circumaural earphones. Rules ("alerts") were developed taking into account the listeners' thresholds. In Part II effects of distracting noise on pure-tone thresholds are reported. In Part I MPANLs two standards were modified for circumaural earphones by adding the additional attenuation provided by three circumaural earphones (relative to supra-aural earphones). A set of rules ("alerts") is provided for identifying masking effects from ambient noise in a variety of conditions (earphone type, threshold elevation, uncovered ear). In Part II the distracting effects of an industrial noise sample on thresholds obtained from five listeners with normal hearing are described. Pure-tone thresholds were measured in quiet and in distracting noise presented at various levels. The effects of the distracting noise on the following variables were measured: time per trial, number of trials required to measure threshold, threshold shift, and perceived distractibility of the noise. Time per trial was unaffected by distracting noise. Number of trials required for threshold, threshold shift, and perceived distractibility increased with distracting noise level. Part I: The modified MPANLs provide more relevant determinations of the potential effects of ambient noise on pure-tone thresholds than the values in the standards. Part II: Distracting noise affects pure-tone threshold measurements in a manner that is different from direct masking. The potential contaminating effect of distracting noise can be measured and reported.

The Effects Of Earphone Usage On Ear Wax (Cerumen) Impaction

Aim: To determine whether the use of earphones affects ear wax accumulation, to reveal whether it increases the need to consult a doctor, and to try to understand whether these situations vary according to earphone type.Methods: In this study, patients who applied to Ear Nose and Throat Clinic due to ear congestion between 2020 March and September and who were found to have ear wax in the ear examination were included. Those who do not use headphones are classified as the control group, and those who use headphones are classified as the study group. Earpiece types, frequency of self ear care, frequency of applying to the physician due to earwax removal were noted. Results: A total of 46 patients were included in the study. The control group consists of 16 people, and the study group consists of 30 people. The mean age was 48.5 ± 18.01 for the control group and 40.87 ± 21.28 for the study group. Weekly ear care of the patients was 3.25 in the control group and 2.9 in the study group. (p&gt; 0.05) The groups' period to consult a physician for ear wax removal was 62.63 months in the control group and 60.9 months in the study group. (p&gt; 0.05Conclusion: The use of headphones does not affect the frequency of the patients' self weekly ear care or visiting a physician for ear wax removal. Similarly, no significant relationship was found between earphone types and frequency of self ear care and frequency of visiting a physician.

Headphones and other risk factors for hearing in young adults.

Background:Personal listening device (PLD) use with headphones is increasing in young adults and in most listening environments occur in background noise. Headphone choice can be important because certain headphones are more effective in limiting background noise than stock earbuds. Binge drinking, marijuana, and hard drug use have also been associated with high-volume PLD use. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between preferred headphone type, listening level, and other health risk behaviors.Methods:Two-hundred and twenty undergraduates were recruited and completed a PLD use and risk behavior survey. Survey data included self-reported alcohol and marijuana use. Bilateral otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure-tone threshold testing (0.25–8 kHz) were completed. Participants listened to one hour of music using preferred headphone type with a probe microphone in the ear canal to measure equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq).Results:Mean LAeq was similar for the three types of headphones used. Participants who reported higher amounts of drinks per month and smoking marijuana within the last month had significantly higher LAeq levels than those who reported lower amounts of drinks per month and not smoking marijuana in the last month. There was no significant interaction between headphone type and reported drinks per month or marijuana use.Conclusion:Young adults with normal hearing who have higher preferred listening levels also reported more alcohol and marijuana use, although headphone type was not associated with any of these variables.

A basic study for estimation of occlusal force using an ear wearable sensor

AbstractWe aim to develop earphone type wearable devices for measuring occlusal force. In this article, we investigated the correlation between occlusal force and the movement of the ear canal as a basic study to estimate the occlusion force. The proposed estimation method uses the least squares method and the weighted average. We developed an experimental device for simultaneously measuring occlusal force and the movement of the ear canal. This device primarily consists of an occlusal force sensor and a wearable ear sensor, and converts analog signals from both sensors into digital signals using an analog‐to‐digital (AD) converter, then records the data as signals associated with measurement time. The experiment involved six subjects, who performed chewing of the occlusal force sensor five times, for 2 seconds. The occlusal force sensor was placed at the right second molar, with the wearable ear sensor placed on the right ear. Through the experiment, the occlusion and the ear canal movement were found to have a strong correlation. The average correlation coefficients consistently exceeded 0.89 for all subjects.

Flexible Conductive Composite Integrated with Personal Earphone for Wireless, Real-Time Monitoring of Electrophysiological Signs.

We introduce optimized elastomeric conductive electrodes using a mixture of silver nanowires (AgNWs) with carbon nanotubes/polydimethylsiloxane (CNTs/PDMS), to build a portable earphone type of wearable system that is designed to enable recording electrophysiological activities as well as listening to music at the same time. A custom-built, plastic frame integrated with soft, deformable fabric-based memory foam of earmuffs facilitates essential electronic components, such as conductive elastomers, metal strips, signal transducers and a speaker. Such platform incorporates with accessory cables to attain wireless, real-time monitoring of electrical potentials whose information can be displayed on a cell phone during outdoor activities and music appreciation. Careful evaluations on experimental results reveal that the performance of fabricated dry electrodes are comparable to that of commercial wet electrodes, and position-dependent signal behaviors provide a route toward accomplishing maximized signal quality. This research offers a facile approach for a wearable healthcare monitor via integration of soft electronic constituents with personal belongings.

A Basic Study for Estimation of Occlusal Force using an Ear Wearable Sensor

Abstract We aim to develop earphone type wearable devices for measuring occlusal force. In this article, we investigated the correlation between occlusal force and the movement of the ear canal as ...

Analysis of Output Levels of an MP3 Player: Effects of Earphone Type, Music Genre, and Listening Duration.

Background and ObjectivesTo prevent noise induced hearing losses caused by listening to music with personal listening devices for young adults, this study was aimed to measure output levels of an MP3 and to identify preferred listening levels (PLLs) depending on earphone types, music genres, and listening durations.Subjects and MethodsTwenty-two normal hearing young adults (mean=18.82, standard deviation=0.57) participated. Each participant was asked to select his or her most PLLs when listened to Korean ballade or dance music with an earbud or an over-the-ear earphone for 30 or 60 minutes. One side of earphone was connected to the participant’s better ear and the other side was connected to a sound level meter via a 2 or 6 cc-couplers. Depending on earphone types, music genres, and listening durations, loudness A-weighted equivalent (LAeq) and loudness maximum time-weighted with A-frequency sound levels in dBA were measured.ResultsNeither main nor interaction effects of the PLLs among the three factors were significant. Overall output levels of earbuds were about 10-12 dBA greater than those of over-the-ear earphones. The PLLs were 1.73 dBA greater for earbuds than over-the-ear earphones. The average PLL for ballad was higher than for dance music. The PLLs at LAeq for both music genres were the greatest at 0.5 kHz followed by 1, 0.25, 2, 4, 0.125, 8 kHz in the order.ConclusionsThe PLLs were not different significantly when listening to Korean ballad or dance music as functions of earphone types, music genres, and listening durations. However, over-the-ear earphones seemed to be more suitable to prevent noise induce hearing loss when listening to music, showing lower PLLs, possibly due to isolation from the background noise by covering ears.

Investigating musical effects and aromatherapy on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing surgery

The present study is a clinical trial study performed on 90 subjects (total 90) of male and female general surgery (cholecystectomy) in 2017. The study was conducted in three groups of music therapies, aromatherapy and control. In the scent group, patients 8 and 16 hours after surgery, 10 drops of rose water at a concentration of 12%, after rubbing the palms of the hands, in a distance of 5–5/2 cm in the nose for 3 minutes. In the music therapy group, music for nature sounds (water and birds) was broadcast to patients for 8–15 and 16 hours after the operation, using a headphone type marshall for 15–15 minutes. The control group received routine interventions. Data were analyzed by SPSS/descriptive software (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (one way ANOVA and Tukey post test). Comparison of changes in pain and anxiety scores in the three groups indicated that the changes in pain score (mean of pain reduction of 8 hours (1.6 ± 0.26) and 16 hours (1.01 ± 0.86) after surgery) and In the case of anxiety (mean anxiety reduction of 8 hours (4.2 ± 3.57) and 16 hours after surgery (1.93 ± 1.81) in the aromatherapy group with control and music therapy groups (P> 0.05). The pain and anxiety levels decreased 8 and 16 hours after the surgery in the aroma group more than the control and music therapy groups. The results show a positive effect of the aromatherapy on pain and anxiety reduction in the patient 8 and 16 hours after the surgery. The effect of the aroma on the pain and anxiety of the patient is 8 and 16 hours after the surgery is more than the effect of music therapy.

No correlation between headphone frequency response and retail price

This study quantifies variability of measured headphone response patterns and aims to uncover any correlations between headphone type, retail price, and frequency response. For this purpose, the mean, variance, and covariance of the frequency magnitude responses were analyzed and correlated with headphone type and retail value. The results indicate that neither the measured response nor an attempt to objectively quantify perceived quality is related to price. On average, in-ear headphones have a slightly higher measured bass response than circumaural and supra-aural headphones. Furthermore, in-ear and circumaural headphones have a slightly lower deviation from an assumed target curve than supra-ear models. Ninety percent of the variance across all headphone measurements can be described by a set of six basis functions. The first basis function is similar to published target responses, while the second basis function represents a spectral tilt.

Crowdsourcing speech intelligibility judgments

When we crowdsource judgements about the intelligibility of speech stimuli, the results are similar to those obtained under laboratory conditions, but contain substantially more noise. In this talk, we report on the extent to which self-reported variables such as background noise, headphone type, and hearing ability explain some of this variation in listener judgements. Our data comes from a total of 7 data sets, 4 studies conducted for a PhD thesis (Isaac, 2015; n = 276) and 3 data sets collected from Mechanical Turk for the Blizzard Challenges in 2009, 2010, and 2011 (King and Karaiskos 2009, 2010, 2011; n = 247). The statistical analysis, using generalised linear mixed models, focuses on two outcome variables, word error rate (WER) and perceived difficulty in understanding the sentences. We will discuss the implications of our findings for the design and analysis of large-scale crowdsourced speech intelligibility studies. This discussion will be framed with reference to current best practice in crowdsourcing perception studies.

Tinnitus Among Medical Students Using Personal Sound System

Introduction&#x0D; Statistical data on prevalence of tinnitus in India and on the relationship between exposure to recreational sound/music and the presence of tinnitus are scarce. This study was conducted to assess relationship between tinnitus and the use of personal sound system(PSS) in medical students.&#x0D; Materials and Methods&#x0D; A questionnaire based study was conducted on 100 randomly selected medical students to assess their sound habits with the use of PSS. Information on commonly used intensity, frequency, duration of use, type of earphones and severity of tinnitus was sought. Conventional frequency audiometry (0.25-8kHz) was also performed.&#x0D; Result&#x0D; The prevalence of tinnitus was found to be 33%, which was on the higher side of the global prevalence data. All the medical students surveyed in this study used personal sound system. Majority of the students (45%) used PSS less than 1 hour daily. More than 60% of the students complaining of tinnitus preferred louder settings in their PSS.&#x0D; Discussion&#x0D; The most common personal sound system used was mobile phones. No statistically significant association was seen with relation to the type of personal sound system, the type of ear phone used, average duration of use and hearing loss. Tinnitus was found to have statistically significant association with volume in our study with majority having tinnitus listening to higher levels of sound.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Use of personal sound system is common in medical students. Though duration of use of the personal sound system was not associated with the complaint of tinnitus, exposure to louder sounds had statistically significant association with tinnitus.

A Novel Earphone Type Sensor for Measuring Mealtime: Consideration of the Method to Distinguish between Running and Meals.

In this study, we describe a technique for estimating meal times using an earphone-type wearable sensor. A small optical sensor composed of a light-emitting diode and phototransistor is inserted into the ear hole of a user and estimates the meal times of the user from the time variations in the amount of light received. This is achieved by emitting light toward the inside of the ear canal and receiving light reflected back from the ear canal. This proposed technique allowed “meals” to be differentiated from having conversations, sneezing, walking, ascending and descending stairs, operating a computer, and using a smartphone. Conventional devices worn on the head of users and that measure food intake can vibrate during running as the body is jolted more violently than during walking; this can result in the misidentification of running as eating by these devices. To solve this problem, we used two of our sensors simultaneously: one in the left ear and one in the right ear. This was based on our finding that measurements from the left and right ear canals have a strong correlation during running but no correlation during eating. This allows running and eating to be distinguished based on correlation coefficients, which can reduce misidentification. Moreover, by using an optical sensor composed of a semiconductor, a small and lightweight device can be created. This measurement technique can also measure body motion associated with running, and the data obtained from the optical sensor inserted into the ear can be used to support a healthy lifestyle regarding both eating and exercise.

Computer-controlled audiometer's application as an earplug fit-testing tool

Clinical audiometers are usually coupled with a calibrated pair of TDH-39 headphones, supra-aural earphones that rest on a person’s ears. Hearing protector testing with these types of earphones is problematic due to a couple of reasons; the earplug may protrude from the ear canal and come in contact with the earphone thereby alerting the individual that the earplug is likely not inserted adequately or the earphone may impend on the position and affect the seal of the earplug and thereby void any measurement data. Deeper supraural ear-cup cushions were 3D printed for the TDH-39 headphones in order to allow for an insert earplug to be fit-tested without interference. The 3D printed set of ear-cups was calibrated to the computer-controlled audiometer and 20 subjects were tested in the unoccluded and occluded conditions. The differences between the two measurements at each of the seven frequencies tested (i.e., 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000Hz) were averaged across subjects, personal attenuation ratings computed. Results are compared with a commercially available hearing protective device field attenuation estimation system (i.e., fit-check or fit-test system).

O estudo das ondas sonoras por meio de uma atividade didática envolvendo leitura de um texto de divulgação científica

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7941.2016v33n2p556 Neste trabalho, apresentam-se e discutem-se os resultados de uma atividade didática que fez uso de estratégias de leitura para trabalhar um texto de divulgação científica. A atividade foi implementada em uma turma da 2ª série do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública. O objetivo foi promover a discussão dos conceitos físicos relacionados ao estudo de ondas sonoras a partir da música − assunto que faz parte da vida dos jovens – com o auxílio de um texto de divulgação científica que aborda uso, escolha e funcionamento dos diferentes tipos de fones de ouvido. Nesse sentido, a atividade didática contemplou aspectos científicos e tecnológicos, vinculando-os à saúde auditiva. Os resultados obtidos atingiram os objetivos propostos, pois a vinculação entre o conteúdo da área da Física e as informações do texto contribuiu para o entendimento do assunto e também despertou o interesse dos alunos pelas atividades de leitura. Percebeu-se que o tema tratado no texto e a forma como foram propostas as atividades de leitura potencializaram a abordagem do conhecimento científico envolvido no entendimento do uso e da escolha criteriosa dos distintos modelos de fones de ouvido. Conclui-se, assim, que o uso de textos de divulgação científica em aulas de Física pode ser um recurso de grande potencial didático para aquelas aulas que tenham como propósito desenvolver as habilidades de leitura e escrita articuladas aos conteúdos científicos a partir de temas presentes no cotidiano dos alunos.

Efficacy of earphones for 12- to 24-month-old children during visual reinforcement audiometry

Objective: Efficacy of insert and supra-aural earphones during visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) was investigated for 12- to 24-month-old children. Design: VRA testing began in the soundfield and transitioned to either insert or supra-aural earphones. Audiologists recorded threshold estimates, participant behaviors, and an overall subjective rating of earphone acceptance. Study sample: One hundred and eighty-six 12- to 24-month-old children referred to the Department of Audiology at St. Louis Children’s Hospital for a variety of reasons. Results: Subjective ratings indicated high acceptance of insert earphones (84%) and supra-aural earphones (80%) despite negative behaviors. There was no significant difference in the number of threshold estimates based on earphone type for 12- to 17-month-old participants. Participants in the 18- to 24-month-old age group provided significantly more threshold estimates with insert earphones (mean = 5.3 threshold estimates, SD = 3.5) than with supra-aural earphones (mean = 2.9 threshold estimates, SD = 2.9). All seven participants who rejected earphone placement were successfully reconditioned for soundfield testing. Conclusions: Data support the use of insert earphones during VRA, especially with 18-to 24-month-old children, to obtain ear-specific information.