Project description
Wearable sensors for neuro-controlled hearing aids
Over 400 million people globally grapple with disabling hearing loss, encountering challenges even with hearing aids in situations where multiple speakers talk simultaneously. Existing algorithms fall short in helping users discern the intended speaker. In this context, the ERC-funded DisPatch EEG (electroencephalography) project aims to revolutionise hearing aid technology. By decoding auditory attention from the brain via wireless EEG sensor patches strategically positioned on the scalp, the project promises a breakthrough solution, addressing the current bottlenecks and significantly enhancing the hearing experience for millions worldwide. Specifically, the project will address the limitations of bulky headsets and skin-drying gels using four wireless EEG sensor patches strategically placed on the scalp. The skin-conforming microneedle electrodes ensure high-quality EEG recording.
Objective
Over 400 million people worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss. While the majority can be helped with a hearing aid, users still experience major difficulties in situations where multiple people talk simultaneously, leading to social isolation. Although algorithms exist to extract a single speaker from such a speech mixture, the current bottleneck is that a hearing aid does not know which of these speakers the user aims to attend.
Recent research has shown that this auditory attention can be decoded from the brain via electroencephalography (EEG). However, a practical realization in hearing aids is hindered by current EEG form factors: headsets are too bulky, while miniaturized sensors lack a wide scalp coverage. Furthermore, conventional EEG requires applying a gel on the skin, which dries out over time.
To address these issues, we propose a novel modular approach using 4 wireless EEG sensor patches strategically positioned on hairless scalp locations. This offers several advantages, such as (1) increased scalp coverage for improved decoding accuracy while maintaining comfort and discreteness due to a far-driven miniaturization and absence of wires; (2) the use of dry adhesive patches with skin-conforming microneedle electrodes for high-quality EEG recording without gel; (3) efficient algorithms that process signals and exchange compressed data wirelessly over short distances with minimal energy usage, thereby maximizing battery life.
In this project we will develop an operational prototype of this system drawing from our recent ERC-originated innovations, and validate it on hearing-impaired subjects.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
- medical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesRNA virusesHIV
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
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Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept GrantsHost institution
3000 Leuven
Belgium