National Search to Find Technologies That Improve Hearing Enhancement Products

[Ginette Perkins]

Tuesday May 29, 9:02 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer
National Search to Find Technologies That Improve Hearing Enhancement
Products

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010529/nytu017.html
BUFFALO, N.Y., May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Center on Technology Transfer (T2RERC) University at Buffalo,
announced today that they are conducting a nationwide search for
technologies to improve assistive listening devices. Five problem statements
identifying priority technology needs are the result of the International
Stakeholder Forum on Hearing Enhancement, held last year in partnership with
the RERC on Hearing Enhancement. At the forum, eighty-five manufacturers,
researchers, clinicians, consumers, and technology developers identified
current issues in the field, and developed a comprehensive list of consumer
needs, business opportunities, and specifications for new technologies.

The problem statements focus on finding improved technology in the areas of
FM, inductive loop, and infrared assistive listening systems. They also
address needs for improving earmolds and microphones. The needs identified
include: computerized ear canal measurement, automated production, and
advanced materials for earmolds, tabletop wireless directional microphones,
wireless binaural hearing aids, and multimodal assistive listing systems
that combine FM, infrared, and inductive loop technology. Other priority
needs are outlined in the full problem statements.

Researchers and technology developers should review the problem statements
on-line at http//cosmos.buffalo.edu/hearing .

Each problem statement contains information on why the technology is needed,
the current ``state of the practice'', and the specifications for needed
technology. Researchers with applicable technologies can submit proposals
using an on-line form at the website
(http://cosmos.buffalo.edu/hearing/submit.html ).


     All submissions will be evaluated based on:

     * State of development and cost/time to complete

     * Potential impact on the need area

     * Limitations of the technology

     * Possible barriers to commercialization


If the technology looks promising, a project team member will contact the
submitter to discuss the technology and get additional information. T2RERC
then actively disseminates the technology proposal to a wide range of
interested manufacturers in the hearing enhancement industry. Throughout the
process T2RERC maintains close contact with the technology developer. This
service is provided at no charge to either the technology developer or
manufacturer.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer
(T2RERC) advances methods, technologies and products, through collaboration
with all stakeholders, to improve assistive technology devices and services.
The goal is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities
through new or improved assistive technology devices. The project on hearing
enhancement is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and
Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), U.S. Department of Education (DOE), Federal
Laboratory Consortium (FLC)- Mid-Atlantic Region.

SOURCE: Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer