Assistive technologies for hearing, and speaking impaired people: a survey

Abstract

This study presents a novel method for evaluating the scientific research papers in the field of assistive technologies pertaining to different impairment conditions. The objectives are to understand the technologies used for addressing the needs of PWD by identifying relevant criteria for the assessment, explore the implications of these technologies in their lives and identify the gaps among certain technologies in assisting PWD. In this article, we reviewed around 40 research scientific papers in relation to the technologies used to assist PWD in their daily activities. A novel quantitative assessment methodology based on Multi-weighted Scoring Model (MWSM) has been developed. It is based on the judgement of clinical experts according to thirteen well-defined criteria. The proposed method is useful because it assesses the scientific studies related to PWD qualitatively according to efficient research coverage, as well as quantitatively in order to have good comparative judgment. Moreover, this method recognizes the research gap or areas which need further investigation and identifies the research papers that have good coverage of the respective criteria.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Human computer interface (HCI) solutions are critical for addressing the main issues facing people with disabilities (PWD) in their life.

• Assessment of scientific research papers according to well-defined criteria that address PWD needs would assist in verifying their suitability for PWDs.

• Novel quantitative assessment methodology is used for assessing these research papers using judgment of experienced researchers according to 13 well-defined criteria that have been weighted according to relevancy to different impairment groups.

• Identifying research papers that have good coverage of defined criteria and knowing the research area that needs further investigation by researchers and developers, would ultimately address the rehabilitation needs for PWD.

Keywords:

• Assistive technology
• hearing impaired
• multi-weighted scoring method
• person with disabilities
• quantitative survey
• speaking impaired

Declaration of interest

The authors whose names are listed in the first page certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. This Project was funded by The National Plan for Science Technology and Innovation (MARRIFAH), King Abdul-Aziz City for Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Award Number (12-ELE3220–02).