Hearing loss prevention at loud music events via real-time visuo-haptic feedback

Abstract Hearing loss is becoming a global problem, partly as a consequence of exposure to loud music. People may be unaware about the harmful sound levels and consequent damages caused by loud music at venues such as discotheques or festivals. Earplugs are effective in reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss but have been shown to be an insufficient prevention strategy. Thus, when it is not possible to lower the volume of the sound source, a viable solution to the problem is to relocate to quieter locations from time to time. In this context, this study introduces a bracelet device with the goal of warning users when the music sound level is too loud in their specific location, via haptic, visual or visuo-haptic feedback. The bracelet embeds a microphone, a microcontroller, an LED strip and four vibration motors. We performed a user study where thirteen participants were asked to react to the three kinds of feedback during a simulated disco club event where the volume of music pieces varied to reach a loud intensity. Results showed that participants never missed the above threshold notification via all types of feedback, but visual feedback led to the slowest reaction times and was deemed the least effective. In line with the findings reported in the hearing loss prevention literature, the perceived usefulness of the proposed device was highly dependent on participants’ subjective approach to the topic of hearing risks at loud music events as well as their willingness to take action regarding its prevention. Ultimately, our study shows how technology, no matter how effective, may not be able to cope with these kinds of cultural issues concerning hearing loss prevention. Educational strategies may represent a more effective solution to the real problem of changing people’s attitudes and motivations to want to protect their hearing.