Narrative Review of Assistive Technologies and Sensory Substitution in People With Visual and Hearing Impairment

Abstract

Support systems have been developed to facilitate the active participation of the visually and hearing impaired, as these impairments limit information acquisition and activities. However, efforts to improve the quality and quantity of information presented to persons with disabilities are still in the developmental stage due to the unique perception and recognition styles in persons with visual and hearing impairments. By clarifying such perception and recognition mechanisms and the current status of assistive technologies, researchers can develop support schemes taking advantage of the abilities of people with visual and hearing impairments, and extend their information processing. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to organize the unique characteristics of perceptual ability and communication strategies reportedly acquired by persons with visual and hearing impairments and the information assurance methods based on sensory substitution. For the visually impaired, we describe a visual substitution system that focuses on sound and tactile information, in addition to their sensory substitution functions. We also introduce example applications through support methods in parasports and computer games. For the hearing impaired, we review communication methods and support strategies using information devices.

Examining How Interaural Differences Owing to Head Rotation during Walking Improve the Distance of Auditory Obstacle Perceptions among Individuals with Visual Impairment: A Case Study in Small-Scale Blind Group

“…Various special support education and rehabilitation methods and assistive devices have been proposed to support the daily lives of visually impaired persons [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Particularly in gait training, which is carried out for them to acquire independent mobility, the main focus is on orientation and mobility (O&M) [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Editorial: Lifelong Sciences

“…Furthermore, the application of assistive technologies through both hardware and software is important for the elderly who are healthy, and people with disabilities, to continue living in their community. In the review article by Miura and Yabu (2023), the authors introduced useful examples in the development of technologies to assist people with visual or auditory impairments, and proposed potential methods for them to live together in the community. The original study by Nakayama et al (2023) surveyed the impressions of Japanese participants, aged from 20 to 76 years old, towards text-based online counseling services, and found age-related differences.…”