Using Virtual Reality to Raise Awareness of Communication Challenges Faced by Individuals with Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is typically managed with hearing aids, which amplify sound based on the user’s hearing profile. However, unlike glasses for vision, hearing aids cannot address the reduced time-frequency resolution of the auditory system. To raise awareness of the challenges faced by hearing aid users, particularly in complex acoustic environments, we use virtual reality (VR). We integrate hearing loss and hearing aid simulators into a VR application, allowing users to experience the altered soundscape in an immersive way.