27 Aug 2019 |
Research article |
Health Technologies , Software Systems, Multimedia and Cybersecurity
SonX – Noise Protection and Communication for Workers
The CRITIAS Chair’s (NSERC-EERS Industrial Research Chair in In-Ear Technologies) laboratories include an audiometric chamber and a prototype laboratory.
The CRITIAS Chair activities focus on implementing technologies that perform three functions:
- Hearing protection;
- Communication in noise;
- Biosignal detection and analysis for the development of in-ear brain computer interface (BCI).
Header image was used with EERS authorization and is protected by copyright.
Hearing Protectors with Instrumented Earpiece
Despite all efforts made to reduce noise from machinery, noise-induced hearing loss caused by noisy workplaces has steadily increased since the World War II. According to the World Health Organization, work-related hearing loss is the most common permanent and preventable occupational injury in the world. It is clear that there is a real need for more effective hearing protection solutions for workers.
SonX, currently being brought to market and a remarkable invention, addresses the need to improve the work environment of industrial workers by allowing them to communicate safely in extreme noise conditions, thus increasing productivity, while tracking their hearing health their via Cloud. SonX was made possible through research conducted in recent years by the CRITIAS Chair.
How does SonX work? The earpiece includes one external microphone and an in-ear microphone and speaker (located behind the acoustic seal of the ear tip). Because in-ear microphone captures speech inside the ear canal, the microphone is protected from ambient noise, unlike conventional microphones placed near the mouth. Speech is denoised, amplified, and transmitted through the earpiece.
Protecting Hearing and Improving In-Noise Communication
CRITIAS researchers are pushing hearing protection innovation by creating a smart earpiece that filters signals using real-time processing algorithms, letting in only useful signals, like speech, to increase clarity.
Another interesting application is measuring noise levels that each workers is exposed to (dosimetry over time) during their shifts in order to reassign them to less noisy areas before they reach unsafe levels of noise limit.
The Chair also wants to tackle hearing protection for musicians, which represents a particular challenge in itself. Wearing earpieces causes an occlusion effect that amplifies base sounds. Also, the pieces do not attenuate different frequencies in the same way, which modifies the sounds perceived by the wearer. The solution must attenuate lower frequencies to create a natural spectral balance of the original music.
Beyond Hearing
The ear is a perfect place to monitor and improve the human condition. Biosignals, such as heart rate or breathing can be extracted. Continuously monitored, any alarming change in signals could trigger an alert to ensure the person receives help as quickly as possible.
Thanks to ongoing research, it is now possible to develop an in-ear EEG brain computer interface. These advances will make it possible to work on certain issues, such as cognitive monitoring (aging, mental health, smart phone usage) or attention problems (lack of hearing or visual concentration when operating machines or driving), offering an unprecedented level of technological support.
Jérémie Voix
Jérémie Voix is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at ÉTS and holds the NSERC-EERS CRITIAS Chair. His research interests include noise control, advanced hearing protection, mechatronics, and signal and data processing.
Program : Mechanical Engineering Healthcare Technology
Research chair : NSERC-EERS Industrial Research Chair in In-Ear Technologies
Research laboratories : GRAM - Acoustics Research Group of Montréal CÉRIÉC – Centre for Intersectoral Study and Research into the Circular Economy
Nick Laperle
Nick Laperle is the founder and CEO of EERS. He has over ten years of experience in research and development in partnership with ÉTS.
Research chair : NSERC-EERS Industrial Research Chair in In-Ear Technologies
Research chair :
Research laboratories :