Intel’s CCG Accessibility Project includes several initiatives that go beyond solving hearing aid compatibility problems. Intel hopes this collaboration will help improve this process and create a wireless connection between hearing aids and PCs. Individuals using hearing aids typically must join meetings on multiple devices, use captions for presentations running on a separate screen and wear a headset in addition to their hearing aid. The current experience depends on many factors, including the type of computer and the kind of hearing aid, and requires an intermediary device such as a dongle or dedicated box. With the help of employees who are hard of hearing, a team in Intel's Client Computing Group (CCG) is working to use Bluetooth LE Audio to enable a direct connection between “Engineered for Intel® Evo™” verified hearing aids and Intel Evo PCs, and to close the compatibility gap that currently limits people’s ability to use their hearing aids on their computers. In collaboration with top hearing aid vendors, Intel is working to improve the user experience when connecting hearing aids to laptops. Improving Hearing Aid Connectivity to ComputersĪs people increasingly use computers for work, school and social activities, assistive technology must integrate seamlessly with PCs. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, who uses a hearing aid, is also working to drive awareness of the importance of accessible technology. The goal is to scale this capability to reach thousands of people in need – and, ultimately, democratize hearing solutions around the globe. Using 3D printing allows us to scale up the service we provide to families and kids who need hearing aids.” “There were long wait times, even after the kids were tested. It was a craft that was labor-intensive, and you could only make four or five hearing aids a day,” says Jason Szolomayer, founder of 3DP4ME. “Previous work to provide hearing aids to children included hand-making the custom ear molds. The application of 3D printing increases access to hearing aids because it is faster and less expensive than traditional manufacturing methods. In collaboration with Intel and Accenture, 3DP4ME is using 3D printing to bring assistive technology to people in developing countries. 3DP4ME, an Intel RISE Technology Initiative partner, is currently piloting its project in Jordan, taking scans of children’s ears and printing custom-fitted hearing aids for them. Accessibility starts with access, and in much of the world, access to hearing aids is prohibitively expensive.
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