TOKYO: Japanese companies have stepped up efforts to assist people with hearing difficulties amid growing concern that the problem affects younger generations as well, coming up with ideas ranging from comfortable and stylish earphones to a hearing test vehicle and communication boards at convenience stores, Kyodo News reported.
Major digital watch and electronic equipment maker Casio Computer Co. released the "earU," a wireless ear-cuff hearing-assistance device, in May for people who have trouble hearing conversations but do not require hearing aids.
The device, expected to sell for around 50,000 yen (US$310), digitally adjusts human voices to make them sound more natural and also helps users identify where speakers are and how far away they are.
It can be worn comfortably without blocking the ear canal, and each earpiece weighs about eight grams, making it unobtrusive even during extended use.
Users can fine-tune its settings through a dedicated smartphone app and can also enjoy music with the device.
According to a survey by Casio, about 35 per cent of people aged between 45 and 69 said they have difficulty hearing conversations clearly.
Yasuyuki Ebashi, a Casio official in charge of developing the earphones, said the company aimed "to create a product that would be useful not only for seniors but for anyone troubled by hearing difficulties."
The company also said it sought to give the earphones a stylish appearance by offering interchangeable accessories, a feature that has been well received by women.
Nonlife insurer Sompo Japan Insurance Inc. collaborated with entities including an organisation associated with hearing aids and an automotive company to develop a mobile hearing test vehicle as part of efforts to extend support to people who need hearing aids but live in remote areas.
The van, based on Toyota Motor Corp.'s Hiace, is equipped with advanced soundproofing so that dedicated staff can conduct accurate hearing tests and adjust hearing aids in a quiet environment. It allows users to consult doctors online.
The developers hope to send the vehicle to areas where people do not have easy access to hospitals or hearing aid stores, as well as mountainous regions.
The project was launched to help more people receive medical attention at an early stage, as hearing loss has been identified as a factor that can increase the risk of dementia, Sompo Japan said.
Demonstration tests of the project began in April, and the developers aim to commercialise the service after making improvements based on feedback from users and others involved.
FamilyMart Co., meanwhile, provides communication boards at its convenience stores displaying messages such as "Would you like this heated?" and "Please give me a receipt," enabling customers and store staff to communicate by pointing.
The company's payment app FamiPay also includes a special button with an ear icon to indicate to store staff that the user has a hearing impairment.
When the button is pressed, the smartphone screen displays the message, "I would like to use the board."
Other convenience store operators, Seven-Eleven Japan Co. and Lawson Inc., also offer similar pointing-based communication services using dedicated boards.
The initiatives come as excessive headphone use puts younger people at risk of developing hearing impairment. - Bernama-Kyodo
