Project Description

Challenge

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) often experience atypical auditory processing — specifically hypersensitivity to sound. This sensitivity can be so severe that it prevents people with NDD from fully participating in social settings.

While there are existing solutions, they often involve entirely removing a child from a noisy environment or using noise reduction devices such as earmuffs. These solutions, commonly used by schools and families, impose barriers to a child’s social inclusion and learning opportunities. Other technical solutions have so far failed to address individualized sound sensitivities.

Project Summary

Elina Birmingham and Siamak Arzanpour have embarked on a project to develop a personalized device that can selectively filter out undesired sounds. The device will also be ‘intelligent” and not require a doctor’s supervision to adjust to the user’s needs.

The device will be designed for school-aged children with ASD — the population in which the majority sound sensitivity research has been done — but will be scalable to children and adults with other NDDs. It will selectively reduce disturbing sounds in their environment, while not distorting essential sounds, like speech.

Result

The KBHN researchers have partnered with MetaOptima, a health-tech company, to help build the prototype and commercialize the technology. They have also partnered with Surrey School District in B.C. to consult on the design and to help evaluate the device in a school setting.  The research team will also consult with other stakeholders and families.

Their end goal is to develop a commercially viable device, do final field testing, and obtain the certificates required for sale.  They hope to eventually work with behavioural consultants to reduce reliance on the device over time and help children tolerate sounds and develop long-term functional independence.

Funding

Kids Brain Health Network – $99,866

Partners – $27,000

Team

Principal Investigators

Elina Birmingham, Simon Fraser University
Siamak Arzanpour, Simon Fraser University

Subsequent Cycle III Initiatives

Intelligent Solutions for Sound Sensitivity in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders