This is to allow communication for people with severe communication disabilities, and can help with control of other assistive technologies. I developed this as an assistive switch but also could be used as an accessory games controller switch (if both hands are already fully occupied!), and any other user interface. It's likely to work as a general new Human Computer Interface and may even be able to control smart earphones/ connected smart phones and hearing aids if the idea is incorporated into general consumer electronics.
I attach a background giving more details of the tensor tympani and the reasoning for the project, Proof of Concept videos, and instructions on how to set up the prototype, but would value any help/ advice. Link to the original prevalence survey is; https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-PQ559JZW7
It would be great to help people communicate - so please let me know if you have any success in setting this up and using it.
I'd be grateful of any help or advice on the best way to do this.
I am hoping that if we can prove that the Earswitch can help people communicate , or it's taken up as a popular games controller switch, that the tech companies will take this up and develop a mass produced/ wireless miniaturised version so that people with assistive needs can benefit from the function in cheap off-the-shelf earswitches.
Since I originally posted this project I have UK patent granted for the earswitch in view of the potential for general consumer use, but am hopeful that the current hack can help people communicate now ( as I've been able to type with the earswitch and its a shame that others dont have the opportunity to use this now!)
We are also collaborating with Bath Uni with NHS (NIHR) funding for research into the prevalence and validation, and early protyping for the Earswitch for assistive needs.
Can you replicate this? & have you helped people communicate with this?
Can you help us find out how many people may gain from The Earswitch:
https://bathreg.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/earswitch-h-v13-final
Also - are you interested in a virtual Hackathon on Assisted Living at Herriot Watt Uni (Edinburgh):
@earswitch attending: @NRobotarium and @ProductForge-five day online "mashup" event from the 10th - 14th May 2021 bringing together health & care professionals, academics and assistive technology providers to prototype new solutions to support the care sector:
https://vi.to/hubs/robotics-care-mashup
Thanks for your help
Nick
Cool concept. Would love to experiment with the concept, but too bad your parenting it and it's not open source.