Comparison of Augmented Reality Glasses for the Treatment of Hearing Loss

Background: Augmented reality (AR) glasses can be used for different medical indications. Primarily, a visual overlay on the optic screen offers additional operational information. A transfer of acoustic information via speech-to-text transcript using AR glasses presents a new non-surgical option to support patients with different forms of hearing loss. This study aimed to evaluate different AR glasses for speech-to-text transcription. Methods: We compared four different AR glasses (G1, MYVU, AIR, and Moverio 40) systems with a speech-to-text transcription regarding speech capturing, design, and software. Speech capturing ability was tested by free field numbers, monosyllabics, and OLSA in quiet and in noise. Results: The AR systems achieved Freiburger monosyllabic speech recognition rates between 20 % and 45 % at 65 dB. OLSA in quiet results varies between 77 % and 100 % and +1.7 dB and +3.5 dB in noise. AR systems differ substantially in terms of design and software. Proposed indication criteria are given. Conclusion: AR glasses offer a new treatment option for patients with selected indications. The systems show limitations in difficult hearing situations.