Big pictures and small screens; how television sound research can work with, and for, hard of hearing viewers

Ward, L; Shirley, BG; Davies, WJ

Abstract

Hearing loss affects one in six people in the United Kingdom and, given an ageing population, this
figure is increasing.1 Numerous studies highlight that improvements in the intelligibility of television
sound are required to increase television’s accessibility to individuals with hearing loss.2–4 Recent
developments in broadcast technology, in particular the advent of object-based broadcasting, show the
potential to deliver real improvements in television accessibility.4–7
Effective strategies to improve the intelligibility of television sound are predicated on intelligibility evaluation
methods which are ecologically valid, repeatable and representative of the varied characteristics
of hearing loss. This paper presents a review of such evaluation methods in the context of their use in,
or applicability to, television sound research. The paper first outlines the prevalence and characterisation
of hearing loss, as well as definitions of intelligibility. Current problems with television accessibility
for hard of hearing viewers and how object-based broadcasting may offer solutions are summarised.
Intelligibility evaluation methods for hearing impaired individuals and objective metrics of intelligibility
are then described. The use of such methods previously in television sound research, in addition to
the use of related subjective methods, is reviewed. The repeatability, ecological validity and how these
methods may be sensitive, or insensitive, to the characteristics of hearing loss are then examined.
Finally, the importance of including end-users in the research and evaluation process is discussed.

Citation

Ward, L., Shirley, B., & Davies, W. (2017, November). Big pictures and small screens; how television sound research can work with, and for, hard of hearing viewers. Presented at Reproduced Sound 2017, Nottingham, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Reproduced Sound 2017
• Conference Location: Nottingham, UK
• Start Date: Nov 21, 2017
• End Date: Nov 23, 2017
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jul 10, 2018
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference