Exercises to improve directional sound recognition by visually impaired users heading to the workplace.

Abstract

Moving is an integral part of everyday life and applies to accessing the workplace, attending a health centre or meeting friends. Determination of the source of sound may be important when a visually impaired person is moving around. This allows to navigate, but also provides important information about potential danger. Sound exercises have been prepared to support the ability to recognize the direction of sound and to learn about the problems associated with it. The research version of the app was prepared covering 12 situations related to three static and nine dynamic sources of sounds. All 10 participants in the exercises had a significant degree of visual impairment. An extended dataset obtained from three subjects without disabilities was also included. As a result, six exercises qualified for the final set of sound exercises, which allow to gain benefits from their implementation.