Ear Switch: A new ear-based assistive communication device

Improving knowledge of how well individuals can control and perform an ear rumble to interact with the EarSwitch to communicate.

The EarSwitch is an ear-based assistive communication device. It uses an in-ear camera to detect when a muscle in the ear, called the tensor tympani (TT), is contracted or tightened. When the tensor tympani muscle contracts you may hear a dull rumbling sound, this is known as “ear rumbling”. Some people can voluntarily ear rumble by purposefully contracting their tensor tympani on-demand.

The EarSwitch senses your ability to ear rumble so that it can be used for communication. For some individuals, the EarSwitch has the potential to be a communication device when other communication technologies do not work. In addition, there is the possibility that the ability to ear rumble may be preserved until later stages of degenerative diseases (e.g., motor neurone disease), allowing people to communicate for longer.

This project is looking at how we can develop the EarSwitch into a useful device for those who need it. To do this, the team are looking to understand how well different people can ear rumble and how well the EarSwitch fits with other assistive technology.