Emergency siren detection technology and hearing impairment: a systematized literature review.
Ayslin BubarBrittany EcksteinAlana EllErin HiltsStephanie MartinTiffany PowellAntonio Miguel CruzAdriana Maria Rios RinconPublished in: Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology (2020)
So far, few technologies have been identified, and most of them are in the laboratory development stage (i.e., low product readiness level). These results indicate a justified need for the development of new in-vehicle technologies to detect emergency vehicles and actions to transform the new devices into products that are available for people with hearing impairment.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThere is a need to design new assistive technology devices that are intended to detect emergency service vehicles, which in turn may reduce stress and anxiety related to driving for people with hearing impairment.The majority of the included articles discussed siren detection, with only three discussing the necessary next step of communication to humans.Due to the research being in its early stages, the evidence for emergency vehicle technology on health and participation-related outcomes in people living with hearing impairment is unknown.Most websites do not include information on where to purchase emergency vehicle technology or how much the devices cost, thus making it difficult for people with hearing impairment or rehabilitation professionals to make informed decisions about acquiring these technologies.