Personalization in object-based audio for accessibility: A review of advancements for hearing impaired listeners

Abstract

Hearing loss is widespread and significantly impacts an individual's ability to engage with broadcast media. Access can be improved through new object-based audio personalization methods. Utilizing the literature on hearing loss and intelligibility this paper develops three dimensions that are evidenced to improve intelligibility: spatial separation, speech to noise ratio, and redundancy. These can be personalized, individually or concurrently, using object-based audio. A systematic review of all work in object-based audio personalization is then undertaken. These dimensions are utilized to evaluate each project's approach to personalization, identifying successful approaches, commercial challenges, and the next steps required to ensure continuing improvements to broadcast audio for hard of hearing individuals.