Page 64 - ITU KALEIDOSCOPE, ATLANTA 2019

2019 ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference

Build for sustainability: Effective and continued adoption of
the app is being ensured by core features that can be readily
integrated to a user’s lifestyle with core app functionalities
based on UN and US standards. These will be continuously
updated based on the evolution of standards, as well as user
needs.
Be data driven: The app utilizes personal sound exposure
data to calculate cumulative and real-time exposures. Focus
is on obtaining the highest possible level of accuracy in
capturing sound exposures and associated computations to
inform users. Personalization features such as customizable
monitoring, personal exposure reports and feedback are
anticipated to have a positive impact on user’s listening
behaviors.

Use open standards, open data, open source, and open
innovation: The app implements public regulatory standards.
The user can share data obtained by the app at his/her
discretion.

Figure 3– Examples of Hearing Health app interfaces with
personal sound exposure, time-based alert and education Reuse and improve: Ongoing development of the app will
include modular user recommendations and interfaces for
3.5 Incorporation of principles of digital specific user subsections (e.g. based on age, occupation).
development
Address privacy & security: All user data is taken with the
To enhance the value of the app, the nine principles of digital user’s consent, as per HIPAA guidelines. Only the user can
development are being implemented as follows: export his/her data. Future plans are for alignment with EU
GDPR. All data is stored in AWS to ensure security.
Design with the user: User-centricity is highlighted in the
personalization features described previously. An iterative Be collaborative: The app development is a culmination of
process incorporating user feedback to further adapt input from regulatory agencies (including the US Food and
personalization features is planned. Drug Administration) and end users from various
demographics.
Understand the existing ecosystem: The app integrates
WHO-ITU and US occupational and military standards. The 4. CONCLUSIONS
app will be available for use with Android and iOS operating
systems and will connect to a user’s PSAP. Additional To facilitate the integration of safe hearing standards to
features addressing the FDA OTC Hearing Aid Rule (to be influence an individual’s listening behaviors, we propose the
finalized by Aug 2020) is anticipated. Features and claims of Hearing Health app, available on both iOS and Android
the proposed app are in alignment with FDA’s Patient operating systems. The app can be paired to hearing
Decision Support guidance [18] that is exempt from technology hardware, including a PSAP, to track daily
regulatory oversight. exposures to audio and environmental sounds, provide alerts
based on WHO-ITU and US (federal and military) standards,
Design for scale: Achieving greater outside communication and engage users by providing recommendations and
is planned by the following activities: outreach to WHO education that can be integrated into their occupational needs,
(hosting World Hearing Day, attending 2019 UNICEF- daily lifestyle and recreational activities. The app
WHO Exhibition on Assistive Technology), US Military development is aligned with WHO principles of digital
(presentation at 2019 Military Health System Research development and is envisioned to function as a companion
Symposium), CDC and NIOSH. Small business funding tool to encourage safe listening behaviors.
applications to the Department of Defense, NIDCD,
National Science Foundation are ongoing. The current proposal is focused on implementation of
Commercialization strategies that allow for distribution on aggregated safe listening standards primarily for users with
larger scales include app distribution on AppStore and no perceived hearing impairment. An advancement of the
Google Play and participation in UN Global Marketplace. app will be for users with hearing impairment with the
objectives of evaluating appropriate standards for use with
hearing aids and engagement strategies for effective use of

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