Google Glass: Possible Uses for the Hearing Impaired

Google recently introduced the world to its latest technology, Google Glass, an augmented reality head-mounted display. Glass allows its wearer to perform tasks he or she would typically use a smartphone to do such as take pictures, record video, search the Internet, and view directions. Glass works through voice commands allowing the user to perform these tasks hands-free and on-the-go. The technology of Google Glass has the potential to extend beyond these recreational uses to change the future of assistive technology.

Glass does not use typical in-ear headphones to transmit sound. Sound is transmitted through bone conduction technology, which transmits sound to the brain by vibrating the bones above the ear.  There are hearing-aids out there that use this type of technology to assist people with hearing loss and, with the additional features Google Glass could provide, it could be the next big thing in assistive technology for the hearing impaired.

In future models of Google Glass, it is possible that it could include a speech-to-text function. This function would take in dialogue from a person speaking to the wearer and translate that audio dialogue into text. That text could then be displayed in front of the wearer’s eyes via Glass as it already displays search results and messages. Google does have a patent for such technology, according to an article from Ars Technica.

Take a glimpse into the future through the eyes of Google Glass!