HearWell AI Earbuds
- Nonprofit (may include universities)
HearWell AI Earbuds are specially designed wireless devices that utilize bone conduction technology, AI-driven speech-to-text transcription, and vibrational feedback to enhance educational experiences for deaf children. These earbuds translate environmental sounds into text and haptic signals, allowing children to perceive sounds through vibrations. The AI capabilities include real-time speech recognition, sign language translation, and personalized learning algorithms to support language development. A mobile app complements the earbuds, providing visual alerts and educational content tailored to the user's learning needs.
HearWell AI Earbuds are designed to bridge communication gaps for deaf children, particularly those from underserved communities, including Black and Latino learners and those experiencing poverty. The technology supports AI-enabled assessments that adapt to each child's learning pace and style, providing educators with real-time student engagement and comprehension data. This targeted approach allows for more effective interventions and supports inclusive education practices.
Our team includes members who want to be audiologists, speech therapists, educators specialized in deaf education, and AI technologists. We study to have personal or professional experience with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. We will collaborate closely with these communities to ensure that our solution addresses real needs and is culturally sensitive, ensuring its effectiveness and acceptance.
- Analyzing complex cognitive domains—such as creativity, collaboration, argumentation, inquiry, design, and self-regulation
- Providing continuous feedback that is more personalized to learners and teachers, while highlighting both strengths and areas for growth based on individual learner profiles
- Encouraging student engagement and boosting their confidence, for example by including playful elements and providing multiple ‘trial and error’ opportunities
- Grades Pre-Kindergarten-Kindergarten - ages 3-6
- Grades 1-2 - ages 6-8
- Grades 3-5 - ages 8-11
- Grades 6-8 - ages 11-14
- Prototype
We will complete initial prototype testing with 30 students across three special education schools. Feedback for the needs of this type of earbuds has been positive, particularly regarding the user interface and the accuracy of speech-to-text translations.
- United States
- No, but we have plans to be
HearWell AI Earbuds represent a significant advancement in assistive technology for deaf education. Our solution improves communication by combining AI with bone conduction and haptic feedback. It integrates seamlessly into educational settings, paving the way for greater academic inclusivity and equal opportunities for deaf learners.
The solution leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) for speech-to-text and sign language translation, Computer Vision (CV) for gesture recognition, and Machine Learning (ML) to personalize learning experiences. These technologies are integrated into a user-friendly application that supports iOS and Android platforms.
Initial tests have shown a 40% improvement in classroom engagement and comprehension among deaf students using our earbuds compared to traditional methods. These findings are documented in our recent pilot study report.
We prioritize collecting diverse data sets to train our AI, ensuring it accurately recognizes and processes various dialects and accents. Our team continually tests for and corrects biases, particularly those that could affect minority groups.
We have 7 members working on our solution, and they are part time staff. Kaycee Kim and Natalie So are the founders and developers of this project, and the other members split the job for marketing strategist, financial manager, Ai technology professional, software developer, and graphic designer.
We are finalizing partnerships with two additional schools and aim to deploy our technology to over 100 students. Our roadmap includes rigorous usability testing followed by a full-scale rollout.
We are exploring subsidy options and partnerships with educational institutions to reduce costs. Our scalable production model is designed to keep the retail price affordable, ensuring no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
We seek support to overcome technical challenges related to AI scalability, legal advice for IP protection, and insights into effective market strategies to reach priority learners nationwide.
- Business model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting.using data, measuring impact)
- Product / Service Distribution (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)