IoT-enabled hearing protection device

EAR DEFENDERS that can dampen background noise, while amplifying important sounds such as speech and alarms or sirens have been devised by Dr Ying Zhang, senior lecturer in Computer Science at the University of West London’s School of Computing and Engineering. Powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), the technology promises to protect workers’ hearing without compromising on safety.

The concept has won the top prize of £5,000 worth of parts and components to build the design, and a test and measurement bundle from Rhode and Schwarz for UWL to use in Internet of Things projects, awarded by development distributor, Farnell element14.

Members of the element14 community, which has half a million engineer and maker members, voted on three finalists selected by Farnell element14 from all entries. Dr Zhang’s invention, with its twin benefits: amplifying significant sounds while simultaneously dampening noise which causes hearing loss, was chosen as winner through the online poll.

element14 says it is committed to helping develop the next generation of engineers, and competitions like this enable it to work closely to support educators and academic staff involved in research as they develop their innovative ideas. The development distributor says the element14 community provides considerable resources for students, educators and engineers - from educational support in its STEM academy, to training, courses and webinars to help members stay up the date with the latest technology and skills. AS DR ZHANG DEVELOPS THE PROJECT HE WILL UPDATE ON HIS PROGRESS ON THE ELEMENT14 COMMUNITY. TO FOLLOW HIS JOURNEY VISIT: DETAILS, NZ.ELEMENT14.COM