Audivers 360º – immersive speech therapy for people with hearing loss
Audivers 360º is a pioneering project developed by Broomx in collaboration with ACAPPS in 2023 to transform conventional speech therapy through immersive reality. Inspired by the Harvi project (using virtual reality with 3D glasses), Audivers 360º is aimed at children and adults with hearing loss and offers speech therapy sessions in realistic and immersive sound environments that enhance motivation and therapeutic engagement.
Adapted soundscapes
After an initial pilot test, the need to create adapted soundscapes was identified. To achieve this, ambient sounds and stereophonic sound resources were incorporated, both essential for auditory lateralization.
Interactive immersive therapy for hearing
As part of this pilot project, a tool was developed that combines the immersive experience with three specific environments (the Boqueria market, Barcelona’s Plaça Espanya, and a children’s playground) along with an interactive app that allows professionals to introduce phrases and sounds during the session. Users train their auditory and vocal skills in simulated social situations, while also reinforcing their confidence and emotional well-being. Evidence shows that this innovation enables therapeutic goals to be achieved in less time and promotes greater social acceptance and self-esteem among people with hearing loss.
Impact
Audivers 360º makes it possible to personalize each session according to the person’s hearing profile and interests, working within environments that reflect real-life everyday situations. This enhances motivation and progress, and fosters active aging in older adults with hearing loss. In addition, a positive impact on emotional well-being has been observed after each session, along with improvements in attention, auditory memory, and language comprehension.
Award and new collaborations
The project was recognized with the 2023 Graustic Award for Social Integration through Digitalization, and following this first pilot we have been able to strengthen our partnership and work together on new projects that are highly beneficial for both parties.
Since May 2024, ACAPPS has had a permanent immersive room where weekly individual therapy is offered to adults, older people, and, progressively, also to children. Having a permanent room at ACAPPS has made it possible to develop a series of new solutions and joint projects that will be unveiled in the coming months.
