VRAT: A Proposal of Training Method for Auditory Information Processing Using Virtual Space

Abstract

Auditory training (ATEx) is an important component of rehabilitation for patients with auditory processing disorder (APD). Computerbased auditory training (CBAT) approaches have been frequently used, but a Japanese version of CBAT is not available at present. Therefore, we have developed Virtual Reality ATEx (VRAT) using Japanese language for Japanese APD patients. Virtual reality (VR) technology was introduced into our VRAT to create a stereophonic sound environment and increase adherence to ATEx. Android smartphones with a head-mounted display (HMD) were used. The requirements for the development of the application were extracted from the relevant literature and expert comments. Unity (Unity Technologies Inc., San Francisco, CA) and the C# programming language were used to create the environment for the VR application. Twenty-one healthy adults and three patients with APD participated in this study. The Speech in Noise Test and Speech Perception in Multiple Talkers Test were used as controls. Participants performed these two auditory tests and used the developed VRAT, and then answered the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) to measure Interest/Enjoyment and Value/Usefulness. Interest/Enjoyment score was significantly higher than the AT control in APD patients (p < 0.05). The other scores of the developed VRAT were higher than the controls, suggesting that the developed VRAT may be effective for ATEx in APD patients.