The Development of Digital Transcription Device Through ESP32 Integration: An Assistive Communication Tool for the Hearing Impaired

Abstract

Hearing impairment is a significant public health concern that continues to affect populations worldwide. The objective of this study is to provide hearing-impaired individuals with a real-time communication system that provides an additional communication support option, integrates artificial intelligence to ensure accurate communication, and addresses Sustainable Development Goal 10: reducing inequalities. The study aims to align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and current hearing impairment statistics in Qatar. This study employed a quantitative experimental research design to develop a Digital Transcription Device for the hearing-impaired as an assistive communication tool, integrating the ESP32. The study's results support the device’s effectiveness and accuracy, with a rapid response time of 3.56-9.17 seconds for segmented conversations. The device achieved 100\% accuracy with word counts ranging from 5 to 15. The effective distance of the Digital Transcription Device was found to achieve 100% accuracy at distances from 1 meter to 5 meters. Based on the findings, the Digital Transcription Device successfully enables accurate communication between hearing-impaired individuals by accurately recording the average time for words to display, the accuracy of the words displayed, and the maximum effective distance of the device, with minimal discrepancies.