Brooks Atwood

The Project Scope

The Listening Lab 2.0 (LL2) consists of an audio and video installation used as an auditory test to study auditory perception. The system utilizes immersive videos and surround sound background audio to simulate variable real-life environment. The test, performed by an audiologist in a custom space, is designed for those with existing conditions and assisted hearing devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. It also has a secondary function as a diagnostic aid.

The project created through collaboration between media designer and artist Daniel Perlin, Principal at Perlin Studios and Brooks Atwood, Assistant Professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology and Principal of POD DESIGN & MEDIA. The LL2 is permanently installed in the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) at the VA Medical Center in Portland, OR. The original project was sponsored in conjunction with The Center For Hearing and Communication, New York, which houses the first Listening Lab (LL1).

The installation consists of immersive video and audio environments within a research and therapeutic laboratory. These environments contain a series of conversations and dialogues that switch backgrounds and ambient audio in real time. These environments challenge the spectator/patient to perceive understand the conversations in variable environments. The test, run by a trained laboratory technician, is intended first as therapy for those who have hearing aids or cochlear implants, so that they may test their hearing in varying situations. They may choose to have their hearing aids or settings adjusted based upon their results.

The test should be available for anyone to experience as a spectator/patient for behavioral auditory research. The room contains a 5.1 surround-sound system, 20 HD videos on a flat screen monitor and a custom musical keyboard with software mixer which serves as the testing interface.

The Listening Lab 2.0 is permanently installed in the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) at the Portland, Oregon VA Medical Center through a contract from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Project Data