Speech Balloons for the Hearing-Impaired

Speech balloons in comic books show very well how the characters speak. If we could instantly visualize how people speak, wouldn’t it be nice for the hearing-impaired? It means they can SEE our voices.

Speech balloons for hearing-impaired
Stressed words are rendered larger than those spoken less loudly.

Speech balloons for hearing-impaired
Arrows of the balloons show from where it’s spoken (of course).

Speech balloons for hearing-impaired
A scream is shown in a balloon with jags.

Speech balloons for hearing-impaired
Imitation sounds are also rendered, but with other colors than spoken words.

Speech balloons for hearing-impaired
When spoken to from out of the screen, it shows the words with the direction the voice is from.

Speech balloons for hearing-impaired
A pair of glasses with the same functions could replace the device if we could figure out a good way not to block visual information.

Also visit the other series of this gadget.


Part1:”Future of Internet Search: Mobile version”


Part2:”Future of Mobile Internet Search: Applications”

future search mobile #3-2
Part3:”Look at What You Don’t See Through Glass”

future mobile search for diet
Part4:”Future of Mobile Search for Diet”

future mobile search
Part5:”Future of Mobile Search- Search Beyond Time”

future of mobile search6
Part6:”Future of Mobile Search- Power of Visualization”

future mobile search
Part7:”Future of Mobile Search: Virtual Shopping #1″


iPhone with Looking Glass
See also the iPhone version of this concept.

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25 thoughts on “Speech Balloons for the Hearing-Impaired

  1. very cool idea!
    might be cool to have an option to have touch feedback as well, like subtle vibration so they can ‘feel’ the tone (faster for high pitch voice, slower for lower pitch). maybe…

  2. This is such a wonderful idea! It seems quite doable. It could aid so many people, not just the hearing impaired but also those who have other difficulties in communicating. Hook up a small keyboard and give voice to the voiceless.
    On a less serious note, a device like this would make real world communication look awful similar to that in current online multiplayer rpg games (MMOs)

  3. Not only for Deaf/Hard of Hearing, but in situations that are too noisy or thru glass which involves anyone who has visual
    access and is literate.

  4. Wow! That great! I am deaf and want this one! I had magnet inside my head and can attach to my CI Implants to hear sounds. Call Nucleus Freedom Cochlear.

    I am ready to get this for to help me in the future!

    If people who are deaf without CI implants will not help them! Must modded magnet of Nucleus implant inside your ear order to work!!! Must get implant under age of 20 and below. If over 20 age will no longer work connect to inside ear to brain will be failure.

    If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can get implants? Here you go! Here website is http://www.cochlear.com/ . You must explain to Cochlear admin will tell you many things!

    You will have to go to hospital and doctor will install implants to your ear order to nervous to work will send signal/sound/message to your brain!

    I can hear sounds everything without problems! But problems, I can’t understand what people talking in background.

    I can hear phone ringing, dog barking, someone knock on door, vehicle’s motor is very loud, and more!!!

    Cheers!!! πŸ™‚

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