Forum Proceedings

The Forum on Hearing Enhancement has focused on earmold technology, inductive loop systems, infrared systems, FM systems and microphone technology. These technologies were familiar to end-users, clinicians, researchers, manufacturers and other Forum participants - providing common ground for a lively, inclusive discussion. Many recommendations for technology specific refinements and innovations have been put forward.

Immediately following this introduction are comments from Dr. Charles Laszlo and Dr. Mark Ross. I want to thank each of these gentlemen for giving of their time and sharing their important insights.

Readers are encouraged to consider the overall system concept. New, innovative or revolutionary approaches that are independent of the technologies under consideration might provide the superior solution. Dr. Laszlo's comments introducing this section of the Proceedings are particularly relevant.

For each technology area there are three distinct sections: the White Paper, Forum Data, and one or more Problem Statements. There is one exception in that a single White Paper was written for Infrared and Inductive Loop Systems. A description of each section follows.

White Papers include information on unmet customer needs, market information, business opportunities, and technology state-of-the-practice for products now in the market. White Papers compliment the Industry Summary. The White Papers were provided to all participants prior to the Forum in order to establish a common knowledge base.

Forum Data is a summary of the statements obtained from group participants. Forum Data includes: priority customer needs; technology "state-of-the-practice" for products currently in the marketplace; requirements and performance specifications for sought-after technology and barriers that might prevent the development or transfer of the sought-after technology. Forum Data was derived from group transcripts, observer notes, and group summaries developed by the participants. Comments are logically grouped and paraphrased. Care has been taken to avoid distortion while providing information in a format that is clear, concise and unambiguous.  A more complete description of Forum Protocols can be found in the Pre-Forum section of these Proceedings.

Problem Statements provide a brief introduction to the market and customer needs, the state-of-the-practice for technology in the marketplace and technology requirements. Problem statements have been internally and externally reviewed prior to publication. Technology requirements are disseminated to technology developers in the public (Federal Laboratories, Research Universities) and private (advanced technology manufacturers) sectors. The primary vehicles for dissemination include: the T²RERC website (cosmos.buffalo.edu/hearing/, Federal Laboratory Locator Service, Federal Laboratory website (www.federallabs.org), Federal Laboratory newsletter (FLC NEWSLink) and NASA Technical Briefs (Readers Forum).

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