Scientists develop headphones to filter out annoying sounds selectively
5 reported
According to a New Yorker article on misophonia, researchers are using machine learning to develop headphones that can quickly target and eliminate irksome audio while preserving or enhancing desirable sounds. The project is led by Shyam Gollakota of the University of Washington’s Mobile Intelligence Lab. Gollakota gave the example of sitting on a park bench, oblivious to loud talkers but able to hear birdsong. The article notes that one study found a correlation between noise exposure levels and aggression, and another study of the area around Frankfurt airport found that a 1 decibel increase in average noise levels raises the violent crime rate by 1.6%. The author, a self-described subclinical misophonia sufferer, speculates on potential uses such as filtering out scripted political interviews, garden machinery, buzzing flies, idling van engines, and in-flight phone calls. The article emphasizes that the headphones would allow users to select their own personal noise triggers.
What’s reported
The headphones are being developed using machine learning to target and eliminate irksome audio.
The project is led by Shyam Gollakota of the University of Washington’s Mobile Intelligence Lab.
One study showed a correlation between noise exposure levels and aggression.
Another study of the area around Frankfurt airport found a 1 decibel increase in average noise levels raises the violent crime rate by 1.6%.
The author identifies as a subclinical misophonia sufferer.
Key figures
Shyam Gollakota, lead of the University of Washington’s Mobile Intelligence Lab
Emma Beddington, author of the Guardian article
Sources: The Guardian
