Altering Game Sound by Frequency for the Hearing Impaired

PrimusNephilim

I was thinking as I was responding to someone's comment on hearing loss, since we have a common problem with it as I have a hearing loss issues along with severe tinnitus. The higher frequencies are very difficult to hear and it would be nice to be able to alter/adjust the range of sound frequencies (to a certain extent). We can already adjust back ground music, NPC voices and some in game sounds which have helped to a small degree but to be able to adjust the frequency range would be ideal.

I use the in game closed caption which helps with in game dialogue but there's nothing for person to person communication. Being able to adjust frequencies when speaking to people would be very helpful.

Hearing loss is different from person to person, so by adjusting to a specific range of sound frequencies, each person could customize their sound preference to their account.

Just a thought ~ Cheers

Neoealth

I could be wrong, but I don't recall any game that ever allowed you to actually adjust the sound frequencies, only the volume obviously. No idea what that would involve or if it would be feasible.

With respect, would hearing aids be a better idea? Genuine question, I don't know if they help people with tinnitus or not.Would seem like a easier way to get around your problem, helping yourself rather than expecting a game company to add what you suggest. I don't mean that in a attacking way, it's just unlikely for them to add such a feature, don't you think?

But perhaps it's something you could do with like a third-party sound editing program?

ghastley

That appears to be something better solved by changes to the audio for the computer/console as a whole, rather than in a specific game. What the game does do, is let you prioritize the various sounds by volume, so you can drop music down, and dialog up, etc. It provides text chat as an alternative to voice, too.

theyancey

The audio software on your PC should already give you the capability to +/- various frequencies.

Nestor

Most all Frequency Shifters have to process the audio and save the file to be played back altered.

Not sure if there is something like AutoTune for playback on a PC. For sure, it would be a seperate box for console.

One thing that can help is better speakers. Better sound is easier to hear. Also, there was a recent show on NPR where someone with Tinnitus was developing methodologies to over come this. Poje around at npr.org for the show.

PrimusNephilim

Neoealth wrote: »

With respect, would hearing aids be a better idea? Genuine question, I don't know if they help people with tinnitus or not.Would seem like a easier way to get around your problem, helping yourself rather than expecting a game company to add what you suggest. I don't mean that in a attacking way, it's just unlikely for them to add such a feature, don't you think?

But perhaps it's something you could do with like a third-party sound editing program?

Not taking it you queue that way, It's all good, hearing aids help to some extent but they''re no where close to the real thing.

I also play mainly play on PS4, not a chance with mixing sound but I was thinking along the lines of how a sound board is set up where you have established frequencies that you can either turn up or turn down.

PrimusNephilim

ghastley wrote: »

It provides text chat as an alternative to voice, too.

I text chat too but when in trials, its a difficult to text while pulling rotations, etc.

Gilvoth

this is possible?
never heard of this before.
how can do this? and do need expensive equipment in order to get involved?

StormeReigns

https://subpac.com/what-is-the-subpac/
https://shop.subpac.com/products/subpac-s2-seatback

I use this paired with a X-Rock chair and 7.1 surround sound system. Mines actually an older model, but it helps with certain elements. Does gets funky some times when a person with a deep baritone voice starts speaking and certain music segments play that are cello / bass heavy.

Might be a funky set up, but, allowing to have the bass and treble vibrations come from different angles and different levels do help. Sadly, it can and will be an expensive set up. Hopefully this new hearing aid that my Dr. wants to try, might be able to experience sound again after so long.

PrimusNephilim

StormeReigns wrote: »

https://subpac.com/what-is-the-subpac/
https://shop.subpac.com/products/subpac-s2-seatback

I use this paired with a X-Rock chair and 7.1 surround sound system. Mines actually an older model, but it helps with certain elements. Does gets funky some times when a person with a deep baritone voice starts speaking and certain music segments play that are cello / bass heavy.

Might be a funky set up, but, allowing to have the bass and treble vibrations come from different angles and different levels do help. Sadly, it can and will be an expensive set up. Hopefully this new hearing aid that my Dr. wants to try, might be able to experience sound again after so long.

Never seen this SUBPAC before, this looks wicked. Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out!!