23 Apr 2026 @B3 Building
Virtual and Augmented Reality for Hearing Rehabilitation and Support
Lorenzo Picinali,
Professor at Imperial College, UK
6.00 PM (CET)
B3 Building, Campus Durando
Abstract
Advances in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) are opening new possibilities for hearing rehabilitation and support, enabling controlled, immersive, and ecologically valid auditory experiences that were previously difficult to achieve in clinical settings. This presentation explores how VR can be used to simulate realistic acoustic environments for both assessment and training, with a particular focus on cochlear implant users and individuals with hearing impairment. Through examples such as spatial hearing training and interactive auditory tasks, it highlights how immersive technologies can enhance perceptual learning, support personalisation, and bridge the gap between laboratory testing and real-world listening. The talk also discusses current challenges, including the lack of standardised rehabilitation protocols, and outlines future directions where VR/AR systems may become integral tools for hearing healthcare, research, and user-centred design.
Bio of Prof. Lorenzo Picinali
I am a Professor in Spatial Acoustics and Immersive Audio, and I lead the Audio Experience Design team (www.axdesign.co.uk). Our research explores both the perceptual and computational aspects of acoustics, alongside their practical applications. We aim to understand how humans perceive spatial sound features, such as source locations and reverberation, and use this knowledge to design algorithms and tools for creating virtual acoustic simulations. Our goal is to seamlessly blend real and virtual acoustic environments, ultimately enhancing hearing. I also work on eco-acoustic monitoring, designing autonomous recorders, and using audio to study the impact of human activity on remote ecosystems.
