SoundFun to Demo MIRAI Speaker That Improves Dialogue And Makes Sound Easier for All to Hear

SoundFun, a Japanese startup focused on designing assistive listening products for seniors will present its new MIRAI curved speaker concept at CES 2023. The design uses a curved frame with an internal waveguide that generates a particular sound dispersion. The company says the MIRAI speaker makes it easier for people with hearing loss to hear critical sources such as TV dialogue. SoundFun will be part of the Japan Pavilion @Eureka Park. According to SoundFun, "the soundwaves produced using proprietary AudibleWave technology fade into the distance more gradually with a wider angle than those coming through the cones of conventional loudspeakers. Therefore sounds reach farther and more clearly without requiring the listeners to turn up the volume. It’s particularly helpful for the elderly, as dialogue is projected with greater clarity."

This MIRAI Speaker design, "fundamentally changes the way a sound travels from a speaker across a sphere,” says SoundFun CEO Hiroshi Yamaji. “MIRAI Speaker doesn’t require you to wear it like hearing aids – which people often opt not to use because of the discomfort they can cause. Our speaker can replace regular speakers, enabling everyone, including the elderly, to enjoy quality, easier-to-hear sounds. We are very excited to demonstrate this innovative technology at CES 2023."
Additional benefits for the MIRAI speaker detail a stronger output in the 400 to 5,000Hz range - critical for human speech understanding - with the same relative sound setup volume. The technology also works for sound sources in the home, avoiding arguments about the overall listening volume. The speaker fidelity allows replacing conventional loudspeakers to be used by everyone. The technology also shows potential for sound reinforcement applications in public facilities including airports for general announcements, helping to keep everyone safe.
 
The MIRAI speaker project was born out of SoundFun founder Kazunori Sato’s desire to help his elderly father hear better. Taking inspiration from a music therapy expert’s comment that sounds from the horns of antique record players are easier to hear for people with hearing difficulties, Sato and audio engineer Nobuhiro Miyahara began their endeavor to develop what would become the MIRAI Speaker, often taking the prototypes into the singing booths at karaoke bars to test them out. Sato’s father couldn’t believe when hearing the sound coming from the prototype clearly without using his hearing aid. 

Japan's (J-Startup) Pavilion @Eureka Park’ is an initiative of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), to promote the country's innovative startups. At CES 2023, the pavilion will feature 36 companies in industries ranging from AI to robotics, space to mobility, among others. For additional info about JETRO: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/
https://soundfun.co.jp/