Abstract:

Immersive sound experiences can foster resonance and enhance life satisfaction. In adolescents with chronic pain, simulating sensory mechanisms can reduce depression and anxiety. This research is a development of a preliminary study that deciphered design patterns and affective factors influencing chronic pain patient sensations. A mixed methods approach combines qualitative analysis of sound motives with quantitative speech emotion recognition to map detected emotions onto specific acoustic overlays. Through Patient Experience, insights were collected on counteracting sensory overload while preserving immersive, meditative engagement. A tactile design software prototype was construed and developed with these results and initial evaluation was undertaken. The qualitative analysis yielded a framework of motives and characteristics that informed the sound database used in the prototype which visualised the expression of sensations, permitted evoking pleasure and promoted self effectiveness through voice feedback driven sound modulation. The interdisciplinary approach to sound art, tactile design and speech-emotion analytics permits viewing the art-science nexus through a user-centred dialogic space enhancing personal pride and psychosocial wellbeing. The findings of this research permit a more nuanced comprehension of chronic pain patient experiences and needs. The research works to contribute towards heightened empathy, awareness raising and identifying novel mechanisms for addressing chronic pain in adolescents. The workflow provides a reusable template for experiential learning modules for application in health and educational settings and also has the potential to enrich curricula.

Keywords:

Immersive sound, mixed methods approach, patient experience, adolescents with chronic pain, tactile design software prototype.