Augmenting Auditory Attention and Memory to Reduce Cognitive Load in Dual Tasks: A wearable device to augment auditory attention and memory to improve performance in a duals task

We present a wearable device that enhances auditory attention and memory by monitoring the environment for relevant auditory information, storing it, alerting the user to it, and playing back the information. This paper presents the design concept of the wearable device and its empirical evaluation. Using a within-subject design, participants’ cognitive and perceptual performance was compared with and without auditory augmentation. Participants were presented with a dual task in which they had to monitor an auditory message for a specific keyword while completing a reading comprehension task. Results showed that the wearable device successfully enhanced auditory attention and memory by taking over the listening task, thereby freeing up cognitive resources for the reading task. In addition, participants' self-assessment indicated that the auditory augmentation was successfully integrated into cognitive and perceptual processes, reducing distraction, and increasing perceived calmness.