People with hearing loss (hard of hearing people, deaf and deaf/blind) are in the category of individuals who need specially designed information and communication technology (ICT). Hearing loss is a condition where the ability to hear is reduced, and individuals may face communication challenges. Studies in Europe and USA shows that around 10-15% of the population have some type of hearing loss. ICT holds great promise in supporting the communication needs and language development in people with hearing loss. Today's hearing devices and assistive listening technologies are powerful miniaturized computing systems, on the one hand, and increasingly offer options for coupling and connectivity with modern communication devices to expand their capabilities, on the other hand. However, even the most sophisticated technology may be of little use if it is not fit well to a person's individual hearing requirements and usage needs.
Furthermore, ICT can support visual modalities with pictures, signs or text on screen allowing individuals to extend both their general knowledge and use of language without listening. Additionally, using ICT for collaborative activities can encourage a group of persons to improve their use of language and their understanding of concepts as they plan and carry out their work.
There are various types of hearing systems that can benefit those with a hearing loss: smart hearing instruments, adaptive and user-controlled hearing systems, machine learning-based hearing systems for individualisation of listening experience, algorithms for improving the acoustics of sound, and other types of cutting-edge technology which can assist people with hearing loss with listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The Special Thematic Session (STS) invites contribution on all aspects of the accessibility, usability, and intelligence of ICT-based hearing systems, applications and services for people with hearing loss, including:

• User-controlled hearing systems
• Multimodal integration of information with hearing systems
• Hearing aid technology and applications
• Usability of assistive listening technologies
• Smart listening tools for deaf and deaf/blind people
• Accessible and adaptable hearing systems and accessories in smart cities
• Cognitively controlled hearing systems and accessories
• Machine and deep learning for ICT based hearing and speaking systems
• Smart accessories for hearing systems

Chairs

• 
  Matjaž Debevc, AccessibleEU Slovenia
• 
  Christian Vogler