Abstract: Various types of data can be collected regarding the physical or mental health of a user, as may relate to sleep of the user over a period of time. Health metrics can be determined from this data that can enable the user to be associated with a particular health type or category. For sleep, this can include associating the user with a sleep animal that has specific characteristics. This can help a user to better understand that user's sleep, and how that sleep compares to sleep of others. In addition to being able to provide health information in a way that is easy to understand, such an approach can also help to make more accurate recommendations or take specific actions to help improve the health of a user, such as to improve sleep. This can include making recommendations to a user or automatically adjusting operation of at least one device.

Abstract: A device for stimulating at least one cranial nerve and/or spinal nerve is described. The device includes a vibratory motor, and an earpiece, wherein the earpiece is molded substantially to fit within the external ear canal and contacting the concha of a subject's ear. A method of reducing migraine headache and trigeminal neuropathy pain is also described. The method includes positioning a vibratory earpiece within an ear of a subject, applying vibrational energy to at least a portion of the skin of at least one of the auditory canal, auricle and concha of the ear, thereby stimulating at least one sensory fiber of at least one of cranial nerve 5, cranial nerve 7, cranial nerve 9, cranial nerve 10, spinal nerve C2, and spinal nerve C3. A method to normalize breathing, normalize blood pressure, induce sleep, increase salivation, and improve vertigo, nausea, and visual dysfunction accompanying migraine is also described.

Abstract: A method and system four delirium therapy is provided. The method comprises selecting immersive content for displaying to a patient who is experiencing delirium, comprising selecting said immersive content from a database based on a time of day attribute associated with the immersive content; and administering the selected immersive content to the patient, by displaying said content to the patient on a display, and simultaneously playing any audio component of said content to the patient.

Abstract: In one aspect, a patterned bedding article, such as a comforter, comprising an outer fabric shell comprising at least a top panel and a bottom panel is provided where the stitching connecting the at least a top panel and a bottom panel results in the generation of an overall non-uniform pattern, where the overall non-uniform pattern creates a plurality of spaces containing a fill material(s), where the spaces are at least a first sized space and a larger second sized space, and where the first sized spaces are located at a first portion of the comforter and the larger second sized spaces are located in a second portion of the comforter. The larger second sized spaces contain more fill material than the first sized spaces, and thus, provide increased warmth in the second portion of the comforter containing the larger second sized spaces, for example, at a central area of the patterned comforter.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to shortening sleep latency during the wake to sleep transition. Sensory stimulation is delivered to a subject by sensory stimulators during a sleep session, and a measure of wakefulness of the subject is determined. The sensory stimulators are controlled based on the measure of wakefulness of the subject. The sensory stimulators may be controlled to modulate an intensity of the sensory stimulation delivered to the subject. For example, the sensory stimulators may decrease the intensity of the sensory stimulation as the measure of wakefulness decreases. The system then determines that the measure of wakefulness has reached stable sleep. The sensory stimulators are controlled based on the determination that the measure of wakefulness has reached stable sleep. The sensory stimulators may decrease the intensity of the sensory stimulation at a faster rate once the measure of wakefulness reaches stable sleep.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic headset system which is preferably wirelessly controlled, and is used to treat a tinnitus disorder. The system in an electronic headset and preferably an electronic communication device, such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet, desk top computer, server, and the like or any combination thereof. The electronic headset includes a treatment probe and emits complex signals which are converted into vibrations by the treatment probe and are transmitted to a users cochlea via the treatment probe communicating with the user's mastoid bone when the electronic headset is worn, thereby alleviating the symptoms of the user's tinnitus disorder.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for modifying modulated signals for transmission. The system receives a modulated signal comprising a speech signal and a carrier wave and generates first and second spectral signals by converting the modulation signal and carrier wave from the time domain to the frequency domain respectively. The system then determines spectral bands for the first and second spectral signals. For each spectral band, the system calculates a weighted spectral band value based on a magnitude of the first spectral signal within the spectral band and generates a modified spectral signal by modifying the second spectral signal with the weighted spectral band value. The system then converts the modified spectral signal from the frequency domain to the time domain and transmits the converted modified spectral signal to a server.

Abstract: A breathing training, monitoring and/or assistance device is provided for home use. The device is for providing support and guidance during the training of breathing exercises. The device takes account of external data which relates to one or more of: the environmental conditions in which the device is being used; activity information in respect of the user; physiological sensor data about the user which is not related to breathing characteristics.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for initiating a night-time mode of operation in an implantable hearing prosthesis in response to detection of night-time recharging operations. More specifically, an implantable hearing prosthesis comprises a rechargeable battery that is configured to be recharged via an external night-time charging device, such as a pillow charger. The implantable hearing prosthesis is configured to detect inductive charging of the rechargeable battery by the external night-time charging device. In response, the implantable hearing prosthesis is switched to a night-time mode of operation.

Abstract: A bed includes components to control pressure of a sleep surface, for example based on sleep position and sleep stages of a user. In some embodiments target pressures for the sleep surface are iteratively adjusted over multiple sleep sessions so to achieve improvements in sleep states and/or sleep quality for the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using a common “vocabulary,” predefined or dynamically generated based on user-provided content, to transform biometric and/or neurometric data collected from one or more people into a coherent audio and/or visual result. One method comprises receiving a first incoming signal from a bio-generated data sensing device worn by a first user; determining a first set of output values based on the first incoming signal, a common vocabulary comprising a list of possible output values, and a parameter file comprising a set of instructions for applying the common vocabulary to the first incoming signal to derive the first set of output values; generating a first output array comprising the first set of output values; and providing the first output array to an output delivery system configured to render the first output array as a first audio and/or visual output.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for modifying Augmented Reality (AR) device user interfaces to improve accessibility for individuals with tremors in their hands and/or fingers. A historical data set of finger movements is generated using circuitry printed onto fingernails of an individual. The historical data set is used to determine patterns for tremors in the fingers and hands of the individual. These patterns are then used to modify interactive elements of a user interface displayed by an AR device operated by the individual according to their individual pattern. Modifications to the interactive elements include modifying depth of the interactive elements to prevent unintended activation of the interactive elements through gesture-based controls resulting from the tremors.

Abstract: A control circuit is positioned within a stuffed animal. A microphone is coupled to the stuffed animal to record babbling of an infant or speech delayed toddler to electronic memory. A transceiver positioned in the stuffed animal is operationally coupled to the control circuit. A database comprising sounds grouped according to defined stages of speech development is accessible by the control circuit through the transceiver. A vocal analyzer is positioned within the stuffed animal and the vocal analyzer is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The vocal analyzer analyzes the babbling of the infant or speech delayed toddler that is stored in the electronic memory. The vocally analyzer assigns selected words and phrases in the database stored in the electronic memory to a response sequence. A speaker is coupled to the stuffed animal to emit the words and phrases corresponding to the response sequence for the purposes of education.

Abstract: A speech development assembly includes a stuffed animal that has appendages which can be resiliently articulated into a variety of positions. A control circuit is positioned within the stuffed animal and the control circuit includes an electronic memory. The electronic memory stores a database comprising words and phrases. A microphone is coupled to the stuffed animal to record babbling of an infant or speech delayed toddler. A vocal analyzer is positioned within the stuffed animal and the vocal analyzer is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The vocal analyzer analyzes the babbling of the infant or speech delayed toddler that is stored in the electronic memory. The vocal analyzer assigns selected words and phrases in the database stored in the electronic memory to a response sequence. A speaker is coupled to the stuffed animal to emit the words and phrases corresponding to the response sequence for the purposes of education.

Abstract: A conditioning apparatus is provided with a control and command unit which can be activated remotely using an electronic device. A method to activate and control the conditioning apparatus includes regulating the functioning parameters of the conditioning apparatus at least as a function of a state of wakefulness or sleep of a user.

Abstract: Communication of parent physiological data to an infant may include a first interface device which includes a sensor to record physiological data associated with a heartbeat of a parent, a processor to receive the physiological data from the sensor, and a transceiver; a server which receives the physiological data from the transceiver, accesses an instance of the physiological data from a replay storage location during a loss of communication, assigns a unique identifier, processes the physiological data, modifies the physiological data to be within an allowable threshold or accesses physiological data within the allowable threshold when the physiological data is outside an allowable threshold, filters the physiological data to apply an effect, and transmits the physiological data based on the unique identifier; and a second interface device which includes a transceiver to receive the physiological data and a communication element to communicate the physiological data to the infant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a soft tissue excision apparatus having a handle and an elongated blade support member extending from the handle. The distal end of blade support member includes a first thermally conductive blade support arm and a second thermally conductive blade support arm. An electrically heatable blade is supported at and electrically isolated from the distal ends of the two thermally conductive blade support arms. A first electrically conductive lead extends from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a first blade heater contact pad. A second electrically conductive lead extends from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a second blade heater contact pad. First and second electrically conductive flexible leads extend from the proximal end of the thermally conductive blade support member to a controller.

Abstract: A comforting device for soothing and comforting a user includes a shell, which defines an interior space. The shell is pliable and can be grasped by the user. A filler, which is resiliently compressible, is positioned in and substantially occupies the interior space. An audio module, which is positioned in the interior space, selectively emits a first sound, which mimics a heartbeat, and a second sound, which mimics a respiratory sound, such as breath sounds and snoring. The audio module broadcasts the first sound and the second sound to comfort the user.

Abstract: A method for calming a crying of a baby using a computer system having a memory, a microprocessor, a voice and digital visual display, and a user interface, the method comprising: providing a recording of white noise to a media player or to the computer system, providing a sensor in communication with the microprocessor, wherein the sensor is configured for measuring muscle contractions of a baby, and instructing, in response to a predetermined number of muscle contractions of the baby, the recording of the white noise to be played into headphones on ears of the baby.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for measuring and analyzing startle response of a subject comprises a stimuli delivery circuitry, whereby startle stimuli and prepulse stimuli are delivered to the subject. Said diagnostic system comprises at least one sensor circuitry, whereby the startle response(s) of the subject are detected and recorded. Said sensor circuitry comprises at least one electrode and one eye response measuring system, such as a camera. Said diagnostic system comprises a diagnosis circuitry whereby the features of the startle response(s) and prepulse inhibition of the subject are extracted and analyzed. Said startle response(s) of said subject detected by said sensor circuitry comprise eye response, such as pupillary response and/or eyeblink response, post-auricular muscle response and intrinsic auricular muscle response.

Abstract: Visual and auditory stimuli are provided to a patient to treat various neurological disorders or conditions and/or to provide improved mental or physical performance. The visual and auditory stimuli are provided by a wearable headset or sleep mask that may be comfortably worn by a user, such as in bed to induce sleep. The wearable headset or sleep mask is operated by a personal computing device of the user, such as smartphone, having downloaded and active thereon a control application or app for the therapy. The wearable headset or sleep mask also concurrently provides tactile stimuli, and the tactile stimulus is provided from bone conduction transducers that concurrently provides the auditory stimuli.

Abstract: Visual and auditory stimuli are provided to a patient to treat various neurological disorders or conditions and/or to provide improved mental or physical performance. The visual and auditory stimuli are provided by a wearable headset or sleep mask that may be comfortably worn by a user, such as in bed to induce sleep. The wearable headset or sleep mask is operated by a personal computing device of the user, such as smartphone, having downloaded and active thereon a control application or app for the therapy. The wearable headset or sleep mask also concurrently provides tactile stimuli, and the tactile stimulus is provided from bone conduction transducers that concurrently provides the auditory stimuli.

Abstract: A method for predicting an arousal level used by a computer of an arousal level prediction apparatus that predicts an arousal level of a user is provided. The method includes obtaining current biological information regarding the user detected by a sensor, and calculating a current arousal level of the user based on the current biological information. The method further includes obtaining current environment information indicating a current environment around the user, and predicting a future arousal level, which is an arousal level a certain period of time later, based on the current arousal level and the current environment information. Based on the predicted future arousal level, the method further issues a notification to the user, or controls an operation of a device.

Abstract: A simulated living entity (SLE) HAS a body formed of cushioned material, a contact area on an surface of the body, a heating panel under the contact area, a microphone positioned proximate one end of the exposed surface, a speaker positioned proximate the microphone, a heartbeat simulator, a breath simulator proximate the microphone and speaker, and a control system within the body comprising a microprocessor, a coupled data repository, a power supply, wireless communication circuitry, and a digital bus. The heating panel heats the contact area, the heartbeat simulator provides feeling and sound of a beating heart, the breath simulator provides air intake and exhaust, and the speaker provides sounds of a person sleeping, synchronized with the breath simulator.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to induce brainwave synchronization in order to reduce or eliminate anxiety attacks, prevent stress and achieve desired brainwave states is disclosed. In operation, the device uses amplitude and frequency characteristics of stored .wav files containing isochronic or other tones to generate signals that are transmitted to the user through a variety of emission techniques including vibration, electrical, photic, and audial. The signals imparted to the user's cranium tend to be mimicked or followed such that the user's brainwave state is altered by the transmission of the desired signals. In various embodiments, the device and system may also possess bio-feedback and electroencephalogram capabilities. The device records metrics and usage data through a communications link with the user's smartphone, tablet or other device.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for closed-loop sleep protection and/or sleep regulation. According to an aspect, a biosignal parameter and ambient noise are measured. The biosignal parameter is used to determined sleep condition of a subject. The sleep condition is determined based on: (1) one or more of personalized sleep data, (2) historical sleep data collected for a subset of society, or (3) a combination of both. Based on the sleep condition, an arousal threshold is determined. Based on the ambient noise and the determined sleep condition, one or more actions are taken to regulate sleep and avoid sleep disruption by using sound masking or active noise reduction (ANR).

Abstract: Assessing the sleep quality of a user in association with an electronic device with one or more physiological sensors includes detecting an attempt by the user to fall asleep, and collecting physiological information associated with the user. The disclosed method of assessing sleep quality may include determining respective values for one or more sleep quality metrics, including a first set of sleep quality metrics associated with sleep quality of a plurality of users, and a second set of sleep quality metrics associated with historical sleep quality of the user, based at least in part on the collected physiological information and at least one wakeful resting heart rate of the user, and determining a unified score for sleep quality of the user, based at least in part on the respective values of the one or more sleep quality metrics.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an action recognition unit; an audio data selection unit; and an audio information generation unit, in which the action recognition unit is configured to recognize an action pattern of a user on the basis of sensor information. The audio data selection unit is configured to select audio data corresponding to the action pattern of the user recognized by the action recognition unit. The audio information generation unit generates, on the basis of the audio data selected by the audio data selection unit, multichannel audio information for localizing a sound image of a sound source in real space around the user. The information processing apparatus makes it possible to achieve augmented reality that follows a qualitative change in the action of the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing sleep quality of a patient, comprising: collecting physiological signal data of the patient using a data acquisition unit electrically coupled to at least one sensor affixed to the patient that generates the physiologic signal data; using one or more hardware processors executing instructions stored in a storage device: filtering the physiological signal data into a plurality of frequency bands corresponding to a plurality of power spectra waveforms; and characterizing an etiology of sleep quality of the patient based on a comparison of at least a first power spectra waveform of the plurality of power spectra waveforms against at least a second power spectra waveform of the plurality of power spectra waveforms, wherein the sleep quality of the patient is managed based on the characterized etiology of sleep.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for dispersing a compound within the patient are described. In one embodiment, an effective amount of a compound may be present in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient and a force may be applied to the torso of the patient sufficient to enhance the convection of the cerebrospinal fluid. In another embodiment, a bolus including a compound may be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient. The volume of the bolus may be between about 5% and 30% of the total volume of the cerebrospinal fluid of the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program capable of appropriately suppressing an immersion degree of a user who is using a virtual reality content. An information processing device includes: an acquisition unit that acquires excitement information regarding use of a virtual reality content or information regarding an action of a first user who is using the content; and an output control unit that performs display control for lowering an immersion degree of the first user on the basis of the excitement information or the information regarding the action of the first user during a period in which the content is displayed by a display unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a portable audio device that allows a user to easily access guided meditation sessions stored thereon to promote regular meditation practice. The portable audio device minimizes user effort with a goal to improve adoption of mindfulness meditation practice. In one embodiment, the portable audio device may be programmed to play guided mindfulness meditation sessions. In one embodiment, the portable audio device may include meditation modules that have predefined themes, and serve as a prompt or reminder for regular meditation practice.

Abstract: A system for psychoacoustic evaluation of tinnitus synthesizes a test sound that is customized for a patient using the patient's audiogram, a model of the tinnitus related to the patient's audiogram, a psychoacoustic loudness model, and various test-sound parameters. In various embodiments, the system automatically adjusts the intensity and spectral level of the test sound such that the intensity of the test sound as perceived by the patient remains approximately constant across various frequencies and/or sound types used in the psychoacoustic evaluation of tinnitus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising to utilize local data to improve sleep is described. The method includes identifying local data relevant to a user's sleep quality, evaluating a user's sleep environment and sleep settings, and changing the user's sleep environment and/or sleep settings based on the local data.

Abstract: A process for making a safety video in order to keep a video watcher engaged involves the following steps. First, filming a safety parody video of things typical to a life of the road worker made into rap songs. Then, removing sound created by equipment in the safety parody video. After that, adding rap music about the contents of the safety parody video while producing a mild hypnotic subliminal effect. Following that, transmitting a suggestion of working hard while working well to obtain rewards. Finally, warning users against the consequences of malfeasance. A combination of positive and negative subliminal messages in a parody video effectively engages the video watcher into learning about workplace safety.

Abstract: A context-sensitive soundscape is generated by receiving a first identifier for identifying a target cognitive state for a user, and a second identifier for identifying a user cohort for the user. A present context is determined for the user. A machine-learning procedure is performed to map the target cognitive state to a set of audio output characteristics based upon the identified user cohort and the determined present context. An audio output is generated to create the context-sensitive soundscape that includes the set of audio output characteristics.

Abstract: Described and disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods configured to employ acoustic coordinated reset neuromodulation therapies that are capable of adjusting or modulating at least one of the intensity, auditory filter bandwidth, and center frequency of therapeutic stimulation signals delivered to an individual patient, where in one embodiment such signals are tuned to have intensities that are above or slightly above the individual patient's hearing threshold.

Abstract: A computerized method for treating a psychopathological condition, the method comprising using at least one hardware processor for presenting to a patient on a computer display at least one visual media and at least audio media; receiving from an eye tracker a gaze direction of at least one eye of the patient; computing a display location of the gaze direction; and when a distance from the gaze location to a target location of the visual media is greater than a threshold value, pausing the audio media for a period of time.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a first display control unit, and a second display control unit. The first display control unit is configured to display, in a display device, a first intensity distribution which is at least per unit time and which is regarding a biosignal coming from a particular source. The second display control unit configured to display, side-by-side in the display device, a first image which has a shape of the source and on which a second intensity distribution of the biosignal corresponding to time corresponding to a point or an area specified in the first intensity distribution is superimposed, and second images which have the shape of the source and on which second intensity distributions of the biosignal before and after the time are superimposed.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein to reduce sound sensitivities, improve state regulation, and/or reduce auditory processing and social engagement deficits in individuals with such deficiencies by recruiting the anti-masking functions of the middle ear muscles in order to optimize the transfer function of the middle ear for the processing of human speech. In certain embodiments, an individual may be subjected to a training protocol comprising one or more training sessions. During each training session, acoustic stimuli are provided to a subject for a period of time, with or without accompanying visual stimulation. A user response may be determined, for example, before beginning the protocol, during a session, after a session, and/or upon completion of the protocol. Such user response may be employed to adjust the acoustic stimulation, and the adjusted acoustic stimulation may be provided to the subject during a subsequent training session (or at a subsequent time within the same training session).

Abstract: A method includes: (a) obtaining information about a period of a fluctuation cycle in an autonomic nerve of a user at rest; (b) inducing the user to breaths in synchronization with the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve according to the obtained information; and (c) synchronizing a fluctuation in a diameter of a pupil of the user with the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve at the same time of (b) according to the obtained information. The period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve is a period of a fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil, a period of a fluctuation cycle in a heart beats of the user, or a period calculated from the period of the fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil and the period of the fluctuation cycle in the heart beats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices to consolidate memory and/or cognitive functions by monitoring brain rhythms and delivering a stimulus at an appropriate stage of sleep cycle.

Abstract: This sleep assistance apparatus includes a stimulation generation unit that generates stimulation, a user being capable of receiving the stimulation; a detection unit that detects biological information of the user; and a control unit that decides optimal stimulation on the basis of the detected biological information, and causes the stimulation generation unit to generate the optimal stimulation.

Abstract: A method to improve digestion for an individual, especially the digestion issue caused by the individual's mental issues, may include steps of choosing one or more individuals having digestive discomfort caused by mental issues that may happen periodically; generating a sound file of digestion sounds for a predetermined length of time; administrating the sound file to the individual for a predetermined period of time; and determining if the individual's digestion is improved. In one embodiment, the step of generating a sound file of digestion sounds may include steps of recording the digestion sounds from a person during good digestion and editing the digestion sounds. In another embodiment, the predetermined length of time can be ten minutes.

Abstract: A method comprising: (a) obtaining information about a period of a fluctuation cycle in an autonomic nerve of a user; and (b) repeating, in a same period as the period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve, a process that includes inducing a point of gaze of the user to move in a direction away from the user and inducing the point of gaze of the user to move in a direction to approach the user, according to the obtained information. The period of the fluctuation cycle in the autonomic nerve is a period of a fluctuation cycle in a diameter of a pupil of the user, a period of a fluctuation cycle in a heart beat of the user, or a period calculated from the period of the fluctuation cycle in the diameter of the pupil and the period of the fluctuation cycle in the heart beat.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for detection and remediation of anxiety. Aspects include receiving an anxiety indicator. Aspects also include analyzing the anxiety indicator to determine whether an anxiety level exceeds an anxiety threshold. Aspects also include, based upon a determination that the anxiety level exceeds the anxiety threshold, selecting a first sound. Aspects also include outputting the first sound. Aspects also include receiving an anxiety feedback. Aspects also include determining, based upon the anxiety feedback, whether the anxiety level is decreasing.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device that outputs a notification sound that takes into consideration those of older age. The electronic device is an electronic device that outputs a notification sound, and includes a frequency-setting unit and a notification-sound-control unit. The frequency-setting unit sets an initial frequency for the notification sound. The notification-sound-control unit causes the notification sound to be outputted at the initial frequency, and performs control so that the frequency of the notification sound is lowered from the initial frequency as time passes.

Abstract: A media recommendation system may score media items according to user recommendations, popularity, and/or recency. The scores may be weighted to produce an overall score for each media item. Media items may be added to a pool for a specific user, from which media items are selected for playback. The contents of the pool may be modified based upon user feedback and other data. The pool may be modified dynamically and/or in real time as media items are consumed or rated by the user.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device, based on analysis of an image of a user of the personal computing device captured with a camera associated with the personal computing device, are described. One or more parameter is determined from the processed image, including, but not limited, to user identity, emotion, physiological condition, or placement of a stimulator earpiece, and control of the ear stimulation device is based thereon. If the earpiece is located incorrectly, in an aspect, delivery of a stimulus is prevented. In another aspect, the user is notified of the need to reposition an incorrectly located earpiece.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for closed-loop respiration entrainment based on spatialized audio signals. According to an aspect, based on a determined rate of a subject's respiration, spatialization of a virtual sound source is altered to simulate a distance or directionality to the subject. Simulating the distance, directionality, and/or source characteristics comprises processing sounds of the virtual sound source to generate a perception of the sounds being heard from one or more distances or directions with reference to the subject. The altered virtual sound source attempts to regulate the rate of respiration of the subject. An audio device outputs the sounds of the altered virtual sound source.