Musical Memory: a game that supports hearing assessment in children

Business context

Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń initiated a project to create an engaging method to support the diagnosis and early correction of hearing problems in children. The goal was to combine education with elements of play in order to reduce the stress associated with examinations and make it easier for specialists and carers to observe a child’s response to sound stimuli.

Traditional diagnostic methods, although effective, often prove insufficiently engaging for the youngest users. The team therefore sought a solution based on simple mechanics familiar from memory games, but using sounds instead of images, which better supports the development of auditory perception and phonetic memory.

The decision to target the Windows platform was driven by the realities of 2016 and the availability of devices in educational institutions and clinics. The university invited Leaware to design and develop an application that would meet the requirements of usability, accessibility, and a consistent experience for children, parents, and professionals.

Challenge

The greatest challenge was to create an interactive game that is both entertaining and subtly supports the initial hearing assessment process. The interface needed to be intuitive for children, reward correct responses, and maintain concentration without overstimulation, while at the same time ensuring repeatability and reliability of observation.

The quality and selection of acoustic stimuli were critical: the application needed to clearly differentiate sounds, enable them to be compared in pairs, and operate reliably across a wide range of Windows 8.1 devices. In addition, it was necessary to account for the realities of work in schools and counselling centres, including varying acoustic conditions and limited connectivity.

It was equally important to maintain a balance between gamification elements and the health-related objective. The solution had to remain simple for carers and specialists to use, so that gameplay results would help them draw conclusions about potential hearing difficulties without requiring complex configuration.

Solution

Leaware developed Musical Memory for Windows 8.1 – a memory-style game in which pairs are made up of identical sounds rather than images. The simple touch interface and short, clear rounds allow children to focus on recognising and matching acoustic stimuli rather than on operating the tool.

The sound sets include simple signals, environmental sounds, and musical elements, supporting the development of auditory memory and sound discrimination. Immediate feedback and progressive difficulty turn the exercises into an engaging activity, helping to maintain motivation and consistency without creating the pressure of a formal assessment.

Choosing Windows ensured broad availability in schools and medical facilities, as well as easy deployment within existing infrastructure. The application became a practical support tool for parents, teachers, and specialists – according to their feedback, it helps with the initial identification of potential problems and supports auditory training, making the process more accessible for children.