EarPressure VR: Ear Canal Pressure Feedback for Enhancing Environmental Presence in Virtual Reality
UIST ’25 (The 38th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology)
Title: EarPressure VR: Ear Canal Pressure Feedback for Enhancing Environmental Presence in Virtual Reality
Authors: Kang, S., Kim, G., Gim, B., Park, J., Shin, S., and Kim, S.
Conference: UIST ’25: ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology
🎧 Project Overview
EarPressure VR introduces a novel haptic channel using ear canal pressure modulation to simulate atmospheric changes and enhance environmental presence in VR.
The system uses stepper motor–driven syringes and sealed earbuds to modulate air pressure within a safe range of ±40 hPa, creating realistic sensations like ear fullness during underwater descent or altitude change.
The system architecture integrates:
- Pressure modulation unit with differential sensor feedback (HX710B) and closed-loop PID control.
- Custom silicone sealing interface to ensure airtight coupling for both inward and outward pressure changes.
- Wireless control via Arduino synchronized with virtual events in Unity3D.
Two key VR scenarios illustrate its effect:
- Jaws Cage Survival – Gradual underwater descent with steadily increasing inward pressure.
- Sorcerer’s Portal Room – Instant transitions between high- and low-pressure worlds, creating sharp environmental contrast.
This research demonstrates how ear canal feedback can provide a physically grounded, non-visual cue that deepens immersion in virtual environments.
🔗 Links
- Full Paper (UIST ’25): https://doi.org/10.1145/3746059.3747618
- UIST ’25 Demo Paper: https://doi.org/10.1145/3746058.3758999
