Device that can help blind 'see' through ears

LONDON: How well can you 'see' with your ears? Scientists claim to have developed a "revolutionary" new device that helps blind people 'see' by using sounds to build an image in their minds of the things around them.

The new sensory substitution device 'vOICe' trains the brain to turn sounds into images and could be used as an alternative to invasive treatment for blind and partially-sighted people, researchers said.

The research team from the University of Bath, in UK, led by Dr Michael Proulx looked at how blind-folded sighted participants responded to an eye test using the device.

They were asked to perform a standard eye chart test called the Snellen Tumbling E test, which asked participants to view the letter E turned in four different directions and in various sizes.

Normal, best-corrected visual acuity is considered 20/20, calculated in terms of the distance (in feet) and the size of the E on the eye chart.

The participants, even without any training in the use of the device, were able to perform the best performance possible, nearly 20/400. This limit appears to be the highest resolution currently possible with the ever-improving technology.

"This level of visual performance exceeds that of the current invasive technique for vision restoration, such as stem cell implants and retinal prostheses after extensive training," Proulx said in a statement.

"A recent study found successful vision at a level of 20/800 after the use of stem cells. Although this might improve with time and provide the literal sensation of sight, the affordable and non-invasive nature of The vOICe provides another option," Proulx said.

He said sensory substitution devices are not only an alternative, but might also be best employed in combination with such invasive techniques to train the brain to see again or for the first time.

The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.

The research team included the inventor of The vOICe sensory substitution device, Dr Peter Meijer of The Netherlands, and Alastair Haigh and Dave Brown of Queen Mary University of London.

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