New device allows deaf people to "listen" with the help of the language

Since its introduction, cochlear implantation has helped many to make life better. She gave the opportunity for deaf people and persons with hearing loss to perceive sound. But, unfortunately, the developed devices have never been perfect. First, they are suitable only for certain forms of deafness, and secondly - they cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

But now, perhaps, for all people deprived of the opportunity to hear, a more favorable alternative has appeared on the horizon. Scientists from the University of Colorado (CSU) came up with a new way to achieve the same result. Their development is a device that allows users to "hear" the language.

Now the language can replace the ears

The system does not restore hearing, but converts sounds into vibrations of various shapes. These vibrations can be felt by the tongue. This feature helps the user interpret sounds or words. The advantages of the new technology can be distinguished by the fact that it will be much cheaper than cochlear implants. In addition, the device itself is self-contained, so its use will not require surgical intervention.

How it works?

Cochlear implants and hearing aids work quite differently. In the second case, the device only enhances the captured sounds. As for cochlear implants, they are built into the damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The sounds of the environment are fixed by a microphone, and then analyzed with the help of a speech processor. The information obtained is converted into electrical impulses, which are then sent to different parts of the auditory nerve. Adapting to the implant takes some time, but in the end, the user begins to recognize different signals as specific sounds or words.

A device created by the CSU works in a similar manner. The only difference is in the way the sounds are converted into pulses. As a connecting link used bluetooth-earphone. Through it, sounds are transferred to the processor, where they are converted into impulses that form words. Instead of stimulating the auditory nerve, these signals are then fed to a special fixator, which should be located in the user's mouth. As a result, the body that perceives information is language. Tiny electrodes in the device stimulate it with the help of impulse samples. The nerves on the tongue react to this effect and relay the received signals to the brain.

Technology features

"Some people compare this sensation to the presence of champagne bubbles in the mouth," said engineer and project manager John Williams.

Of course, in order to make the language and brain work together, it takes several weeks or even months of regular training. As a result, sooner or later, the brain will begin to recognize tingling as useful sound information. In general, you just need to get used to it - and then "listen" to your health!

The reason why the researchers decided to make a device that works by stimulating the language is thousands of nerves passing through this organ. Our brain very well interprets complex sensory sensations transmitted from them.

Currently, the device has quite impressive dimensions, but its creators hope, in the end, to create a clamp that will not be visible during use. Researchers also believe that the device should not cost more than $ 2,000.