A new device that allows the visually impaired to "see with sound" could offer a revolutionary alternative to existing invasive treatments for blindness, say researchers at the University of Bath.
A sensory substitution device called The vOICe helps the brain convert sounds into images by using a camera to create "soundscapes," which are then transmitted through headphones.
In a study released Monday, researchers said that blindfolded, sighted test subjects with no prior training used The vOICe to achieve 20/400 vision — still highly impaired sight, but a major improvement over existing alternatives, said lead researcher Michael Proulx.
"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," he said.
A recent study found stem cell use could restore vision to a level of 20/800, considerably worse vision with a more invasive technique.
"The affordable and non-invasive nature of The vOICE provides another option," 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."
Proulx adds that the visually impaired could likely achieve far better sight with the device.
When a person loses their sight, the brain often compensates by heightening other senses. So if test subjects with all five senses and no training can achieve 20/400 vision, Proulx says, a trained subject with better hearing could "see" much better.
The study, entitled How well do you see what you hear? The acuity of visual-to-auditory sensory substitution, is published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
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