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Researchers at Colorado State University has created a prototype retainers for the tongues that could help the hearing impaired pick up and “hear” words.
Unlike the surgically-implanted cochlear implants that could cost from US$2,000 to US$100,000, the budget-friendly retainer requires no surgery, and it uses touch sensors to stimulate the tongue by associating various sensations as certain words, which users can identify over time with practice.
Mechanical engineer John Williams told Popular Science that “Some people suggest it feels like the sensation of having champagne bubbles or Pop Rocks on their tongue”.
However, the researchers did mentioned that the device is best suited for individuals who are not completely deaf—they also assured that patients will not get electrocuted by the retainer as it runs on very low volts, with no currents running through the tongue.
Watch the video below to find out more, or head over here to read the full article.
[via Elite Daily, Popular Science, images via Colorado State University]
Researchers at Colorado State University has created a prototype retainers for the tongues that could help the hearing impaired pick up and “hear” words.
Unlike the surgically-implanted cochlear implants that could cost from US$2,000 to US$100,000, the budget-friendly retainer requires no surgery, and it uses touch sensors to stimulate the tongue by associating various sensations as certain words, which users can identify over time with practice.
Mechanical engineer John Williams told Popular Science that “Some people suggest it feels like the sensation of having champagne bubbles or Pop Rocks on their tongue”.
However, the researchers did mentioned that the device is best suited for individuals who are not completely deaf—they also assured that patients will not get electrocuted by the retainer as it runs on very low volts, with no currents running through the tongue.
Watch the video below to find out more, or head over here to read the full article.
[via Elite Daily, Popular Science, images via Colorado State University]