Ears to turn eyes for the visionless?

Ears to turn eyes for the visionless?

New Device Developed That Can Train Brain To Convert Sounds Into Images

London: Scientists have created a device for the blind that lets them see the world through their ears. The device trains the brain to turn sounds into images and has emerged as an alternative to invasive treatment for blind and partially-sighted people, researchers at the University of Bath have found.
    The Voice sensory substitution device is a revolutionary tool that helps blind people use sounds to build an image in their minds of the things around them.
    A research team, led by Dr Michael Proulx from the University’s department of psychology, looked at how blindfolded 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 everimproving technology.
    “This level of visual performance exceeds that of the current invasive techniques for vision restoration, such as stem cell implants and retinal prostheses after extensive training,’’ Proulx said. He said 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.
    The scientists 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.