Watch CBS News

New Device Would Let Deaf People 'Hear' With Their Tongues

DENVER (CBS4) -- Cochlear devices may now not be the only option for helping the deaf restore their sense of sound. Engineers and neuroscientists at Colorado State University are working on a new device which would allow deaf people to put words in their mouths.

For CSU associate professor John Williams exploring the possibilities of sound devices is a topic that hits close to home. After exposure to blaring noise through his work in electric propulsion systems for space travel, Williams developed tinnitus, a sensation of hearing high-pitched ringing in the ears.

TONGUE HEARING DEVICE
J.J. Adrian Moritz maps sensory perception on the tongue in Leslie Stone's lab. (credit: JOHN EISELE/CSU PHOTOGRAPHY)

"When you're so absorbed in your work and you don't pay attention to loud background noise, this integrates over time and hurts your hearing," Williams told CBS News. After developing the condition, Williams became interested in researching the pros and cons of cochlear devices.

Through his research Williams found that the region of the brain that interprets touch sensations from the tongue is capable of decoding complicated information.

Neuroscientist Dr. Leslie Stone-Roy, assistant professor at Colorado State University's department of biomedical sciences, helped Williams develop a prototype to harness these nerves, enabling the hearing-impaired to process sound through their tongues.

"Because the tongue has so many nerve fibers, there's a large area of the cortex that is able to process that information," Dr. Stone-Roy told CBS News.

How does it all work?

"High frequencies would tingle the tip of your tongue, and low frequencies would tingle the middle and back," Williams said.

Through training, the brain would ideally learn to process specific patterns as words ultimately allowing the deaf to "hear" through the tongue.

Why a new device? Although the new technology is parallel to cochlear implants in that it provides missing stimulation to the auditory nerve, the new device would have additional benefits. There is no doubt that cochlear implants are considered a major success in the medical world. However, cochlear implants require surgical procedure and can cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000.

Researchers estimate technology through the tongue would cost about one eighth of the cost.  Colorado State University found in the U.S. patients pay at least $100,000 for the pre-screening, implants, surgery and follow-up therapy.

The device is still in prototype phase but initial results are promising enough that researchers have filed a provisional patent for the device.

"People that have hearing loss feel isolated and depressed," Williams told CBS News. "If we could even help just one of those people, that would make it worthwhile."

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.