SENSORY SUBSTITUTION TECHNOLOGY TO CURE DEAFNESS?

A 2015 TED talk featuring neuroscientist David Eagleman explored the break-through technology of a haptic vest prototype that could change the world. Using sensory substitution, Engleman explained, it could be possible to send signals to the brain and create neural input to “turn the torso into an ear.” Eagleman has since formed a company called Neosensory  that is seeking development support for its vibratory VEST (Versatile Extra-Sensory Transducer). While the technology may provoke some philosophical discussion regarding creating new senses at an unconscious level, potential benefits of the technology for practical applications in virtual reality are exciting to consider.