Imagine a world where those who have never experienced sound could suddenly interpret speech—not through their ears, but through their tongues.
A team of researchers from the U.S. has developed a revolutionary device that promises to do just that, offering a cheaper, less invasive alternative to cochlear implants.
The device, an electric mouthpiece that translates sound into vibrations, taps into the brain’s ability to rewire itself, allowing people with hearing impairments to decode speech patterns through their tongues.
This could potentially change the lives of millions who are unable to benefit from existing hearing aids or cochlear implants.
And the best part?
No surgery required.
How the Mouthpiece Works
The device is made up of two main components:
- A Bluetooth-enabled earpiece that picks up sounds from the environment.
- A retainer-like mouthpiece fitted with electrodes that translate sound waves into electrical impulses, which the tongue perceives as tingling or vibration patterns.
By pressing their tongue against the mouthpiece, users will start to “feel” sounds rather than hear them in the traditional sense.
Over time, their brains can learn to convert these tingling sensations into words, mimicking the way hearing functions.
According to John Williams, a mechanical engineer from Colorado State University and co-leader of the project, this method holds significant advantages over traditional cochlear implants.
“It’s much simpler than undergoing surgery, and we think it will be a lot less expensive than cochlear implants,” Williams explained in a press release.
A New Alternative to Cochlear Implants
For years, cochlear implants have been the gold standard for restoring hearing in those with severe hearing loss.
The implant works by stimulating the auditory nerve with electrical impulses, allowing the brain to process sound.
However, cochlear implants come with major drawbacks:
- They require surgery, which is not always safe or accessible.
- They are expensive, often costing upwards of $100,000, including surgery and follow-up care.
- Not everyone is a candidate, as they require a functioning auditory nerve.
The new tongue-based device, however, sidesteps these limitations.
Because the tongue has thousands of sensitive nerve endings that are already wired to send complex sensory information to the brain, researchers believe it can be trained to recognize sound patterns, similar to how we learn languages or recognize faces.
The Brain’s Remarkable Ability to Adapt
A common assumption about hearing is that sound must travel through the ears.
But this research challenges that notion, proving that the brain is far more adaptable than we think.
“We know that with training, people with cochlear implants can interpret the electrical impulses their auditory nerves receive as sound,” Williams said. “We believe the same can be done with the tongue.”
This process, known as neuroplasticity, is the brain’s ability to rewire itself when given new types of sensory input.
Just as visually impaired individuals can learn to read Braille through touch, people with hearing loss could learn to interpret vibrations on their tongue as speech.
In theory, after a few weeks or months of training, users would not need to consciously “translate” the sensations.
Instead, the brain would automatically process the vibrations as words, similar to how it processes sound waves through the ear.
Training the Brain to “Hear” Through the Tongue
So how long would it take for someone to adapt to this new way of “hearing”?
Williams and his team estimate that most people would need two to three weeks of daily use to start making sense of the tingling sensations.
However, for full fluency, it might take up to three months of continuous training.
The training process would involve users practicing with common words and phrases while wearing the mouthpiece.
Over time, their brain would start recognizing the distinct electrical signals associated with different sounds.
Fine-Tuning the Technology
While the technology is still in development, researchers are now working with neuroscientists to map out how different regions of the tongue respond to electrical stimulation.
This is important for designing an effective mouthpiece that works consistently for different users.
One of the big questions they need to answer is whether all tongues process electrical impulses in the same way.
If they do, a universal device could be created. If not, custom-fitted devices may be necessary, which could make mass production more challenging.
The Future of Tongue-Based Hearing Devices
While this technology is still in its early stages, the research team has already built and tested several prototypes and has even launched a startup to accelerate development.
“If all goes to plan, we hope to provide a hearing solution for a much broader audience,” said Williams.
Unlike hearing aids, which only amplify sound, and cochlear implants, which require a functioning auditory nerve, this new device could provide a truly inclusive hearing solution.
It may not just benefit those who are born deaf or hard of hearing, but also individuals who have lost their hearing due to age, illness, or injury.
Could This Be the Future of Hearing Technology?
The potential of this technology goes beyond just hearing impairments.
Some experts believe that similar techniques could be used for enhancing sensory perception, such as helping blind individuals navigate their environment using tongue-based vibrations.
For now, the research team is focused on perfecting the device and bringing it to market.
If successful, it could open up the world of sound to millions of people who have never had access to it before.
After all, who says ears should have all the fun?
