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Patient creates helmet that allows user to hear ambient sound

Shared by Marie Esmenio on 2014-04-22 15:56

About the solution

The helmet contains small, sensitive microphones, signal amplifiers, vibration components, and effects circuits. It adapts to any head shape. Dials to adjust the sound and volume are mounted on the side.

"I first became aware that experiencing sound through bone conduction was possible when I lost hearing in one ear due to a tumor (acoustic neuroma). One of the possible ways to "fix" monophonic hearing is to drill a screw into the skull and attach a receiver to it, such that sound waves are converted into vibrations in the skull. Having an open wound just behind a non-functioning ear was not an ideal solution, so I let my body adjust to having one ear. (...) One day as I sat down at the piano, I suddenly became aware that the entire instrument felt alive in my hands, each note traveling up my arms and giving a surprisingly rich experience of sound. I decided to adapt bone conduction technology into a helmet, in order to share my emerging haptic perception of sound without the necessity of surgery. Re-wired consists of a helmet that leaves the wearer free to roam their environment and experience a physical sensitivity to sound", Amelia explained.

Adapted from: http://www.ameliamarzec.com/rewired/
https://youtu.be/AaoNai1fCU8

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Amelia Marzec, from USA, was faced with an acoustic neuroma in 2009. This cost her the hearing in one ear. She created Re-wired, which consists of a helmet that leaves the wearer free to roam their environment and experience a physical sensitivity to sound.

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