Cochlear implant recipients may soon be able to easily modify the settings on their devices using a smartphone interface, selecting different settings for loud restaurants, sports arenas, hushed libraries etc.

The interface device (black box at the top) will be compatible with various smartphones, providing cochlear implant users with greater control over their listening experience.

Ten health-care and research facilities across the USA are to participate in clinical trials of the technology, which centres on creating an interface between mobile devices and FDA-approved cochlear implants manufactured by Cochlear Ltd.

Source: www.utdallas.edu

Photo courtesy of Dr Philip Loizou and David Moore of the University of Texas, Dallas