Two DSP-base vibrotactile hearing devices

Digital signal processors (DSPs) have been used to develop better research devices. Two such devices are described: (1) a 16-channel vibrotactile vocoder that transforms speech into a vibratory pattern applied to the skin, and (2) a combination acoustic/vibrator system that augments the reception of speech sounds outside the usable range of the impaired ear with vibration. The differences between the two devices indicate the range of applications that are possible.<>