Auditory Brainstem Implantation

According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population experiences disabling hearing loss.  Said individuals may often receive cochlear implants, however, these implants won’t always work for everyone.  Now there is a newer technique being tested: auditory brainstem implants (or ABI). Auditory brainstem implantation can restore hearing for individuals who cannot benefit from cochlear implants.  Right now, it […]

Step into the future with REX Bionics

Though there are no cures for individuals with spinal cord injuries or other mobility impairments, technology such as REX Bionics, is helping these individuals regain freedom.  According to its website, REX is the “world’s first hands-free, self-supporting, independently-controlled robotic walking device.” REX Bionics currently offers two separate products: 1. REX P The REX P is a robotic mobility […]

To Learn Yourself By Teaching Others

Writer: Tiffany Whisner, Coles Marketing “I’m grateful for my challenges because they have pushed me in ways that are invaluable, making me more compassionate for others and very aware we all are carrying our own baggage.” Kathy Nimmer couldn’t have said it better — especially since she’s a 10th grade English teacher who also teaches […]

Introducing Airing: a new CPAP device

Individuals who have sleep apnea often don’t wear their CPAP masks as they’re supposed to.  This is likely due to the CPAP’s bulky mask attached to tangling cords and hoses.  However, soon there may be a hoseless, cordless, maskless, battery-powered CPAP device available for these patients called Airing. First, what exactly is sleep apnea?  According to the Airing website: Obstructive Sleep […]

VocaliD: Custom Crafted Voices

American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once said, “The human voice is the organ of the soul.”  It’s also been said the human voice is not just a sound but also a reflection of the person.  Everyone has a unique voiceprint, yet the millions of individuals who rely on communication devices have been given uniform, robotic voices that don’t […]

7 Games and Toys for the Visually Impaired

Play is an important part of each child’s development.  During play, children learn essential skills such as communication, cognition, motor skills, social interaction, and other developmental skills.  While play is important for each child’s development, it is especially vital for children who are blind or visually impaired because it’s how they learn to interact with their surroundings.  What are […]