New device could allow you to control a computer with your inner ear muscle
The Earswitch device is being designed to help people with neurological conditions communicate using a computer keyboard.
By Amy Barrett
Published: 06th May, 2021 at 12:12
A revolutionary device could allow people with neurological conditions to communicate again using a tiny hidden ear muscle.
The Earswitch device is being developed by a GP and a team of researchers at the University of Bath and could offer a new voice for people with conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease (MND) who want to communicate.
Earswitch enables people to control a keyboard by tensing a muscle in the ear, called the tensor tympani muscle.
GP Dr Nick Gompertz has developed a prototype involving an assistive keyboard like the one used by the late Professor Stephen Hawking. But whereas Prof Hawking’s communication device relied on him tensing a muscle in his cheek, this new device uses a muscle in the ear.
More:
https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/new-device-could-allow-you-to-control-a-computer-with-your-inner-ear-muscle/