A groundbreaking device developed by US-based researchers offers hope to individuals with vocal cord issues, enabling them to communicate through throat movements. The innovative patch, powered solely by muscle movements, transforms these movements into electrical signals that are then translated into speech using a machine-learning algorithm.
Published in Nature Communications, the study unveils a small, flexible patch comprised of five layers. Equipped with tiny magnets embedded in the middle layer, the patch reacts to muscle movement in the throat. These magnetic shifts generate electrical signals, which are decoded into speech by the algorithm.
Participants in the study trained the algorithm by repeating short phrases while wearing the patch, allowing the system to learn the correlation between specific movements and spoken words. Remarkably, the algorithm achieved 95% accuracy in translating signals into speech during tests, even while participants were engaged in activities like walking or running.
What sets this technology apart is its convenience and non-invasiveness. Unlike current treatments for severe voice issues, such as handheld devices, the self-powered patch eliminates the need for batteries and offers a comfortable, long-lasting solution. With nearly one-third of individuals experiencing voice disorders during their lifetime, this innovation has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for many.
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