Simulating auditory and visual sensorineural prostheses: a comparative review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology
• Signal Processing
• Psychophysics

Background:

• Microelectronic vision prostheses aim to restore spatial vision in blind individuals by creating phosphenes via electrode arrays.
• While analogous to cochlear implants, vision prostheses and cochlear implants are rarely compared, hindering scientific and engineering advancements.
• Psychophysics and signal processing are crucial for understanding and optimizing vision prosthesis efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare psychophysical and signal processing research for cochlear implants and microelectronic vision prostheses.
• To inform the science and engineering of vision prostheses by drawing parallels with established cochlear implant research.
• To predict the clinical efficacy of vision prostheses based on psychophysical simulation data.

Main Methods:

• Review of psychophysical studies on cochlear implants using acoustic simulations with normally hearing subjects.
• Analysis of psychophysical simulations involving normal observers viewing stimuli mimicking microelectronic vision prostheses.
• Examination of signal processing strategies for both auditory and visual prostheses.

Main Results:

• Cochlear implant simulations highlight the importance of understanding 'artificial' perception in noisy conditions.
• Vision prosthesis simulations predict that approximately 100 electrodes could enable mobility and complex visual recognition.
• Fewer electrodes in vision prostheses may suffice for reading and simple visuomanual tasks.

Conclusions:

• Comparative analysis of cochlear implant and vision prosthesis research offers valuable insights for developing effective artificial vision.
• Psychophysical simulations are vital for predicting prosthesis performance and guiding electrode number and signal processing strategies.
• Further research into artificial perception and signal processing is needed to optimize vision prosthesis functionality.