Sensory substitution: closing the gap between basic research and widespread practical visual rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sensory Rehabilitation
• Brain Plasticity

Background:

• Sensory substitution devices (SSDs) have advanced significantly since their inception for visual rehabilitation.
• Current applications of SSDs are primarily limited to controlled experimental settings, hindering practical use.
• Understanding of neural mechanisms for visual restoration has evolved, influenced by SSD research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the potential of SSDs for practical visual rehabilitation.
• To highlight recent advancements in SSD technology and behavioral outcomes.
• To propose a renewed focus on translating SSD research into clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of experimental results from sensory substitution device (SSD) studies.
• Analysis of converging evidence on neural mechanisms of visual restoration.
• Assessment of recent technological and behavioral achievements with SSDs.

Main Results:

• SSDs have yielded significant experimental findings and advanced brain function understanding.
• Evidence suggests the brain's remarkable flexibility, with regions adapting to new sensory inputs for visual tasks.
• Promising behavioral outcomes and technological progress indicate a shift in SSD potential.

Conclusions:

• The brain's plasticity supports the use of non-visual senses for visual restoration via SSDs.
• Recent advancements warrant a renewed focus on practical visual rehabilitation using SSDs.
• Key steps, including training protocols and self-training tools, are crucial for clinical implementation.