Wearable Echolocation Device for Visual Impairment

Overseen By Stacy M Schreiber Lopez, AA BS MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Must not be taking: Dizziness medications

Disqualifiers: Gait problems, Hearing impairment, Vertigo, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new wearable echolocation device designed to help people with visual impairments navigate safely. The device emits sound to alert users to nearby obstacles, increasing in volume as they approach. Participants will first walk a path with obstacles while simulating low vision, then repeat the path using the device. The study seeks healthy adults with normal vision who can walk independently. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could greatly enhance the independence of individuals with visual impairments.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes people taking medications that may cause dizziness or weakness.

What prior data suggests that this wearable echolocation device is safe for individuals with visual impairment?

Research shows that wearable echolocation devices are generally safe and easy to use. Early studies on similar devices have shown good results, with no major safety issues reported. These devices assist people with visual impairments by emitting sounds to alert them to obstacles, enabling safe movement. Although direct safety data is limited, their presence in clinical trials indicates some safety in earlier testing. Participants in these trials typically feel comfortable using the devices, and no serious side effects are known. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Wearable Echolocation Device because it offers a novel way to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating their environment. Unlike traditional tools like canes or guide dogs, which provide physical guidance, this device uses echolocation to help users "see" obstacles by emitting sound waves and interpreting the echoes that bounce back. This method is non-invasive and can be used hands-free, potentially enhancing the independence and mobility of users. Additionally, the device can be used in combination with other low-vision aids, offering a complementary approach to existing solutions.

What evidence suggests that this wearable echolocation device is effective for visual impairment?

Research has shown that wearable devices using echolocation can help people with vision impairments move more safely. In this trial, participants will be divided into two groups to test the effectiveness of the Wearable Echolocation Device. Group 1 will navigate a pathway with obstacles while wearing a low-vision simulator, both with and without the device. Group 2 will perform the same tasks in reverse order, starting with the device. Tests with people who are visually impaired or blind have demonstrated that these devices work well. The device emits sounds that change as users approach obstacles, aiding in their avoidance. While some people naturally use echolocation to understand their surroundings, this device simplifies the process with minimal training. Overall, the device has proven to be a helpful tool for safe and independent movement. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Praveena M Gupta, PhD OD FAAO

Principal Investigator

University of Texas

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with normal vision, either naturally or corrected. It's designed to test a new device that helps people navigate when they can't see well. Participants will simulate having impaired vision and try walking around obstacles with and without the device.

Inclusion Criteria

Subject has provided informed consent in a manner approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is willing and able to comply with the trial procedures

I am between 18 and 100 years old.

I am in good health, can do daily activities on my own, and can walk without help.

Exclusion Criteria

Hearing impairment

Pregnant individuals

Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the subject at increased risk for participation

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training and Testing

Participants undergo training and testing with the low-vision simulator and the Wearable Echolocation Device to navigate a pathway with obstacles.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in gait metrics and experience with the echolocation device.

Same day as training

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Wearable Echolocation Device

Trial Overview The study is testing a wearable echolocation device that emits tones to warn of nearby obstacles. The intensity of the tone increases as users get closer to objects, helping them navigate paths filled with random obstacles.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Group 1 - Wearing a Low-Vision Simulator without the Wearable Echolocation Device Active Control 1 Intervention

The participant will be wearing a low-vision simulator and navigating a pathway randomly populated with obstacles. They will then perform the same trial, wearing the low vision simulator, navigating the same pathway with obstacles randomly rearranged; however, the participants will use the Wearable Echolocation Device to assist with navigation.

Group II: Group 2- Wearing a Low-Vision Simulator with the Wearable Echolocation Device Active Control 1 Intervention

The participants will be wearing the low-vision simulator and the wearable echolocation Device for the first test to assist with navigating the pathway randomly populated with obstacles. The participant will then perform the same test, wearing the low-vision simulator without the Wearable Echolocation Device, navigating the same pathway with randomly rearranged obstacles.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

263

Recruited

55,400+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07218991

Wearable Echolocation Aids Using Parametric Sound The objective of this study is to study a novel device designed to aid patients with impaired vision to safely navigate their environment.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11758516/

The development of a wearable goggle echolocation ... The echolocation device was tested by ten enrolled people that are visually impaired or blind who validated its effectiveness and efficiency.

3. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/325460/wearable-echolocation-aids-using-parametric-sound/

Wearable Echolocation Aids Using Parametric Sound The objective of this project is to study visually impaired individuals' ability to develop echolocation skills using simple, wearable, ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/388348686_The_development_of_a_wearable_goggle_echolocation_device_to_support_people_who_are_visually_impaired_with_unhindered_and_unaided_movement

(PDF) The development of a wearable goggle echolocation ... The echolocation device was tested by ten enrolled people that are visually impaired or blind who validated its effectiveness and efficiency.

5. scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstreams/3533db85-e587-48f2-8b68-fd22c95004b3/download

Echolocation-based Smartphone Assistive Applications in ... Some people use natural echolocation for spatial perception, though only 20-30% use it effectively due to extensive training requirements, making it effective ...

6. ski.org ski.org/center/rehabilitation-engineering-research-center/

Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center Overview of Robin, a wearable echolocation device designed to aid navigation and perception for people ... visual impairment, including low vision and blindness.

7. dl.acm.org dl.acm.org/doi/full/10.1145/3733155.3734895

A Survey on Assistive Technologies for Visually Impaired ... Wearable devices present promising results to assist the VI individual, especially in the indoor environment. Figure 2 a shows the Sunu band, ...