FDA Approves BrainPort V100: How Device Helps The Blind 'See' Through The Tongue

Last Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration approved a device that helps blind people see with their tongues.

The device called BrainPort V100 is made by Wisconsin-based company Wicab Inc. The device is designed to assist blind people in seeing by providing visual images through the mouth — specifically the tongue. The battery-operated gadget is made up of a pair of sunglasses mounted with a tiny video camera and comes attached with a mouthpiece with almost 400 electrodes, according to Tech Times.

In order for blind users to "see," all they need to do is put the mouthpiece on their tongue while the camera converts the images to electrical stimuli that emits bubble patterns or stimulation on their tongue. The users can interpret these sensations to "see" the size, shape, movement or direction of the object.

"People are able to learn to interpret these patterns of bubbles or stimulation on their tongue to know what object is in front of them," said Robert Beckman, CEO of Wicab Inc., via Science World Report. He added that users will need to learn the technology and practice using it; similar to learning a new language. For the 250,000 blind American who have been cleared to use it, the BrainPort V100 will cost about $10,000.

The Washington Post reported that 70 percent of the 74 subjects who tested the gadget were able to successfully identify objects. Some have reported burning sensations, stinging and metallic taste but otherwise there were no serious side effects.

Wicab explained that rather than replace, the new gadget can go hand in hand with other means or approach to assist blind people such as sticks and guide dogs. First time users of the gadget can allegedly walk around an oval track and stay within the white lines without any help. With more device training, the blind can read short words, walk along hallways and tell the difference between two objects, according to Mashable.

"Medical device innovations like this have the potential to help millions of people," said William Maisel, director for science and scientist at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in a press release. "It is important we continue advancing device technology to help blind Americans live better, more independent lives."

The technology for the gadget has been in the works for decades and was first managed by Paul Bach-y-Rita, a neuroscientist and pioneer in the field of neuroplasticity. The BrainPort V100 was approved in Europe in 2013 and marketed in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Sweden.