'Loa' helps the deaf hear the music

Scientists have invented a device that helps deaf people "hear" the music through vibration, 200 years after the technique was used by composer Beethoven when he lost hearing.

When the listener puts their five fingers on the " Vibrato " device, they can feel different instruments, rhythms and notes. When connected to a computer, the device can also help the deaf to compose music.

This is the invention of graduate student Shane Kerwin from the University of Brunei. He built a prototype device that he hoped would help deaf children to take part in music classes.

"The Vibrato will help deaf children take part in music courses that were previously unimaginable," said Kerwin. "I hope that Vibrato will help us bring in impaired students. Hearing is involved in the education of music and allows schools to encourage hearing-impaired children to receive music like other students. "

The idea of listening to music through oscillations has been around for a long time. The genius composer Ludwig van Beethoven was completely deaf in 1818, however he continued to compose music for the next 10 years. He had to cut off the piano leg and sit down on the floor playing music to feel the vibrations better.

And Paul Wittaker, Artistic Director at the British Charity Music and Deaf Fund, said many deaf people have the ability to feel the music, but there are many technologies that do not suit them. "Due to the lack of sensibility, the deaf person does not easily understand the sounds produced, so the Vibrator will really be a welcome medium."