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Seeing with sounds

Jessie WingardMarch 6, 2016

For many blind and vision impaired people, getting around in public spaces can be a challenge. Human echolocation allows people with limited or no sight to sense what is around them through the reverberation of sound.

https://p.dw.com/p/1I78i
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Image: Colourbox/Korionov Igor

Through tongue-clicking, finger snapping or tapping their canes, blind and vision impaired people are able to navigate their way around unfamiliar spaces using echolocation - something that whales, dolphins and bats also use.

Researcher Dr. Lore Thaler sat down with Spectrum's Jessie Wingard to discuss the ins and outs of seeing with sound.

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Listen to this week's edition of Spectrum

Listen to this week's edition of Spectrum

We explore how people with little or no sight are using sound to see, then head to a cutting-edge university in Germany where vision impaired students are being given the opportunity to study science subjects. While in the Czech Republic, a unique map in Braille is helping blind and vision impaired people get around with ease. And, we feast our eyes on some innovative new eyewear!
ScienceMarch 4, 201629:59 min