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This man can hear Wi-Fi

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Science writer Frank Swain, 32, was diagnosed with early onset of hearing loss when he was in his 20s

When given his first pair of hearing aids in 2012, Frank was inspired to hack it.    

Two years later, Frank now 'hears' Wi-Fi when he walks.

Thanks to a grant from UK innovation charity Nesta and a collaboration with sound artist Daniel Jones, the 32-year-old has produced a tool that makes Wi-Fi audible.

Signals into sound

The technology, Phantom Terrains, works on iPhone and can detect nearby signals, converting them into a unique sonic tune.

"This audio is then streamed wirelessly over a Bluetooth connection to a pair of Starkey Halo hearing aids," Frank told The Independent.

"These hearing aids are designed so that audio sent by Bluetooth can be blended with the normal output of the devices.

"In effect, I hear the Wi-Fi sound mixed into my normal hearing."

Positive

Through his project, Frank said he has learnt to look at the positives towards hearing loss.

"I don't feel like I've lost something any more, instead I feel like I've gained something." 

Source: The Independent, Metro 

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