Group results with and without hearing aids. These scores are represented in words per minute. The highest scores are obtained with the cochlear implant but some improvement over time is evident in the Tactilator condition, going from 19 words per minute to 25 words per minute. This is the only condition where the subject demonstrated improvement. Summary The Tactilator appears to enhance the speechreading abilities of profoundly deafened individuals.
Specific training is necessary to achieve optimal use of the device.
Further research should be conducted on a larger group to investigate the full potential of the Tactilator and to confirm the results presented here. Specific questions that should be explored include placement of the vibrators and additional comparisons to other tactile devices. Abstract This paper describes a preliminary investigation into the efficacy of the Tactilator, a vibrotactile device designed by Audiological Engineering, as a supplement to audition and speechreading. Five children and one adult were administered speech perception tests then trained in the use of the Tactilator for a six month period. The tests were administered again following the training period.