Low VisionNCT07218991
Wearable Echolocation Aids Using Parametric Sound
A study testing Wearable Echolocation Device in people with Low Vision, run by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
The objective of this study is to study a novel device designed to aid patients with impaired vision to safely navigate their environment. Subjects for this study will be individuals with normal vision, either with or without correction. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 100 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Low Vision
- What is being tested?
- Wearable Echolocation Device
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 25 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 21 Feb 2025to 9 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 100 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Subject has provided informed consent in a manner approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is willing and able to comply with the trial procedures.
- Adults at least 18 years of age and no older than 100 years of age at the time of consent.
- Individuals in good health who can perform daily activities without assistance and can walk independently.
- Normal vision (with or without corrective lenses) if there is no uncorrectable visual impairment.
Who cannot join
- History of gait problems.
- Foot or leg impairments.
- Hearing impairment.
- Vertigo or other balance problems.
- Pregnant individuals.
- Any medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the subject at increased risk for participation.
Show all 14Show fewer
- Medications that may cause dizziness or weakness.
- Concurrent participation on another research study.
- Use of an investigational agent in the 30 days prior to signing informed consent.
- History of prior non-compliance.
- Presence or history of psychiatric condition (including anxiety, psychosis, drug, or alcohol addiction) that would, in the opinion of the investigator, make it difficult for the subject to comply with the study procedures or follow the investigators instructions.
- Non-English-speaking individuals.
- Individuals from special or vulnerable populations (i.e., adults unable to consent, minors, incarcerated individuals).
- Body weight greater than 700 pounds.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas, 77555
About this study
The objective of this study is to study a novel device designed to aid patients with impaired vision to safely navigate their environment. Subjects for this study will be individuals with normal vision, either with or without correction. The subjects will wear a device to simulate impaired vision and will be asked to walk a path with randomly placed obstacles during two trials. One of the trials will consist of the subject wearing the simulator alone. The other trial will consist of the subject wearing the simulator and the study device. The study device is designed to be worn by the study subject and will emit tones to indicate obstacles in the environment as the subject walks on the path with random obstacles. The tones will indicate that there is an obstacle in the individual's path and will increase in intensity as the subject moves closer to the object.Invest
Read the detailed description
The objective of this project is to study visually impaired individuals' ability to develop echolocation skills using simple, wearable, echolocation devices that will not be cost prohibitive to most Americans and that would allow for greater availability to the visually impaired community. These echolocation devices emit parametric sound, a directional beam of ultrasound waves that interact with sound waves and surrounding objects, through goggles, watches, lanyards or even walking canes. This allows the visually impaired individual to detect sound waves as they reflect off their surroundings and return to the patient's ears in unique patterns resembling their external environment. This device would enable individuals to create a raw mental image of their surroundings and any obstacles along their path.
The primary endpoint for this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of such echolocation devices as an adaptive low vision navigation aid on healthy subjects using low vision simulation goggles. Several metrics will be observed and recorded to measure how well echolocation technology addresses challenges associated with visual impairment and downstream factors. These metrics will include gait initiation, termination analysis via the Zeno-Walkway system, electromyography (EMG) of key muscles involved in gait termination, participant preference of echolocation wearable device modularity, and general survey questions.
The secondary study endpoint is to implement the use of echolocation technology among members of the blind or visually impaired population as a clinical aid and study the impact that this technology has on their quality of life and added downstream health implications longitudinally.
A final objective of this study is to seek feedback, not only on the use of any echolocation device to navigate but, to obtain feedback on subjects' experience with the specific study device, the Wearable Echolocation Device.
- Conditions
- Low Vision
- Being tested
- Wearable Echolocation Device
- Keywords
- low vision, visual impairment, blindness, blind, visual aid, visual rehabilitation, sensory compensation, echolocation, parametric sound, parametric sound technology, wearable echolocation device, echolocation technology, directional sound waves, echolocation headphones, assistive device, echolocation skills, ultrasound waves, sound waves, adaptive low vision navigation aid, low vision simulation goggles
- Medical subject headings
- Vision, Low, Vision Disorders, Blindness, Echolocation
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Wearable Echolocation DeviceDevice
The device features many parametric speakers housed in a plastic case. The parametric speakers emit directional sound waves that return to the source with varying wavelengths depending on the distance of the surrounding objects. The device is designed to be worn by the subject either using a lanyard on the subject's neck, or on the subject's wrist.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 - Wearing a Low-Vision Simulator without the Wearable Echolocation Device | No intervention | The participant will be wearing a low-vision simulator and navigating a pathway randomly populated with obstacles. They will then perform the same trial, wearing the low vision simulator, navigating the same pathway with obstacles randomly rearranged; however, the participants will use the Wearable Echolocation Device to assist with navigation. |
| Group 2- Wearing a Low-Vision Simulator with the Wearable Echolocation Device | Active comparator | The participants will be wearing the low-vision simulator and the wearable echolocation Device for the first test to assist with navigating the pathway randomly populated with obstacles. The participant will then perform the same test, wearing the low-vision simulator without the Wearable Echolocation Device, navigating the same pathway with randomly rearranged obstacles. Receives: Device: Wearable Echolocation Device |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Stride Length for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Stride length will be measured using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat connected to a PC that automates the measurement of spatial and temporal aspects of gait. The walkway's high-resolution sensors capture real-time data as participants walk across it. Each participant will walk on the instrumented mat for approximately 30 minutes, allowing for detailed analysis of stride length. Mean stride length (in meters) will be calculated from multiple trials to assess changes following implementation of echolocation technology.
Measured: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Change in Cadence for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Cadence (steps per minute) will be assessed using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat that captures real-time gait data. Participants will walk across the instrumented walkway for approximately 30 minutes. The system will automatically record and calculate the average number of steps per minute to evaluate changes in cadence following implementation of echolocation technology.
Measured: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Change in Walking Velocity for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Walking velocity will be measured using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat that captures spatial and temporal aspects of gait. Participants will walk across the walkway for approximately 30 minutes. The system will automatically calculate average walking velocity (in meters per second) based on distance and time. This outcome will be used to evaluate improvements in gait speed following implementation of echolocation technology.
Measured: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated using standard anthropometric measures of height and weight (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Measurements will be taken at each study visit to assess any change in BMI that may occur following implementation of echolocation technology.
Measured: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Oct 2025
- Study start21 Feb 2025
- Primary completion9 Oct 2025
- Study completion9 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (7)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Low VisionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Subjects will be divided into two groups who will both perform identical study activities, performing a trial with the study device and another without the study device, however, in a different order.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 25 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Praveena M Gupta, PhD OD FAAO, Principal investigator, University of Texas
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07218991
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 24-0032
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 24 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
GBD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators; Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Trends in prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Feb;9(2):e130-e143. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30425-3. Epub 2020 Dec 1.
PubMed 33275950Varadaraj V, Ehrlich JR, Swenor BK. Vision Impairment Has Implications for Aging and Health Outcomes, Beyond Ophthalmology. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 May 2;5(5):e2214610. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.14610. No abstract available.
PubMed 35608864Ong SR, Crowston JG, Loprinzi PD, Ramulu PY. Physical activity, visual impairment, and eye disease. Eye (Lond). 2018 Aug;32(8):1296-1303. doi: 10.1038/s41433-018-0081-8. Epub 2018 Apr 3.
PubMed 29610523Thaler L, Goodale MA. Echolocation in humans: an overview. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci. 2016 Nov;7(6):382-393. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1408. Epub 2016 Aug 19.
PubMed 27538733Swenor BK, Ehrlich JR. Ageing and vision loss: looking to the future. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Apr;9(4):e385-e386. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00031-0. Epub 2021 Feb 16. No abstract available.
PubMed 33607013Sohl-Dickstein J, Teng S, Gaub BM, Rodgers CC, Li C, DeWeese MR, Harper NS. A Device for Human Ultrasonic Echolocation. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2015 Jun;62(6):1526-1534. doi: 10.1109/TBME.2015.2393371. Epub 2015 Jan 16.
PubMed 25608301Norman LJ, Dodsworth C, Foresteire D, Thaler L. Human click-based echolocation: Effects of blindness and age, and real-life implications in a 10-week training program. PLoS One. 2021 Jun 2;16(6):e0252330. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252330. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34077457
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Wearable Echolocation Aids Using Parametric Sound
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07218991
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 24-0032
- Conditions
- Low Vision
- Keywords
- low vision, visual impairment, blindness, blind, visual aid, visual rehabilitation, sensory compensation, echolocation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 25 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, GalvestonUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 21 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 9 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 9 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The objective of this study is to study a novel device designed to aid patients with impaired vision to safely navigate their environment. Subjects for this study will be individuals with normal vision, either with or without correction. The subjects will wear a device to simulate impaired vision and will be asked to walk a path with randomly placed obstacles during two trials. One of the trials will consist of the subject wearing the simulator alone. The other trial will consist of the subject wearing the simulator and the study device. The study device is designed to be worn by the study subject and will emit tones to indicate obstacles in the environment as the subject walks on the path with random obstacles. The tones will indicate that there is an obstacle in the individual's path and will increase in intensity as the subject moves closer to the object.Invest
Detailed description
The objective of this project is to study visually impaired individuals' ability to develop echolocation skills using simple, wearable, echolocation devices that will not be cost prohibitive to most Americans and that would allow for greater availability to the visually impaired community. These echolocation devices emit parametric sound, a directional beam of ultrasound waves that interact with sound waves and surrounding objects, through goggles, watches, lanyards or even walking canes. This allows the visually impaired individual to detect sound waves as they reflect off their surroundings and return to the patient's ears in unique patterns resembling their external environment. This device would enable individuals to create a raw mental image of their surroundings and any obstacles along their path.
The primary endpoint for this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of such echolocation devices as an adaptive low vision navigation aid on healthy subjects using low vision simulation goggles. Several metrics will be observed and recorded to measure how well echolocation technology addresses challenges associated with visual impairment and downstream factors. These metrics will include gait initiation, termination analysis via the Zeno-Walkway system, electromyography (EMG) of key muscles involved in gait termination, participant preference of echolocation wearable device modularity, and general survey questions.
The secondary study endpoint is to implement the use of echolocation technology among members of the blind or visually impaired population as a clinical aid and study the impact that this technology has on their quality of life and added downstream health implications longitudinally.
A final objective of this study is to seek feedback, not only on the use of any echolocation device to navigate but, to obtain feedback on subjects' experience with the specific study device, the Wearable Echolocation Device.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Subjects will be divided into two groups who will both perform identical study activities, performing a trial with the study device and another without the study device, however, in a different order.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 - Wearing a Low-Vision Simulator without the Wearable Echolocation Device | No intervention | –The participant will be wearing a low-vision simulator and navigating a pathway randomly populated with obstacles. They will then perform the same trial, wearing the low vision simulator, navigating the same pathway with obstacles randomly rearranged; however, the participants will use the Wearable Echolocation Device to assist with navigation. |
| Group 2- Wearing a Low-Vision Simulator with the Wearable Echolocation Device | Active comparator | Device: Wearable Echolocation DeviceThe participants will be wearing the low-vision simulator and the wearable echolocation Device for the first test to assist with navigating the pathway randomly populated with obstacles. The participant will then perform the same test, wearing the low-vision simulator without the Wearable Echolocation Device, navigating the same pathway with randomly rearranged obstacles. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Subject has provided informed consent in a manner approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and is willing and able to comply with the trial procedures.
- Adults at least 18 years of age and no older than 100 years of age at the time of consent.
- Individuals in good health who can perform daily activities without assistance and can walk independently.
- Normal vision (with or without corrective lenses) if there is no uncorrectable visual impairment.
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- History of gait problems.
- Foot or leg impairments.
- Hearing impairment.
- Vertigo or other balance problems.
- Pregnant individuals.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Wearable Echolocation DeviceThe device features many parametric speakers housed in a plastic case. The parametric speakers emit directional sound waves that return to the source with varying wavelengths depending on the distance of the surrounding objects. The device is designed to be worn by the subject either using a lanyard on the subject's neck, or on the subject's wrist. | Device | Group 2- Wearing a Low-Vision Simulator with the Wearable Echolocation Device |
Primary outcome
Change in Stride Length for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Time frame: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Stride length will be measured using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat connected to a PC that automates the measurement of spatial and temporal aspects of gait. The walkway's high-resolution sensors capture real-time data as participants walk across it. Each participant will walk on the instrumented mat for approximately 30 minutes, allowing for detailed analysis of stride length. Mean stride length (in meters) will be calculated from multiple trials to assess changes following implementation of echolocation technology.
Change in Cadence for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Time frame: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Cadence (steps per minute) will be assessed using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat that captures real-time gait data. Participants will walk across the instrumented walkway for approximately 30 minutes. The system will automatically record and calculate the average number of steps per minute to evaluate changes in cadence following implementation of echolocation technology.
Change in Walking Velocity for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Time frame: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Walking velocity will be measured using the Zeno Walkway system, an electronic, pressure-sensitive mat that captures spatial and temporal aspects of gait. Participants will walk across the walkway for approximately 30 minutes. The system will automatically calculate average walking velocity (in meters per second) based on distance and time. This outcome will be used to evaluate improvements in gait speed following implementation of echolocation technology.
Change in Body Mass Index (BMI) for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology
Time frame: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)
Body Mass Index (BMI) will be calculated using standard anthropometric measures of height and weight (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared). Measurements will be taken at each study visit to assess any change in BMI that may occur following implementation of echolocation technology.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33275950GBD 2019 Blindness and Vision Impairment Collaborators; Vision Loss Expert Group of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Trends in prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Feb;9(2):e130-e143. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30425-3. Epub 2020 Dec 1.
- Background: PubMed 35608864Varadaraj V, Ehrlich JR, Swenor BK. Vision Impairment Has Implications for Aging and Health Outcomes, Beyond Ophthalmology. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 May 2;5(5):e2214610. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.14610. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 29610523Ong SR, Crowston JG, Loprinzi PD, Ramulu PY. Physical activity, visual impairment, and eye disease. Eye (Lond). 2018 Aug;32(8):1296-1303. doi: 10.1038/s41433-018-0081-8. Epub 2018 Apr 3.
- Background: PubMed 27538733Thaler L, Goodale MA. Echolocation in humans: an overview. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci. 2016 Nov;7(6):382-393. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1408. Epub 2016 Aug 19.
- Background: PubMed 33607013Swenor BK, Ehrlich JR. Ageing and vision loss: looking to the future. Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Apr;9(4):e385-e386. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00031-0. Epub 2021 Feb 16. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 25608301Sohl-Dickstein J, Teng S, Gaub BM, Rodgers CC, Li C, DeWeese MR, Harper NS. A Device for Human Ultrasonic Echolocation. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2015 Jun;62(6):1526-1534. doi: 10.1109/TBME.2015.2393371. Epub 2015 Jan 16.
- Background: PubMed 34077457Norman LJ, Dodsworth C, Foresteire D, Thaler L. Human click-based echolocation: Effects of blindness and age, and real-life implications in a 10-week training program. PLoS One. 2021 Jun 2;16(6):e0252330. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252330. eCollection 2021.
- Echolocation HeadphonesLink provided by the sponsor.
- Approaches to Reduce Vision Impairment and Promote Eye HealthLink provided by the sponsor.
- Echolocation HeadphonesLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Praveena M Gupta, PhD OD FAAO principal investigator
University of Texas
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Wearable Echolocation Device in people with Low Vision, run by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Stride Length for Visually Impaired Individuals with Implementation of Echolocation Technology (time frame: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (same 30 minute session)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07218991, which also lists 7 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Sep 2026.