Sensory neural interfaces are designed to detect, transduce and deliver one or more sensory inputs. Generally, these devices operate through electrical stimulation of the user’s nervous system–-examples include retinal implants for visual sensation and cochlear implants to restore hearing–-although literature demonstrates several sensory input strategies that use alternatives to electrical stimulation. These interfaces range from non-invasive wearables to surgically implanted devices, and demonstrate varying efficacies in signal resolution, biostability, and fidelity of the intended sensation. The complexities of human sensation and inconsistencies in device performance ultimately limit the effectiveness of current sensorineural interfaces in improving clinical outcomes at scale; for invasive interfaces in particular, the cost and risk of surgical implantation often outweigh the potential degree of sensory function gained. Currently, no sensorineural interface exists that can recreate sensation to the degree of an able-bodied counterpart.
At the same time, researchers and clinicians around the world seek to address these complex challenges by advancing current technologies–-for example, increasing the number of active channels in cochlear implants to enable more precise tonotopic stimulation–-or by developing new methods for sensory input. However, the ability to regain independence or significantly improve quality of life may not be dependent on absolute sensory fidelity. For these neural interface developments to achieve practical viability in the greater patient population, it is critical that researchers use clinical observations & outcomes of existing sensory input strategies as a guide for their early-stage work. Direct consideration of patient-reported needs and experiences would better position future sensory neural interfaces to make a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.
The goal of this Research Topic is to connect clinical and investigative perspectives in restoring sensory input, to provide a more complete picture of the sensorineural interface field and its potential for scalably improving patient outcomes. Reviews, original research articles, and clinical reports & assessments are all eligible manuscript submissions.
Areas covered by this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Clinical outcomes and assessments of current sensory input devices
- Benefits, disadvantages, limitations of sensory neural interfaces
- Patient-centered experiences with sensorineural devices, including activities of daily living, quality of life, or similar metrics
- Longitudinal evaluations and analyses of sensory neural interface performance
- Prospective benchmarks or standards for evaluating the clinical utility of early-stage neural interfaces
- Current achievements, milestones, and/or “state of the art” strategies for restoring sensory input
- Present or ongoing cellular/animal studies of sensory neural interface strategies
- Perspectives on neural interface development
- Studies of sensory perception & integration
Sensory neural interfaces are designed to detect, transduce and deliver one or more sensory inputs. Generally, these devices operate through electrical stimulation of the user’s nervous system–-examples include retinal implants for visual sensation and cochlear implants to restore hearing–-although literature demonstrates several sensory input strategies that use alternatives to electrical stimulation. These interfaces range from non-invasive wearables to surgically implanted devices, and demonstrate varying efficacies in signal resolution, biostability, and fidelity of the intended sensation. The complexities of human sensation and inconsistencies in device performance ultimately limit the effectiveness of current sensorineural interfaces in improving clinical outcomes at scale; for invasive interfaces in particular, the cost and risk of surgical implantation often outweigh the potential degree of sensory function gained. Currently, no sensorineural interface exists that can recreate sensation to the degree of an able-bodied counterpart.
At the same time, researchers and clinicians around the world seek to address these complex challenges by advancing current technologies–-for example, increasing the number of active channels in cochlear implants to enable more precise tonotopic stimulation–-or by developing new methods for sensory input. However, the ability to regain independence or significantly improve quality of life may not be dependent on absolute sensory fidelity. For these neural interface developments to achieve practical viability in the greater patient population, it is critical that researchers use clinical observations & outcomes of existing sensory input strategies as a guide for their early-stage work. Direct consideration of patient-reported needs and experiences would better position future sensory neural interfaces to make a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.
The goal of this Research Topic is to connect clinical and investigative perspectives in restoring sensory input, to provide a more complete picture of the sensorineural interface field and its potential for scalably improving patient outcomes. Reviews, original research articles, and clinical reports & assessments are all eligible manuscript submissions.
Areas covered by this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Clinical outcomes and assessments of current sensory input devices
- Benefits, disadvantages, limitations of sensory neural interfaces
- Patient-centered experiences with sensorineural devices, including activities of daily living, quality of life, or similar metrics
- Longitudinal evaluations and analyses of sensory neural interface performance
- Prospective benchmarks or standards for evaluating the clinical utility of early-stage neural interfaces
- Current achievements, milestones, and/or “state of the art” strategies for restoring sensory input
- Present or ongoing cellular/animal studies of sensory neural interface strategies
- Perspectives on neural interface development
- Studies of sensory perception & integration
