TEETH may soon be able to function as ears for hearing-impaired persons, thanks to a new device capable of transmitting sound vibrations through the jaw bone to the inner aural nerves. Developed by Meng Shengde, a resident of Xi’an, the capital of China’s Shaanxi Province, the device will enable the teeth to “hear” sounds emitted by TV sets, CD players, computers, mobile phones and many other audio devices. “Deafness results from the destruction of the cochlea, which is vital to transmit voice vibrations to the inner aural nerves. The new device can pass voice vibrations through the jaw bone to the inner aural nerves,” said Meng, 57, a former teacher who spent more than 15 years developing the device.The device is about 5 centimeters long, the size of a cigarette holder. With one end held between the teeth and the other connected to audio devices, it enables people to “hear.”Meng claims that more than 100 hearing-impaired people have tried the device following a local media report in April. His success has been a long journey, however. Obsessed with electronic devices since childhood, Meng quit his job as a teacher in the mid-1980s and set up shop to repair household appliances. In 1987, he decided to devote himself entirely to studying inner sensors for hearing-impaired people.His obsession plunged the family into debt to the tune of more than 400,000 yuan (US$48,192) and almost caused his wife to divorce him. She came to understand his passion and used her monthly income of 400 yuan (US$48.19), from a local newspaper to support the family.The family’s hard work and sacrifice could change the lives of the over 18 million hearing-impaired people in China and many more around the world.Meng recently took out a state patent for his invention.(Xinhua)