A binaural sensory aid for research with blind children is described along with the rationale for its design features. The basic operation of this form of aid is described in detail with particular reference to those features that control the sensing parameters of range, direction and field of view. A novel automatic level controller which ensures that device sounds remain audible but not excessively loud, in spite of changes in background noise levels, is also described. The likely future development of these forms of sonic aids is discussed.
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