Sonomax Technologies expands offerings to medical research field
TSX.V:SHH
PRODUCTS CHOSEN TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN BRAMS RESEARCHERS INVESTIGATING EXPERIENCE-DEPENDENT BRAIN PLASTICITY IN HUMANS
MONTREAL, April 7 /CNW Telbec/ - Sonomax Technologies Inc. (SHH:TSX Venture) has been selected by Montréal's International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS) to provide miniaturized, real-time, in-ear, digital signal processing devices (DSP) to investigate experience-dependent brain plasticity in humans.
BRAMS is jointly affiliated with the Université de Montréal (UdeM) and McGill University's Montréal Neurological Institute and the research is supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
"Sonomax's digital earplugs allow us to change a person's sound perception, in real time, and to simulate different hearing problems, in and outside of the laboratory," said Dr. Marc Schönwiesner, UdeM Professor and principal investigator with BRAMS and a specialist in high-resolution brain imaging of the hearing system.
Various time and frequency manipulations are performed on the signal pick-up by the microphone and transmitted to the subject's ear by the receiver, while monitoring changes in brain function and perception with neuroimaging techniques and behavioral tests.
"Sonomax's technology enables us to conduct tests in a real-world environment, because the devices are wearable, thus giving us experimental control outside of the laboratory," said Dr. Schönwiesner.
The technology along with Dr. Schönwiesner's research allows the team to modify a test participant's sound perception over several weeks, for instance by filtering out certain frequencies and change the directions of incoming sounds.
Although the five-year study is in the preliminary stage and its applications in future technology still premature, Dr. Schönwiesner hopes that the results will lead to new insights into human sound perception and brain plasticity, as well as improved signal processing methods to enhance a listener's auditory experience.
"The application of Sonomax's in-ear technology demonstrates the versatility of the platform," said Nick Laperle, President & CEO Sonomax Technologies Inc. The sale to BRAMS was for $125,000 for Sonomax.
"By providing our products to a world-class research institution such as BRAMS, we can only benefit from some of the results that Dr. Schönwiesner will produce in the future as we continue to develop and enhance our leading edge in-ear products, Mr. Laperle added.
The content of the findings are available in the proceedings of the conference as part of the Canadian Acoustics journal under: Marc Schönwiesner, Jérémie Voix, and Philippe Pango. "Digital earplug for brain plasticity research". Canadian Acoustics, Canadian Acoustical Association, Toronto, ON, Vol. 37 (No. 3), 2009.
About BRAMS
BRAMS (International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research) is a University of Montreal and McGill University think tank dedicated to the study of music and sound cognition with a focus on neuroscience. BRAMS is home to 25 internationally renowned experts in the perception of music and speech, in memory, emotion, musical performance, and brain imaging. Thanks to a 14 million dollars grant from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, BRAMS houses some of the best infrastructure worldwide for experimental approaches to the neuroscience of auditory cognition. (www.brams.org)
About the Université de Montréal
Rooted in Montreal and international in its vocation, the Université de Montréal is one of the largest French-speaking universities in the world. Founded in 1878, the Université de Montréal includes 13 faculties and two professional schools. With its affiliated schools, HEC Montréal and École Polytechnique, the Université de Montréal is the leading centre for higher learning and research in Québec and one of the most important in North America. The Université de Montréal brings together some 2,500 teachers and researchers and is home to over 60,000 students. To learn more about the Université de Montréal :www.umontreal.ca/english
About the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital
The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital - The Neuro is a unique academic medical centre dedicated to neuroscience. The Neuro is a research and teaching institute of McGill University and forms the basis for the Neuroscience Mission of the McGill University Health Centre. Founded in 1934 by the renowned Dr. Wilder Penfield, The Neuro is recognized internationally for integrating research, compassionate patient care and advanced training, all key to advances in science and medicine. Neuro researchers are world leaders in cellular and molecular neuroscience, brain imaging, cognitive neuroscience and the study and treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders. For more information, please visit www.mni.mcgill.ca.
About Sonomax Technologies
Sonomax is a leader in the research, development and licensing of in-ear technologies. With over 50 patents worldwide, Sonomax pioneering innovation includes instant custom-fitting earpieces that deliver the most comfortable, protective and sound-enhancing experience in the world, as well as software driven solutions for validating earpiece performance. The latest V4 Self-Fit(TM) System offers our manufacturer and aftermarket clients a broader range of opportunities in customized earpieces for personal entertainment, mobile communication and Bluetooth(TM) headsets. The technology also extends to applications for self-fit earplugs for hearing protection and communication in the industrial and military market sectors. (www.sonomax.com)
This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. This forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Sonomax Technologies Inc. ("Sonomax"). Actual results or achievements may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Sonomax will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to whether the proposed plan of arrangement with Benvest New Look Income Fund will be completed. Forward-looking information is based on the estimates and opinions of Sonomax's management at the time the information is released and Sonomax does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
%SEDAR: 00013736EF
For further information: Nick Laperle, President & CEO, Sonomax, [email protected], M. (514) 889-7674
Share this article