To use the device, the patients would have to unplug their headphones, plug their MP3 player into the device, and then plug the headphones into the device, which allows them to listen to the music without the sound of drill and suction equipment.
The prototype device uses a microphone and a chip which analyses the incoming sound wave, and the device generates an inverted wave to cancel out the noise.
In addition, it also uses a technology known as ‘adaptive filtering’ where electronic filters lock onto the sound waves and eliminates them, even if the amplitude and frequency change as the drill is being used.
Researchers are seeking investors to further develop and commercialise the prototype device.
