Computational modelling of perceptual information accumulation in blind individuals

The National Eye Institute awarded The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute $152,240 on May 8, 2026, under the Vision Research program (CFDA 93.867) to develop a computational model of echoacoustic information accumulation in blind individuals proficient in echolocation.

The project investigates how blind individuals process and accumulate auditory information through echolocation by comparing their behavioral performance and brain activity with sighted controls. The research employs behavioral tasks requiring participants to locate and identify objects using auditory clicks in a controlled environment, paired with EEG recordings to capture neural activity. Participants comprise two groups: blind individuals skilled in echolocation and sighted individuals naive to echolocation. The work incorporates development and training of a dynamic neural network to simulate sensory information accumulation over time, with the model validated against collected behavioral and neuroimaging data to map the relationship between neural processes and performance. The findings are intended to inform development of echolocation training programs and other sensory substitution techniques and to advance understanding of neural plasticity in response to vision loss.

Performance occurs in California. The period of performance runs through January 15, 2029.

Abstract

This project aims to investigate the process and mechanisms of echoacoustic information accumulation in blind individuals by comparing their behavioral performance and brain activity with that of sighted controls, and a consequent creation and training of a dynamic computational model. Echolocation, a skill that allows blind individuals to navigate their environment using auditory cues, presents a unique opportunity to study neuroplasticity and sensory substitution. The study will employ behavioral tasks and EEG recordings to examine how auditory information is processed and accumulated in the brain, focusing on the temporal dynamics and neural correlates of this ability. Participants will be separated into two groups: a test group of blind individuals proficient in echolocation and a control group of sighted people naïve to echolocation skills. Behavioral tasks will involve locating and identifying objects using auditory clicks in a controlled environment, while EEG will be used to record brain activity during these tasks. The study will also incorporate computational modeling, including a dynamic neural network to simulate the accumulation of sensory information over time. This model will be trained on and validated against the collected data to understand how neural processes correspond to behavioral performance. The research will address key questions about how the brain adapts to the loss of vision by enhancing other senses, specifically auditory processing. By comparing the performance and neural activity of blind and sighted individuals in a dynamic system, the study aims to uncover differences in sensory processing strategies and the underlying neural circuitry. The findings could have broad implications for the development of training programs for echolocation and other sensory substitution techniques, as well as for our understanding of neural plasticity in general. The study is designed to minimize risks to participants, with appropriate protections in place for recruitment, informed consent, and data confidentiality. The expected outcomes include a detailed characterization of the neural mechanisms of echolocation, insights into the temporal dynamics of echoacoustic sensory processing, and a validated computational model that can predict neural responses based on behavioral performance. This research has the potential to advance the field of sensory neuroscience and contribute to the development of assistive technologies for the blind community.