San Francisco, CA – A team of scientists has developed a revolutionary brain-computer interface (BCI) capable of converting brain signals into audible speech in near real-time—offering a hopeful path to communication for individuals with severe paralysis, especially those who have lost the ability to speak due to stroke or other traumatic brain injury.
How Does the New Technology Work?
Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the project was led by Dr. Edward F. Chang (UCSF) and Dr. Gopala Anumanchipalli (UC Berkeley). Researchers implanted a matrix of electrodes over the brain’s speech center in a 47-year-old woman who had been unable to speak for 18 years following a stroke.
Using artificial intelligence and deep learning, the system achieved:
- Real-time decoding of up to 90 words per minute
- Reproduction of the patient’s original voice using pre-recorded data
- Translation of brain signals into speech in under 80 milliseconds—matching natural human fluency
- Recognition of new words and untrained phrases for seamless, unrestricted conversation
Traumatic Brain Injury and Speech Loss: The Silent Impact
Brain injuries can severely affect the ability to speak, even when cognitive abilities remain intact. The emotional and social isolation caused by the bythe loss of speech can be overwhelming:
- Inability to express basic needs or emotions
- Total dependence on caregivers or family members
- Higher risk of anxiety, depression, and loss of self-esteem
This technology offers renewed hope to thousands of people who live in silence despite having vibrant thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
The Future of Human Communication with AI
Researchers plan to expand the study and enhance the system further by:
- Adding tonal, volume, and emotional variations
- Making the technology more portable and accessible
- Personalizing systems to reflect each patient’s natural voice
Dr. Anumanchipalli stated:
“We’re bringing the speed and naturalness of Alexa or Siri to people who’ve lost their voice.”
Dr. Chang added:
“This technology has immense potential to improve the quality of life for those with severe paralysis.”
How Can the Brain Injury Help Center Assist You?
At the Brain Injury Help Center (BIHC), we support individuals with traumatic brain injuries throughout their journey, —from diagnosis and rehabilitation to exploring advanced treatments and legal advocacy.
✔️ Specialized medical evaluations in speech and cognitive function
✔️ Legal guidance for patients who lost speech due to medical negligence, accidents, or trauma
✔️ Connection to innovative rehab programs and assistive technologies
📞 If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury and lost the ability to speak, contact us today for a free consultation. Your voice deserves to be heard.
