Concertgoers in New York wear haptic suits, which translate music into vibrations on the body, created for the deaf community (AFP)

Audio expert Patrick Hanlon, in collaboration with Music: Not Impossible, has created haptic suits to enrich the concert experience for those with hearing impairments. These wireless vests contain 24 vibration points that allow users to feel the music throughout their bodies, providing a three-dimensional surround experience.

Unlike previous methods like touching speakers or using balloons to sense vibrations, the haptic suits offer a complete sensory encounter that can evoke the emotional essence of the music. The primary objective is to foster inclusivity and accessibility in live music performances.

At a recent classical concert held at Manhattan's Lincoln Center, the haptic suits were featured, providing attendees with an immersive and captivating musical journey. Composer Jay Zimmerman, who lost his hearing in the September 11 attacks, expressed optimism about the technology's potential to help deaf children develop auditory memories through diverse sensations.

Lincoln Center and Music: Not Impossible have collaborated since 2021, incorporating the vests into orchestra shows and outdoor silent disco events.

The haptic suits displayed promising results during initial testing, as singer Mandy Harvey, who is deaf, was able to match the music's sound based on the vibrations she felt.

The technology is versatile, with audio experts being able to customize the vibration points to suit the ambiance of different shows, spanning various music genres from rock to disco.

The ultimate aspiration is for users to experience the exquisite beauty of a soft violin note and the comical impact of a trombone blast through these suits. The goal is to continually enhance and expand the technology to create more profound and meaningful concert experiences for all attendees, regardless of their hearing capabilities.