Vibrating vests translate classical music for deaf concertgoers

At a recent classical concert at Manhattan’s Lincoln Center, audience members had the chance to try on the wireless vests, featuring 24 points of vibration translating the music onstage. Photo: AFP

The violins reverberate in the ribcage, while cello and bass are felt a little further down, with horns in the shoulders and, more often than not, soloists in the wrists.

That’s one way audio expert Patrick Hanlon programmes haptic suits, designed to enable concertgoers who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience orchestral music, as initiatives to improve inclusivity at live music performances break new ground.