We tested auditory spatial motion localization in congenitally hearing impaired adult users of bilateral cochlear implants, and other hearing assistive devices. The group showed severely impaired capabilities despite extensive device use, emphasizing the role of nature in sensory development. We then investigate whether the deficit is maintained for other sensory modalities, by using an in-house sensory substitution device that provides weighted vibrotactile cues on fingertips to induce 3D spatial motion perception. The performance was significantly higher, both in the combined audio-tactile task and the tactile task itself, with accuracy comparable to typically hearing subjects. With touch, we also showed considerably fewer front-back and right-left confusions. The rapid audio-tactile binding and availability of 3D space representation through touch, point to the significant role of nurture in spatial perception development and its amodal nature. The findings show promise towards advancing multisensory solutions for spatial hearing rehabilitation.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

an ERC Consolidator Grant (773121 NovelExperiSense), a Horizon GuestXR (101017884) grant, and a Joy Ventures grant (to AA)

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The Reichman University Review Board (approval no 2022123)

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors