Swimming: Sound system tested in pool

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The "wired for sound" Team New Zealand sailors can thank a young blind swimmer for the innovative communication system which played a part in their America's Cup triumph.

The system used on Black Magic was part of an ongoing development by Phonak New Zealand technical manager Rex Lyes.

In its infancy, the waterproof hearing aid was first used by Jason Griffiths in his build-up to the 1996 Paralympics.

"Jason's coach, Jane Logan, approached us about four years ago," said Lyes.

"They had been using a very basic communication system - virtually a tap on the shoulder with a stick - to warn swimmers of an approaching turn. Jane wanted something more sophisticated so we developed a waterproof hearing aid.

"She was able to speak to [Jason] and other swimmers in her programme through an FM microphone. It worked really well but they were not allowed to use it in competition."

Since then other coaches have used the MicroLink FM system - no bigger than a thumbnail - which clips on to the end of the hearing aid.

The system has been used in the flume at Otago University where coaches can talk to swimmers while they are swimming rather than waiting for them to come out of the water.

"While hearing aids - which are designed in Switzerland - have been around for some time, making them waterproof has been the challenge," said Lyes.

"There is a group of young swimmers we are working with on the North Shore and I can see virtually unlimited potential in all kinds of water sports."