An 18-year-old racing competitor from Pontypool has created a new communication device that could soon change aviation as well as motorsport.

Caleb McDuff competes in endurance events and relies on cochlear implants. Together with his father Ian, he built a custom radio system that allows clear, direct communication while inside a race car.

The invention links the vehicle’s radio system straight to Caleb’s cochlear implants, eliminating the disruption and background noise typical of racing at high speeds.

According to Caleb, the project began as a practical solution to make racing possible, but they soon recognized its broader potential.

He explained that if the technology proves effective in aviation, it could create genuine opportunities for individuals who depend on clear communication across various activities.

The system emerged from necessity when Caleb started racing in endurance events at age 16, driving powerful cars such as the McLaren GT4.

Existing motorsport radio equipment proved inadequate, which led his father Ian to develop a custom solution ensuring dependable communication between the pits and the driver.

Ian noted that the goal was not to redesign everything from scratch, but to properly address one particular challenge. Once they observed how successfully it functioned in the car, it became apparent the same method could apply to other areas, including aviation.

The technology is now being examined for aviation purposes.

The McDuffs have partnered with Aerobility, a British organization focused on making flight training accessible, to modify the system for aircraft use.

A pilot’s headset has been adapted so aviation radio transmissions can feed directly into Caleb’s cochlear implants, mirroring how it works in the race car.

Actual testing in an aircraft environment is planned next.

Should the tests prove successful, the system could prove useful not only in motorsport and aviation but in any sector where reliable radio communication matters for cochlear implant users.

Caleb received the Deaf Sports Personality of the Year award in the under-18 category in 2024 and continues establishing his presence both in racing and other areas.

He is recognized for his practical approach to solving problems and has collaborated with his father to develop technology that aids his racing while potentially helping others across different industries.