Wi-Fi is a common technology that allows people to conveniently connect to the internet. It can't be seen because it uses radio waves.

A man by the name of Frank Swain, however, is able to hear Wi-Fi wherever he goes.

While Swain doesn't have any genetic mutation, he's equipped with an upgraded hearing aid that helps him hear Wi-Fi.

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Swain has been losing his hearing since he was 20 years old. He was fitted with hearing aids two years ago.

His interest, though, was hearing what no one else can hear: wireless communication.

To make his dream a reality, Swain -- a science writer by trade -- partnered with sound artist Daniel Johns. With a grant from a UK innovation charity, the pair built Phantom Terrains, a tool that allows Wi-Fi to be heard.

The software can run on iphones as an app and works by tuning into wireless communication fields. Utilizing the built-in Wi-Fi sensor, the software picks-up important details such as router names, encryption modes and the distance from the device.

"The strength of the signal, direction, name and security level on these are translated into an audio stream made up of a foreground and background later: distant signals click and pop like hits on a Geiger counter, while the strongest bleat their network ID in a looped melody," Swain writes.

He said the audio is streamed constantly to a pair of hearing aids. The extra sound layer is then blended with the normal output of the hearing aids.

This means the Wi-Fi blends naturally with normal world sounds. Wherever Swain and his phone go, he can always hear Wi-Fi.

Check out what Wi-Fi sounds like here.

TagsWi-fi, Frank Swain, Phantom terrains