Bone Conduction
By: Muhammad Umar
Bone conduction technology has emerged as a groundbreaking innovation in the world of audio and listening/hearing. Developed as an alternative to traditional headphones, this technique has revolutionized the way we listen to music and communicate. bone conduction directly transmits sound vibrations through the bones of the skull to the inner ear Unlike conventional headphones which need to be placed on ear or inside.
The concept of bone conduction dates back to the 19th century when Ludwig van Beethoven, a renowned composer, famously used it to overcome his hearing loss. However, the late 20th century that the technology began to be explored for commercial applications and now, companies like AfterShokz, Bose, and Sony have introduced bone conduction headphones, earbuds, and even eyeglasses.
Bone conduction technology by bypassing the eardrum, offers a safe and comfortable listening experience, allowing users to remain aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or receiving audio notifications. It has proven to be particularly useful for athletes, cyclists, and individuals with hearing impairments, as it does not obstruct the ear canal.
future of bone conduction technology appears promising. Continued advancements in materials, designs, and miniaturization will likely lead to even more compact and stylish products. With the growing demand for wearable devices, bone conduction technology is expected to play a crucial role in the development of smart glasses, hearing aids, and augmented reality headsets.
How it works:
Sound Production: The audio source, e.g, music player or smartphone, generates an electrical signal that represents the audio content.
Conversion to Vibrations: The electrical signal is converted into mechanical vibrations by a transducer or driver unit, which is typically placed in contact with the bones around the ear.
Skull Vibration: The mechanical vibrations produced by the transducer travel through the bones of the skull, including the jawbones and cheekbones, which act as conduits for the vibrations.
Inner Ear Stimulation: The vibrations reach the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear responsible for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. The cochlea detects the vibrations and sends corresponding electrical signals to the brain, allowing the user to perceive sound.
