What is bone conduction technology?
We all hear sounds through both our bones (bone-conducted or bone-transmitted) and our eardrums (air-conducted or air-transmitted). Most sounds are heard by our eardrums. The eardrum converts the sound waves to vibrations and transmits them to the cochlea (or inner ear). However in some cases vibrations are heard directly by the inner ear bypassing your eardrums. In fact, this is one of the ways you hear your own voice. This is also how whales hear.
Who invented bone conduction technology?
The hot new technology in headphones isn’t new at all. Bone conduction has existed for centuries—but now, it’s being used in consumer electronics. Bone conduction headphones keep the ear canal open, which makes it easier to remain aware of your surroundings while also enjoying high-quality music and calls
Ludwig van Beethoven, the famous 18th century composer who was almost completely deaf, discovered Bone Conduction. Beethoven found a way to hear the sound of the piano through his jawbone by attaching a rod to his piano and clenching it in his teeth. He received perception of the sound when vibrations transfer from the piano to his jaw. This has proven that sound could reach our auditory system through another medium besides eardrums and the other medium is our bones.
Who invented bone conduction headphones?
In the early 1980s, an inventor named James P. Liautaud was granted a patent for a device that enabled people to listen to the radio or taped music while skiing, running, bicycling or doing other active sports, without wearing headphones that might interfere with their safety.
What’re the advantages of bone conduction headphones over traditional headphones?
Instead of going inside or covering your ears like other products, bone-conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones, leaving your ears open so you can pay attention to other sounds. This feature allows you to listen to music, podcasts, and more while also remaining aware of your surroundings. And bone conduction headphones are safer, healthier.