Say Hello to Bone-Conduction!

Have you ever noticed how your voice sounds much different when you speak, as opposed to hearing it over a recording? This is due to the fact that vibrations through your jaw receive a perception of sound; this is bone conduction hearing!

While the technology is new, the science has been around for some time. Ludwig van Beethoven, the famous 18th century composer, began to lose his hearing in his early twenties. In a stroke of ingenuity, he discovered that he could hear the sound of the piano through his jawbone by attaching a rod to his piano and clenching it in his teeth. His Symphony No. 9, regarded by many as his greatest work, was written using only this technique! This proved that sound could reach our auditory system not only through our eardrums, but our bones as well.

 The man on spotlight, Ludwig Van Beethoven

Fast forward to modern times! Bone conduction headsets transmit the sound to the inner ear (primarily through the jawbone), allowing the hearer to perceive audio content constantly without blocking the ear canal. As the ear canals are left unobstructed, you no longer need to sacrifice your situational awareness. Headsets designed for military and law enforcement use are on the market, as these industries have obvious benefits, but they've also seen use in sports by Land Rover BAR at the 35th America's Cup. 

Crew member of Land Rover BAR from the UK with a bone conduction headset

Another notable mention: most cases of hearing loss are because of damage to the eardrums, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Bone conduction headsets are able to bypass this loss because the device performs the role of the eardrums. Provided that their cochlea is in healthy and normal condition, the user will be able to "hear" again!

Military headset design with bone conduction capability

Our own bone conduction headset for the Yapalong radio was launched in June earlier this year. It is easy to wear, more hygienic, and will not stress the ears after hours of use. If you find that you are constantly taking your headset off and putting it on again to communicate in person, then it may be time to consider an upgrade!

Our bone conduction headset priced at $95.00 USD