Bone Conduction

Cochlear launches next-generation BAHA hearing aid that's iPod, Bluetooth ready

By Geoffrey Baird

10:33 September 29, 2009 PDT

Hearing aids have come a long way since the ear trumpet; from the traditional aid that simply amplified sound and delivered it to the ear via an earpiece (air conduction), to the so-called "bionic ear" that works by directly stimulating auditory nerves inside the cochlea with an electric field. But the journey continues, with newer technologies which use the bones of the skull to conduct sound. Now Cochlear has launched a new direct bone conduction device, the BAHA BP100, that delivers significant improvements in speech understanding in noisy situations (about 25%) and better bone conduction hearing performance than ever before. It can also integrate with other lifestyle accessories such as iPods and Bluetooth adapters. Geoffrey Baird spoke with audiologist Anthea Arkcoll about the new device - listen to the Podcast or Read More

Gizcast #11: bone conduction hearing implants, targeted chemotherapy and the electric car stampede that's storming Frankfurt

By Loz Blain

08:11 September 17, 2009 PDT

In this week's Gizcast, Geoffrey Baird speaks with audiologist Anthea Arkcoll about a new type of hearing aid that bypasses the ear altogether and uses bone conduction technology to send a direct signal to the auditory nerve. Then Loz Blain wraps up with some of the most interesting electric and green car concepts the Giz team are drooling over in Frankfurt, and a quick look at a medical device that could give doctors a new way to fight stubborn cancer tumours. Read More

Orb Bluetooth headset redefines the ear-ring

By Darren Quick

23:30 July 22, 2009 PDT


Although Bluetooth headsets have come a long way in the style stakes, you can still look and feel a bit like a dork getting about town with one permanently affixed to your ear. Also, since they are usually designed to mold to the shape of the ear, they can be a little awkward to stuff in a pocket when not in use. An innovative new Bluetooth headset called the Orb solves this problem by transforming from a wireless earpiece into a ring that can be worn on your finger. Read More

Motorola claims first 'true' bone conduction headset with Endeavor HX1

By Karen Sprey

21:13 June 25, 2009 PDT

Motorola has unveiled the Endeavor HX1, a Bluetooth headset which uses a combination of CrystalTalk noise cancellation technology and bone conduction technology dubbed ‘stealth mode’, enabling users to hear and be heard in noisy environments such as concerts or driving in a convertible. The company claims it is the only Bluetooth headset to use true bone conduction technology, a broadside that is surely aimed at competitor Jawbone whose headsets use a sensor that sits against the outside of the face as opposed to the in-ear setup of the HX-1. Read More

Bone-Conduction and Infrared FINIS AquaPulse Heart Rate Monitor for swimmers

By Mike Hanlon

18:34 April 21, 2009 PDT

We have already professed our love for the Finis Swimmers Snorkel, eulogized about the antidote to lap-grinding boredom known as the bone-conduction SwiMP3 underwater music player and now we're gonna do it all over again for the USD$140 AquaPulse heart rate monitor, a workout accessory for swimmers wishing to optimize their water-based exercise routine through heart rate training. Are we just raging fanboys? No, we do however rejoice in the logical and practical application of technology to enable new and better ways of doing things, and Finis will again deliver just that (in May). Read More

OSPA: high-fidelity hearing aid design from think/thing

By Jude Garvey

23:14 June 4, 2008 PDT

The OSPA hearing aid is highly proficient at improving sound quality and uses as much of the functioning ear as possible. It is not designed to be hidden from sight, in fact with its streamlined, elegant, magnesium frame it looks more like a fashion accessory than a hearing aid. However there is function within that frame, OSPA uses lasers and optics to read mechanical vibrations and has the potential to provide well-balanced, natural and high resolution sound. Unlike other hearing aids which use a microphone and speaker to amplify sound, OSPA uses the external and middle parts of the ear to enhance the signal sent to the inner ear. Read More

Researchers develop new dark field x-ray technique

By Jude Garvey

16:15 February 4, 2008 PST

February 5, 2008 A breakthrough by European researchers has the potential to expand the application of powerful "dark-field" x-ray imaging using standard medical and industrial imaging equipment. Normally only possible via prohibitively expensive and sophisticated crystal optics, the detailed images produced by "dark-field" x-rays could be applied to diagnose breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, identify explosives in hand luggage, or pinpoint hairline cracks in airplane wings. Read More

Pantech unveil bone conduction mobile phone handset

By Noel McKeegan

21:59 October 21, 2007 PDT

October 22, 2007 Korean handset manufacturer Pantech have unveiled a bone conduction mobile phone that transmits sound to the inner ear using vibration. Not only does the ongoing emergence of bone conduction technology represent a solution for using phones in noisy environments, but it’s also a boon for the elderly or those suffering hearing loss for whom the use of conventional speaker phones is problematic. Read More

Waterproof MP3 Player uses Bone Conduction Tech

By Gizmag Team

November 2, 2004 A waterproof SwiMP3 player that uses bond conduction technology has been released for swimmers, triathletes, surfers and anyone who wants to listen to music whilst in the water.

Unlike other waterproof players that rely on traditional air conduction technologies, often producing a muffled sound, the SwiMP3 player uses bone conduction (the direct transfer of sound vibrations from the cheek bone to the inner ear) to provide the swimmer with exceptional sound clarity. Bone conduction hearing is a safe, well-established hearing mechanism in humans that the SwiMP3 player leverages to enhance aquatic activity. Read More

World's First Underwater MP3 Player uses bone conduction

By Mike Hanlon

A final year design student at Brunel University (UK) has created an underwater MP3 player. Showcased at the Brunel University Design Show, the underwater music machine which has been dubbed 'Soundwaves' has already won inventor Sam Jones an AOL Broadband Innovator Award. Read More

Aqua FM Snorkel - the Walkman for swimmers.

By Mike Hanlon

If you've tired of putting in laps at the pool because of the solitude, the Aquanaut Aqua FM snorkel could be ideal. The lightweight snorkel has an inbuilt FM radio and send the music to the ear via bone conduction, removing the need for wires or earplugs. Read More

NTT DoCoMo develop 'Finger phone' using bone conduction

By Mike Hanlon

Next time you notice someone sticking their finger in their ear in a public space, don't assume that it's just poor etiquette - they could be on an important call. This wearable telephone handset under development by Japanese telco NTT DoCoMo transforms the human hand into an active part of the receiver using bone conduction. Read More

Bone Conduction Headsets Deliver Safer, Clearer Sound

By Mike Hanlon

Sunday August 3, 2003: Vonia Bone Conduction Transducer headsets produce exceptional sound quality and prevent hearing loss associated with traditional audio headsets by using vibrations to transmit sound through the bones on your cheek and temples. Read More