We bet you didn’t know that the renowned 18th-century composer Ludwig Van Beethoven used bone conduction technology to hear his music after losing his hearing. Beethoven employed a sleek tuning fork by securing one end to his piano and holding the other end between his teeth, allowing the sound vibrations to reach his bones and bypass his ear drums.
Today, with advancements in audiometry tests and bone conduction technology, it’s well-established that sound can be transmitted through bone vibrations, bypassing the outer and middle ear to directly stimulate the cochlea. This innovation has led to the development of modern hearing aids and ear machines designed to help individuals with hearing loss, especially those suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss.
The Normal Hearing Process
In the typical hearing process, sound waves travel through the air and hit the eardrum. The eardrum converts these sound waves into vibrations that travel to the cochlea in the inner ear. The cochlea is connected to sensory nerves, which send the sound signals directly to the brain. This is the process through which most people hear.
The Bone Conduction Hearing Process
Bone conduction technology works by transmitting sound through vibrations directly to the cochlea, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This process mimics how sound travels through a solid medium, making it especially beneficial for people with conductive or mixed hearing loss. Bone conduction hearing aids have gained popularity in recent years, particularly for their long-term ear health benefits. Since these devices don’t contact the ear canal, they present no risk of hearing loss, making them a preventative option.
History of Bone Conduction Technology
Bone conduction technology traces its roots back to the 15th century when Italian physician Girolamo Cardano created the first bone conduction hearing aids. Cardano used the technique of attaching a tuning fork to a musical instrument while holding the other end in his teeth—a method later adopted by Beethoven. In the 1820s, French physician Jean-Marc Gaspard Itard improved on this technique by attaching the tuning fork to the mouth of another person, resulting in the creation of the “Rod of Itard.”
In the 1970s, a groundbreaking development in bone conduction technology occurred when Swedish doctors led by Anders Tjellstrom surgically implanted a vibration plate onto the mastoid bone. This vibration plate was connected to a processor that converted sound waves into vibrations, which were then transmitted directly to the inner ear. This invention became known as the Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA), providing a life-changing solution for individuals with hearing loss.
Developments in Bone Conduction Technology and its Applications
Today, bone conduction technology continues to evolve, with hearing aids and ear machines now available that don’t require surgery. Some hearing aids feature sound-processing units either attached to the device or in the form of wristbands, allowing individuals with hearing loss to benefit from bone conduction without invasive procedures.
In addition to offering solutions for those with hearing loss, bone conduction technology is also being developed to prevent hearing loss. Bone conduction audio devices are gaining popularity, especially among fitness enthusiasts participating in outdoor activities like marathons and cycling. These devices allow users to listen to audio while keeping their ears open, ensuring they remain aware of their surroundings.
Moreover, the technology has made significant contributions to the military, where soldiers use bone conduction audio devices for internal communication while staying alert on the battlefield. These devices are also being adopted by call centers, work-from-home employees, and corporate officials who frequently participate in calls and online meetings.
As bone conduction technology continues to advance, its applications are broadening. From hearing aids and ear machines to innovative devices preventing hearing loss, this technology is reshaping how we protect and enhance our auditory experiences.