You might think headphones are exclusively worn inside or on top of ears. But a new type of headphones set now transmits sound through your cheekbones using bone conduction.
Initially developed for military use, this technology has already been used in headphones, waterproof MP3 players and even mobile phones and the latest to cross our desk — Aftershokz Bone Conduction Headphones — will be on show at CES next week.
Aftershokz says the headphones produce “high fidelity, stereo quality sound, directly through the skull to the inner ear.”
But why would anyone want to wear headphone on your cheeks? If you’re someone who uses headphones on a daily basis, then you’re potentially damaging your eardrums by putting them so close to the source of sound. And for those who use phones while running or biking, wearing headphones prevents you from being able to hear what’s going on around you which can prove dangerous.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2012.
COMMENTS (6)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Just FYI the place where the ear piece is resting also comes under the classification of cheekbones...so cool concept... but the tech is so complex its Definitely going to be priced higher than three actual MP3 players... and you never know in 5 years these headphones might lead to cheekbone side effects... which in turn might lead to people breaking their jaws while eating stuff... or maybe cancer somehow... just don't see this working out positively for anyone :P
@Kafka: The photo is correct.
pic is fine. you can see they are NOT INSIDE the ears.........they are put outside
where is the photo?
Good concept and proven one too. This method is widely used to enable people suffering with hearing impairment.
wrong picture, it is regular earphone