Bone conduction: technology for connected glasses

Bone conduction, also known as osteophony , is a new technology for conducting sound to the ears. But what relationship, you will tell us, with optics and glasses? Well, this technology, as you will see, is precisely to be related to connected glasses, since sound is an integral part of it. We explain how it works.

What is bone conduction?

Osteophony, another name for bone conduction, transmits sound using vibrations . What purpose ? At first, no longer going through the ear canal helps preserve the eardrums. This way of proceeding makes it possible as a bonus not to cut the link between the subject and the environment. Finally, this technique adapts perfectly to a pair of glasses, since the vibrations are emitted at the level of the lower temples, just where the arms of the frames are.

But can the use of vibrations be detrimental, especially in terms of comfort? On this side, progress in this area has made these vibrations almost imperceptible, so that they do not disturb listening or the comfort of wearing glasses equipped with this system.

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This technology offers the possibility of communicating without using earphones or headphones. And therefore the advantage of remaining aware of your surroundings. Listening by osteophony makes it possible, in this respect, to secure the practice of outdoor sport or to offer greater prospects in the military field, since it facilitates infiltration. Discreet communication and perception of the environment are therefore in harmony.

But it is not only used for listening to music or communicating with loved ones. Bone conduction is perfectly suited for connected optical and solar frames.

A technology perfectly adapted to glasses

Connected glasses are flooding the optical market. The race for artificial intelligence and improved digitalization is only heating up. Highly promising models are already on sale, and others, revolutionary, are promises for many industrialists.

Glasses being medical devices, this approach is not done only for recreational purposes, but also to improve the immersion in society of those who need it most. Blind or partially sighted people equipped with connected glasses would see their autonomy greatly enhanced, in particular thanks to their characteristics. But this bone conduction technology, again, offers even greater safety guarantees. Because it promises to leave the person on the move in a much more self-confident urban environment. No more worrying about your smartphone or having to choose between hearing mobility aids and surrounding noise.

Not using the ear canal is a plus for people with tinnitus or hearing problems. This solution could, in the long term, let us imagine, be extended. It could also replace hearing aids, relieving people who have to choose between them and their pair of glasses.

Osteophony is also used to equip hearing aids . There is no doubt that this technology could still offer great services in the future.

Sources: Ceciaa blog EyeSeeMag