Question: How can you hear music through the new smart sunglasses?
Answer: Technology companies have incorporated bone conduction into sunglasses as a new wireless audio streaming accessory. The frames of the sunglasses sit behind the ear, so the placement is conveniently near the cochlea. A portion of the frame then vibrates the skull at the same frequency of the audio signal being played. Due to the cochlea being embedded in our skull, when we vibrate the skull, we vibrate the cochlea. This process is called bone conduction which allows the listener to hear the streaming signal without use of the outer and middle ear. As an audiologist, I use bone conduction everyday as a part of a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Bone conduction hearing devices are also available for patients with specific audiologic disorders that qualify. If you have more questions regarding new technology, submit your question to the email listed below.
If you do not have access to this feature, you are not out of options. A loss and damage policy is included with the purchase of all new hearing aids. He would be able to pay a deductible to use his loss and damage policy and have the device replaced completely! The length of the policy and cost of the deductible can vary. Like many patients, he found this information very reassuring!
Have a question? Submit it to drporter@cardinalhearingcenters.com to have your question answered in an upcoming issue.
141 E. Aurora Rd. Suite 3
Northfield, Ohio 44067
Phone: (330) 468-4288
www.hearingbetterohio.com
Kaylee J. Porter, Au.D.