knoglekonduktion

Knoglekonduktion, also known as bone conduction, is a method of transmitting sound through vibrations directly to the cochlea in the inner ear. Unlike traditional hearing, which relies on sound waves traveling through the air and the eardrum, bone conduction bypasses the outer and middle ear entirely. These vibrations are typically generated by a device that is placed against the skull, usually behind the ear or on the temple.

The bones of the skull are excellent conductors of sound. When a vibrating element touches the bone, these vibrations travel through the skull to the cochlea. In the cochlea, the vibrations are converted into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. This process allows individuals with certain types of hearing loss, particularly conductive hearing loss where the outer or middle ear is impaired, to perceive sound.

Bone conduction technology is utilized in various applications. Hearing aids that employ bone conduction, known as bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) or transcutaneous bone conduction devices, are a significant use case. These are particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic ear infections, malformations of the ear canal, or single-sided deafness. Additionally, bone conduction headphones exist, offering an alternative listening experience where the user can still hear their surroundings, which is advantageous for safety in certain environments like cycling or running. The principle of bone conduction is also fundamental to understanding how we perceive our own voice when speaking, as we hear it partly through air conduction and partly through bone conduction.