Cochlear is a medical device company that designs, manufactures, and supplies the Nucleus cochlear implant, the Hybrid electro-acoustic implant and the Baha bone conduction implant.
Espirt 22 , Espirt 3G, Freedom, N6 en N7
A Nucleus Freedom sound processor fitted with an acoustic earhook to enable EAS
A Nucleus 6 sound processor equipped with an FM receiver (in light brown)
early 1980s wearable sound processor with headset
Bone conduction is the conduction of sound to the inner ear primarily through the bones of the skull, allowing the hearer to perceive audio content even if the ear canal is blocked. Bone conduction transmission occurs constantly as sound waves vibrate bone, specifically the bones in the skull, although it is hard for the average individual to distinguish sound being conveyed through the bone as opposed to the sound being conveyed through the air via the ear canal. Intentional transmission of sound through bone can be used with individuals with normal hearing — as with bone-conduction headphones — or as a treatment option for certain types of hearing impairment. Bones are generally more effective at transmitting lower-frequency sounds compared to higher-frequency sounds.
Image of a Vintage Acousticon Hearing Aid By Dictograph Products Company, Made in the US, Circa 1934.
A bone conduction headset (GoldenDance brand)