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New Hearing Aid Uses Your Tooth To Transmit Sound

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the new-blue-tooth dept.

kkleiner writes to share a new device from Sonitus Medical that transmits sound to the inner ear via the teeth and jawbone. Dubbed "SoundBite," the device captures sound using a microphone in the ear and transmits to an in-the-mouth device that in turn sends the sounds through the jaw. "There are other hearing aid devices that utilize bone conduction. Most, however, use a titanium pin drilled into the jaw bone (or skull) to transmit sound to the cochlea. SoundBite seems to be the first non-surgical, non-invasive, easily removable device. While they are likely years from retail production, Sonitus Medical plans on having SoundBite ITMs fitted to each individual's upper back teeth and fabricated fairly quickly (1 to 2 weeks). A complete system is planned to include two ITMs, 1 BTE, and a charger. In the wider world of cochlear implants, SoundBite may only be fit for relatively specialized use. Still, the ability to easily upgrade or replace individual components makes the device competitive. A similar device could be adapted to provide audio for a personalized augmented reality system. Perhaps the Bluetooth headset of the future will involve actual teeth."

9 of 93 comments (clear)

  1. Poor deaf people by K.+S.+Kyosuke · · Score: 3, Funny

    This will only make hearing the occasional biting criticism of one's peers harder for them.

    --
    Ezekiel 23:20
    1. Re:Poor deaf people by suomynonAyletamitlU · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'm sure they want to chew the fat just like everyone else.

  2. Nothing New To See Hear (pun intended) by a-zarkon! · · Score: 5, Funny

    The government has had this technology for years. They use these dental implants to send auditory signals to the populace while people are asleep. It's all part of the one-world government conspiracy. Many of the so-called paranoid schizophrenics are really just people who don't tolerate the subconscious aural programming very well. Take a look outside your window for the black helicopter before you mod me down. I'm the guy leaning out the back with the parabolic microphone, waving at you.

    1. Re:Nothing New To See Hear (pun intended) by interkin3tic · · Score: 2, Funny

      They use these dental implants to send auditory signals to the populace while people are asleep.

      If you're wondering, they charge up the batteries with the fluoride they put in the water.

    2. Re:Nothing New To See Hear (pun intended) by severoon · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yea, I've heard they've even slipped nanobots into the water supply to reprogram our bra—DISREGARD. EVERYTHING IS FINE. NO MIND CONTROL HERE.

      PAY MORE TAXES.

      --
      but have you considered the following argument: shut up.
  3. Dentures? by jayemcee · · Score: 3, Funny

    Quite a lot of boomers who were way too close to the stacks at concerts may be happy about this in a few years, but here's hoping that it doesn't require real teeth since dentures may be a big part of the demographic.

    1. Re:Dentures? by John+Hasler · · Score: 2, Funny

      > A grill is a decorative dental appliances that wraps around your teeth.

      So braces are now cool?

      --
      Warning: this article may contain humor, sarcasm, parody, and perhaps even irony. Read at your own risk.
  4. And stop playing with yourself by suso · · Score: 4, Funny

    Kent! This is God!

  5. Re:What on earth took so long? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    You are kidding us. Fifty cent didn't make music 10 years ago. It was probably a Snoop Dogg lollipop.