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Bone Conduction Headset

Also known as: Bone Conduction Headphones, Bone Conduction Audio

An audio device that transmits sound vibrations through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear and leaving the ear canal open. For people who are blind or have low vision, bone conduction headsets are particularly valuable during navigation because they allow the user to receive audio guidance from assistive technology while still hearing ambient environmental sounds such as approaching traffic, construction, and other pedestrians. This situational awareness is critical for safety, unlike traditional earphones or headphones that can mask important environmental cues.

Category: assistive technology · visual accessibility

Related: Wayfinding · Orientation and Mobility · Assistive Technology

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