A Kyoto-based company has developed a unique pair of earphones that combine cutting-edge audio technology with high-end jewelry design. Covered in pure gold and adorned with diamonds, these earbuds use “cartilage conduction” to transmit sound through the ear’s cartilage, offering a luxurious and innovative listening experience.
The company behind the product, CCH Sound Inc., is based in the town of Seika, Kyoto Prefecture. Specializing in devices that utilize cartilage conduction, the firm has created earbuds that stand out not only for their functionality but also for their opulent design.
How Cartilage Conduction Works
Unlike traditional air conduction, where sound travels through the air and vibrates the eardrum, cartilage conduction works by sending vibrations directly through the ear’s cartilage. These vibrations generate sound within the ear canal, which then reaches the eardrum and is processed by the brain as sound. This mechanism, discovered in 2004 by Hiroshi Hosoi, president of Nara Medical University, has opened new possibilities for audio technology.
In recent years, cartilage conduction earphones have gained popularity for their unique benefits. Unlike conventional earbuds, they do not need to be inserted into the ear canal. This design allows users to listen to music while still being able to hear external sounds, making conversations easier and enhancing situational awareness.
A Boon for Hearing Accessibility
Cartilage conduction technology is particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing difficulties, including the elderly. Sound amplifiers using small spherical cartilage conduction earphones are already being introduced in public spaces such as government offices and hospitals, offering a practical solution for those with hearing impairments.
Luxury Meets Innovation
CCH Sound’s new earbuds take this technology to the next level. Each spherical earphone is encased in 9 grams of pure gold and decorated with diamonds of at least VS2 clarity. The absence of traditional audio output holes allows the earbuds to be designed like fine jewelry, blending functionality with elegance.
A company representative explained, “The lack of audio output holes gives us the freedom to create a design that resembles high-end jewelry. We hope this product will help raise awareness of cartilage conduction technology both in Japan and around the world.”
Showcasing the Golden Earbuds
The gold and diamond earphones will be unveiled at the Great Golden Exhibition in Osaka this March. The event will provide an opportunity for attendees to experience the fusion of luxury and advanced audio technology firsthand.
With its innovative design and practical benefits, CCH Sound’s latest creation is set to make waves in both the tech and luxury markets.
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