The technology already exists to flatten out the frequency response of your headphones so that you can make better decisions while mixing — Sonarworks Reference 3 notably does an excellent job of this. However, the headphones themselves aren’t the only variable when it comes to listening. Every single listener also hears sound differently, because everyone has some degree of hearing loss.
In an age where hearing loss is reaching epidemic levels, especially among the earbud generation, Australian start-up Audeara might have a solution with their intriguing Bluetooth wireless headphone design featuring a built-in, medical-grade hearing test (or audiogram).
The cans are designed to protect users’ ears and deliver a "supreme, catered sound like no other headphone”, claim Audeara. The first time the headphones are worn, the user undertakes a hearing test – the results of which, are subsequently stored in the headphones themselves. Next, modulation table is applied. This adjusts all incoming musical signals to the user’s requirements, and differs in the left ear and the right. Using an attenuation model, rather than increasing gain, ensures maximisation of the overall signal intensity, without distortion, say makers. The idea is to make sure each part of the signal reaches the user’s brain in a way that’s heard as a perfect reflection of the original signal, as intended by its creator.
Whether this works as intended, in practice, remains to be seen, but the company’s founders have the credentials, both being medical doctors.
What’s more, the result of the audiogram, which can be re-taken whenever the user desires, is displayed for the user on the accompanying smartphone app. This is perfect for long-term tracking of any hearing loss, and also as an educational tool in preventing long-term hearing impairment. If the user’s hearing profile shows significant impairment an alert will be shown, which suggests they seek more specialist advice and analysis.
The headphones feature 40mm Mylar drivers, a built-in lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via Micro-USB and noise-cancelling functionality. They can also be used wired thanks to a 3.5mm minijack with noise-cancellation engaged for 30 hours, via Bluetooth only for 15 hours, and with both Bluetooth and noise cancellation for 12 hours. Charge time is 3 hours.
If you are interested in these unusual headphones, you can pre-order now on Kickstarter for £155, half the RRP of £310.
