Wired earbuds have been around in one form or another for more than 100 years – Ernest Mercadier patented a version of in-ear headphones in 1891. The fundamentals of how they work remain the same – they are still based on an electromagnet vibrating air to create sound. But new technological developments have changed the way we use them.
From their beginnings in telephony, through listening to music from radios and Walkmans, to enabling our mobile phones to be used hands free, earbuds have come a long way. True wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds are the newest innovation. Their take-up with users is growing fast – the market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.9% over the next five years. Users find them small and convenient and the quality of the audio they stream to one’s ears is improving all the time.
TWS earbuds are moving from a nice-to-have accessory to becoming an essential part of everyday life. In particular, they are part of the trend for individuals to take more control of their own health and wellness. Many now contain sensors that track physical activity and monitor heart rate and sleep patterns. Some manufacturers are also exploring the use of biometric sensors to monitor a user's blood pressure, oxygen levels and other key health indicators. Some models also have special modes to enhance speech clarity and, thanks to noise cancelling technology and built-in amplification, TWS earbuds are also being used to help with hearing issues – for an average of 1.4 hours a day, according to Qualcomm’s State of Sound report.
TWS earbuds which give access to hearing enhancement features are categorised as personal sound amplification products
But why use an earbud when hearing aids are available? In many countries, hearing aids are only available to buy, and they can be very expensive. Because they are medical devices, obtaining them means travelling down an often complex, lengthy and time-consuming patient pathway, visiting doctors and audiologists and being tested – sometimes more than once.
On the other hand, TWS earbuds which give access to hearing enhancement features are categorised as personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). They can be bought over the counter without medical intervention, and studies have shown that PSAPs can provide comparable benefits to hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Although hearing loss can become worse over time – and, left untreated by a professional doctor or audiologist, it could lead to other health issues – not everyone will need this professional assessment to begin with. The ability to access help with mild to moderate hearing issues cheaply and conveniently makes TWS earbuds and other PSAPs an excellent choice for millions of people who are at the start of their hearing loss journey.
One of the major drivers of the increasing demand for hearing enhancement on earbuds is the advent of the Bluetooth Low Energy low latency standard, which improves the listening experience for users. TWS earbuds can be developed to take advantage of the new standard – and also of Auracast. With Auracast, Bluetooth broadcast capabilities will be made possible. Audio transmitters will seamlessly broadcast one or multiple audio streams to an unlimited number of Auracast receivers, including popular TWS earbuds. Earbud users will have the freedom to choose and enjoy public audio broadcasts of their choice.
With this new technology enabled, earbuds will become true multitasking products, combining audio streaming, improved video and audio calling, and hearing enhancement on just one device. It’s not surprising, therefore, that TWS earbuds and other new developments are making waves in the hearing health industry. Earbuds, hearing aids, apps on phones – the hearing market is big business now for major players. Smartphone companies, traditional audio companies and hearing aid companies are all developing new solutions to meet the huge demand: Samsung, Bose, HP, Sony, Apple, Jabra and Sennheiser, to name just a few. They’re being challenged by smaller, newer arrivals such as Tuned, Audientes and Nuheara. All of them are developing cheap, easily accessed solutions for self-diagnosed mild to moderate hearing loss to help anyone who simply wants to hear clearly in noise.
Earbuds have come a long way from their beginnings as wired accessories for phone calls. TWS earbuds are becoming the go-to entry devices for consumers at the start of their hearing loss journey. From hands free to hearing health, the relentless rise of earbuds continues.
Sue Handley Jones, chief of staff, AudioTelligence
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