In the last few decades, headphones have been used as a portal to the sonic landscape for people all over the globe. Whether that was to transport them to calm meadows, in the center of electrifying concerts, or down the streets of bustling city escapes, depended on the user and their preferences.
However, there is a new technology emerging where headphones can now do a lot more than simply play music. With this new technology, headphones could potentially adapt to the unique hearing of the user and even tailor soundscapes to their moods. This is the emerging world of neural headphones, where technology has begun to intersect with the human brain so it can redefine the audio experience.
Brands can consider these new and emerging technologies to take their campaigns to the next level and truly immerse consumers in the experience.
5WPR Insights
Personalization
Traditional headphones have a one-size-fits-all approach, and unlike that, the new neural headphones, such as Nuraphones are able to use a new and revolutionary concept that is called otoacoustic emissions. These are faint sounds that are produced by the hair cells within the inner ear.
They act as a fingerprint of each person’s hearing sensitivity. The headphones are able to play a series of test tones, and then analyze the returning emissions to be able to create a detailed map of each person’s unique auditory profile.
The personalized and detailed map can then be used to adjust the frequency response of the headphones, which means the sounds that the user struggles to hear will be amplified, and those that overpower will be reduced. As a result, the users will get a soundscape that’s going to be custom-crafted for their hearing and ears, with unprecedented immersion, clarity, and above all, balance. Modern public relations is all about tailored experiences, and adding the technology offered in these headphones allow brands to take personalization to the next level.
Artificial intelligence
Public relations has been integrating and relying on artificial intelligence to enhance strategy and campaigns as the technology continues to improve and new capabilities roll out.
Neural headphones use artificial intelligence to enhance the audio experience. Advanced algorithms analyze music, identifying instruments, genres, and vocals. Based on this analysis, the headphones adjust the mix in real-time to enhance elements the user will enjoy.
This adaptive soundscaping creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience that evolves with the user’s preferences.
Mind connection
The true power of neural headphones is in their potential to interact directly with the brains of the users. This is where brain-computer, interface (BCI) technology comes into play, which uses sensors that are embedded inside the headphones to measure brain waves. When the headphones analyze the electrical signals of the brain, they can decipher emotional states, intentions, and levels of focus.
This capability opens up the headphones to a number of new possibilities. For example, the headphones could detect when the user’s attention is wandering, and subtly adjust the soundscape to reignite their focus. Imagine the results of campaigns if they can be tailored to the consumer in real time.
Alternatively, users could adjust the volume without reaching for any other device, but by simply thinking about it, and even do so to skip a song. That’s because these types of headphones can translate specific brain patterns into control commands, allowing the users an unprecedented level of hands-free interaction with the music they’re listening to.
Read more from Ronn Torossian:
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