Technology
Volume vs. Vibration
Photo: Nikram K
Traditionally we deliver sound through speaker systems, funneling an audio signal through a cone and housing system. Subwoofers in particular grab the low end of an audio signal, only pushing out low frequencies that we hear and feel as bass. If the volume is high enough, you can feel the sound waves push though your body, at which point the sound can be damaging to the ears.
Within Vibroacoustic Therapy, we replace speaker systems with transducers. They are similar to subwoofers specializing in low end frequencies, but instead vibrate, oscillating at the same rate as the audio signal magnetically. Mounted to a platform, they are kinetically delivered directly to the listener, without having to travel through the air. In doing so, transducers provide a deeper, cleaner bass than subwoofers provide, without the risk of ear damage.