{"id":69219,"date":"2018-09-13T20:00:01","date_gmt":"2018-09-13T20:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/09\/13\/this-new-wireless-communication-device-fits-on-your-teeth\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T13:18:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T13:18:56","slug":"this-new-wireless-communication-device-fits-on-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2018\/09\/13\/this-new-wireless-communication-device-fits-on-your-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"This new wireless communication device fits on your teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s a new wireless communication<\/a> device, but it doesn\u2019t go in your ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, it goes on your teeth. Yes, your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

California-based Sonitus Technologies<\/a> is working with the Defense Department to implement the Molar Mic, a miniaturized traditional headset that clips to a user\u2019s back teeth, according to the news release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The device ditches the need for ear pieces, microphones and wires on the head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The custom mouthpiece clips onto the user’s back teeth and contains a tiny microphone and speaker-transducer for hearing, the company said. The device uses the teeth and jawbone as a new path for hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The new “Molar Mic” lets troops make radio calls from their teeth without using a bulky headset. (Courtesy of Sonitus Technologies)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Molar Mic is supposed to help communication continue even in extreme conditions that might normally break down radio communication between troops. By placing the device on the teeth, it uses the person\u2019s body to block external noise while reducing gear weight on the user\u2019s head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Defense Department contracted Sonitus Technologies for a multiyear, $10 million deal to finish development of the Molar Mic, according to the company and Defense One<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pararescuemen with the California Air National Guard\u2019s 131st Rescue Squadron in California tested prototypes of the device during rescue operations when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\t