German designer creates "Music for deaf people" collar for feeling vibrations

From The Design Blog:

A common misconception about the hearing impaired is their inability to experience the joy of music.

They may not hear and process sound audibly but they certainly can feel it. In fact, studies have shown the sense of touch is heightened, allowing the deaf to perceive music in an altogether different way.

Addressing the issue, German designer Frederik Podzuweit has come up with a collar concept called the “Music for deaf people” that uses electricity to make a special membrane substance expand and contract again, translating the sound into a series of vibrations. These vibrations are transferred to the user’s neck, shoulder and collarbone.

The device also features a receiver for radio frequencies as well as plug-in for Mp3-Players to enhance the experience of the hearing impaired.