Bone Conduction Headphones: do they really work?

It has been said that bone conduction headphones are the new trend, but many are skeptical if they really work. We explore the best bone-conduction headphones and we found more about them.

To enjoy your favorite music using these headphones you do not have a functional eardrum.

Consequently, if you have an eardrum issue you can still use these headphones to listen to the music you like.

What are Bone Conduction Headphones?

Bone conduction headphones are special kind of headphones which are designed in a way that they pass sound through the bones just above your cheek instead of through your ear canal.

These modern headphones do not interfere with your ears since when worn the rest just beside the ears.

Their design is in a way that there are no wires involved. This is helpful because it ensures you can use the headphones while participating in vigorous activities such as running or exercising.

They mostly use Bluetooth connection where you can connect them with different modern gadgets such as your smartphone.

These particular headphones were originally made for military uses before getting commercial.

But as time progressed they were developed for regular uses. They are mostly ideal for people with hearing impairment.

How Does Bone Conduction Work?

To clearly understand how these headphones work you first need to understand that all the sounds you hear are vibration. The particles that are contained in the air push each other until they reach your ear. 

When these particles push each other they create vibrations of different levels and this is what you hear as sound.

This is applied in the working of the bone conduction headphones. The Hearing Journal explains that instead of the vibrations going through your ear canal, they go through the bone on your cheek until you can be able to hear the sound.

The headphones might not be as clear as conventional headphones and earbuds.

But they are very reliable especially if you have any problem with hearing. If you usually use a hearing aid you can use them without interfering with the hearing aid.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Any Good?

These headphones are considered to be among the best in the market. This is especially when it comes to functionality. It mainly depends on the particular brand that you purchase.

There are some companies which concentrate more on making these particular headphones.

A company such as Aftershokz is well known for making these headphones. If you select the right brand you shall be able to optimally benefit from the headphones.

The headphones are also good since they are designed in a way that they produce top-quality sound.

Majority of the companies that make these headphones ensure that they have incorporated state of the art features. This includes making sure that you can hear your music without disruptions.

Ideal for outdoor activities

Since these particular headphones do not cover the ears they are very ideal for different outdoor activities.

While cycling or walking on the streets you will be able to clearly hear as vehicles and other people approach you. With this particular feature, you will be able to avoid accidents effectively.

When it comes to functionality, these headphones are considered to be among the top options. All the control options are usually put in places where you can easily access them.

You can adjust the volume, pick calls, and do other such things by simply pressing a few buttons.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safer?

When it comes to the safety of your ears, these headphones are definitely safer. The main reason behind this is that the sound produced does not go through your ears.

Bone conduction headphones are considered safer than the other types of headphones because they do not block the ear canal, thus leaving the ear open to the environment. As a result, bone-conduction has a lesser effect on the eardrum or any other part of your ear.

In a study, bone-conduction headphones were found to be safer for driving because they leave the ear canal open. Therefore, they are considered do not prevent you from hearing what is happening around you.

This is helpful since you shall be able to listen to music without harming your ears in any way. Bone-Conduction technology is safe especially when used optimally.

When your ears are exposed you are able to hear the different noises around you.

This is unlike the traditional headphones and earbuds which cover your ears consequently preventing you from hearing what is around you.

With your ears exposed, you can avoid accidents which might happen when something like a speeding vehicle approaches you while jogging.

Furthermore, these headphones are safer because there are no wires involved. You cannot trip on any wire while using the headphones. You will also have more freedom to move about without any wire interfering with your movements.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Good for Hearing Impaired?

Professional medical doctors commonly recommend these headphones to people who have hearing problems as explained by The Hearing Journal.

If your eardrums are not functioning properly, you will still be able to listen to music and make calls using these headphones.

Bone-conduction headphones are good for the hearing impaired because they do not have any effect on the ears. However, using them at a low volume below 85 Decibel mark is important. Even if you use the headphones for long hours, your ears shall remain safe at all times.

This is facilitated by the fact that the sound just requires your bone that is above the cheek. When you wear the headphones properly you will be able to listen to music even if your ears have issues.

Consequently, if you have hearing impairments you do not have to worry that your condition will get worse.

When you have hearing impairments you might need to use different types of hearing aids.

Most of the common hearing aids are usually worn around the ear or put inside the ear canal. If you use such gadgets you will benefit a lot from bone conduction headphones.

They shall not interfere with the hearing aid and as a result, you can use them both without any problems.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Good For Running?

When running, you want to be as free as possible. You will not want to have disruptive wires or heavy objects which will make you uncomfortable.

You shall also need to hear what is happening around you especially if you have a coach who is giving you instructions or while running with other people.

Bone-conduction headphones are good for running because of their fitting design and a comfortable grip on the head. Combined with their high-quality sound, these headsets are the best for exercising and fast movement, especially sporting running.

Comfort and fit are the two most important factors to consider when using headsets. From our review, bone-conduction headphones will ensure that you have all this and as a result, they are very ideal for running.

The design of these headphones is in a way that they are perfect for different sports including running. Most of them are super light where you will not even notice that they are on your head.

At the same time, they are also designed in a way that you can easily adjust them. This is helpful because you can adjust them to make sure they hold firmly on your head irrespective of the speed you are running with.

Furthermore, while running, you do not necessarily have to carry your phone with you when using the headphones.

You will just use the Bluetooth feature to connect the headphones with your phone. This shall ensure that you do not miss any call even if you do not have your phone with you.

Can Bone Conduction Headphones Damage Hearing?

A study done by professionals from Yadam showed that these headphones cannot damage hearing. You can use the headphones for as long as you want without your hearing being affected.

Their unique functionality and design ensure that they do not use any element of your ears. The sound is transmitted through your bones and as a result, your ears will be optimally safe.

The design of the bone conduction headphones is in a way that they are totally safe. Before they can be released into the market they are usually tested using state of the art equipment.

The main objective of the tests is to make sure there are no harmful components. Irrespective of the volume you use while using these headphones, you can be assured that your hearing will always be safe.

The fact that the headphones do not touch or interfere with any part of your ears means that your hearing is not affected by germs and bacteria.

The conventional headphones might affect hearing in different ways especially when they are dirty.

But with bone conduction headphones you are assured that there will be no bacteria or germs which will be transmitted from the headphones to your ears.

Is Bone Conduction Better Than Air?

Different studies have tried to establish whether bone conduction is better than air. In most cases, the answer is no, bone conduction is not better than air.

Some studies have concluded that air conduction is better. This is because the sounds will be direct and lower levels of energy will be required to transmit.

With air conduction, you will get to hear all the sounds clearly. This is irrespective of the kind of sounds you are listening to.

With bone conduction more power is required to transmit the sound. The fact that the vibrations are going through your bones means that the speed shall be reduced.

There might be disparities between what you are seeing and what you are hearing because of the delays caused by the conduction.

But there are situations where bone conduction is the ideal option especially if you have hearing problems.

Final take

This summary gives you all the details you need to know about bone conduction headphones. If you have never used these headphones you might not know their primary qualities.

You now have the power and ability to make an informed decision when considering whether to use bone conduction headphones. Read more on how to charge Aftershockz headphones safely and optimally.