Bone conduction headphones are alternative audio devices to traditional headphones and in-ear earbuds. Bone conduction headphones are sometimes called bone phones. It’s design goal was to create open-ear headphones that let you listen to music while walking, biking, exercising, playing sports without completely blocking out the world around you. It fits behind your head and the speakers sit on your cheekbones. Many are curious about how bone conduction headphones work. Find out what bone-conduction headphones are and why you should own a pair. You’ll learn how bone-conduction headphones work, why they’re the safest choice if you run or bike and how Beethoven played a role in the history of technology!
What Are Bone Conduction Headphones?
Bone conduction headphones have been around for almost a decade. Bone-conduction headphones, also known as ‘open-ear headphones’. Bone conduction headphones are sporty audio devices that deliver audio through vibration. These headphones are sporty audio devices that deliver audio through vibration. While traditional headphones deliver sound through air to the eardrum, bone-conduction headphones send sound through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This technology is really impressive because the headphones free up the ear canal so you can still hear what’s going on around you while listening to music or taking a call.
How well do bone conduction headphones work?
Bone conduction headphones have huge advantages over in-ear and over-ear headphones. Unlike traditional headphones, earplugs transmit sound waves through the hand as opposed to transmitting sound to the ear. This leaves your ear canal open to hear other ambient sounds, ensuring that you remain aware of your surroundings. Headphones are more hygienic because germs don’t transfer from your ears to the speakers, as they do with the in-ear buds, plus there’s no pressure or discomfort from the headphones in or on your ears.
A transducer or vibrating element in bone-conduction headphones converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations. This transducer is usually a piezoelectric or electromagnetic device. Next, the mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer are transmitted directly to the bones of the user’s skull. The transducer is usually placed in front of the ear, on the cheekbones. As the vibrations pass through the bones of the skull, they stimulate the cochlea, the spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the ear that is responsible for hearing. Converts the vibrations into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound. Finally, the brain processes electrical signals from the cochlea, allowing the user to perceive sound without requiring sound waves to pass through the ear canal.
For more on the benefits of bone conduction headphones
The advantage of bone conduction headphones lies in their use of bone conduction technology so that sound vibrations are transmitted directly to the inner ear through the temporal bone, bypassing the need for sound waves to travel through the ear canal and vibrate the eardrum, as seen in traditional earbuds.
Bone conduction earphones allow for situational awareness for outdoor safety, a dry and healthy ear canal for sports, and a completely comfortable listening experience. Headphones can offer a unique listening experience, particularly for individuals with difficulty hearing low-frequency sounds or experiencing discomfort with traditional headphones.
What is the downside of bone conduction headphones?
The most significant side effect of rate-conducting headphones is the sensation of vibration directly on the scalp. For many, this experience may seem a little unusual, especially when the volume is loud, leading to pronounced vibrations. While some users get used to this feeling over time others may find it uncomfortable.
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe
Many people wonder how safe bone conduction headphones are and whether they can cause hearing loss. Bone conduction headphones present several safety advantages over traditional headphones that everyone should be aware of.
You can still hear the sounds around you when using headphones. This is because they are placed on the cheekbones and no part of them is placed on or inside the ear. With traditional headphones, parts of your headphones block your ears and your ability to hear your surroundings. This is because they are placed on the cheekbones and no part of them is placed on or inside the ear. With traditional headphones, parts of your headphones block your ears and your ability to hear around you. Bone conduction earphones allow for situational awareness for outdoor safety, a dry and healthy ear canal for sports, and a completely comfortable listening experience.
One of the biggest struggles most people have with in-ear headphones is that they can cause compacted earwax blockages. One of the biggest struggles most people have with in-ear headphones is that they can cause compacted earwax blockages. It can cause hearing problems and requires medical help for removal. In some cases, people deal with infections caused by bacteria trapped in the ear created by the earbuds. Bone conduction headphones do not have any part of the device entering the ear. As a result, the ears are left open so they can naturally get rid of ear bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do bone conduction headphones work?
Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the bones of your skull rather than through your eardrums. They work by vibrating against your cheekbones or jawbone, allowing you to hear audio without blocking your ears.
What are the benefits of using bone conduction headphones?
Conductive headphones let you stay aware of your surroundings, which is especially useful for outdoor activities like running or cycling. They don’t sit inside or on top of your ear, which can be more comfortable for extended use. They also reduce the risk of ear infections and may be beneficial for people with certain types of hearing loss.
How is the sound quality compared to traditional headphones?
Bone conduction headphones generally provide clear sound but may lack the bass and overall audio richness of traditional headphones. They’re designed more for functionality and situational awareness rather than high-fidelity sound.
Can bone conduction headphones be used for calls?
Yes, many bone conduction headphones come with built-in microphones and are designed to handle phone calls. The microphone picks up your voice through the vibrations in your jawbone or skull.
Are bone conduction headphones waterproof or sweat-resistant?
Many models are designed to be water-resistant or sweat-resistant, making them suitable for exercise and outdoor use. However, the level of resistance can vary, so it’s important to check the specifications of the specific model you are considering.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life can vary between models but typically ranges from 6 to 12 hours on a full charge. Battery life may also depend on how you use them.
How do I pair bone conduction headphones with my device?
The procedure for connecting the headphones is the same as for other Bluetooth headphones. Turn on the headphones, enable Bluetooth on your device, and select the headphones from the list of available devices. Refer to the specific pairing instructions provided with your headphones.
Are there any special considerations for wearing bone conduction headphones?
Ensure they are positioned correctly on your cheekbones or jawbone for optimal sound quality. They should fit snugly but comfortably. Since they don’t cover your ears, make sure they’re not too tight or too loose.
What is the range of Bluetooth connectivity?
Most bone conduction headphones have a Bluetooth range of up to 30 feet (10 meters) from the paired device. This may vary based on actual range constraints and interference.
