In the headphone, world bone conduction headphones are gaining significant popularity in relatively little time due to their unique open-ear design. Many believe that this unique device can cure headphones-related hearing loss problems. But every pro with a con bone conduction headphones also has its ills and evils.
It’s confusing to go through all the opinions and form one of yours. Should you try these headphones or not? Are bone conduction headphones safe for your ears or not? If you’re among the people who are struggling with these questions, then this article is for you.
So let’s find out.
How do bone conduction headphones actually work?
Before getting into the details of whether this new technology is safe for you or not let’s understand how they work.
When you’re using the bone conduction headphones the sound vibration passes through the skull bone and from there they directly travel into the cochlea, which sends the sound to the brain. So in this technology, the sound passes by other structures of the ear such as the eardrum. So in this technology instead of outside, you hear the sound from the inside of the ear.
Are bone conduction headphones safe?
For customers, it’s new technology and they’re relatively available for them. But according to history bone conduction had been used widely by individuals experiencing hearing loss. Despite having a long history of being a hearing aid, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re safe and won’t cause any damage to your ears as many manufacturers claim and guarantee.
What do manufacturers say?
No matter how they make you believe that these latest pieces of technology are completely safe, that’s not completely true. As many manufacturers and companies have claimed that bone conduction headphones are completely safe and offer no risk of hearing loss. That’s not entirely true. According to the CDC, the potential damage to the cochlea in the inner ear that’s where the hearing loss comes from.
The cochlea can be hurt by the sustained exposure to loud sound and it can completely damage the inner ear too. As bone conduction headphones still send sound to the cochlea, they can still cause hearing loss. So if you use them improperly there will be consequences. Headphone safety is a complex question.
Depends on how you use them?
Whether a headphone is safe or not or how harmful they can cause largely depends on how you use them and how long you use them. The same thing goes for bone conduction headphones.
Having an open ear design has heavily contributed to these headphones’ safety which means despite wearing them an individual can still hear their surroundings and it’s more likely they can hear any warning or dangers.
Many professions require the device both as a medium of communication and surrounding awareness. For example, soldiers and athletes or runners wearing normal earphones or headphones can be dangerous for them. As they won’t be aware of their surroundings and won’t be able to react in a dangerous situation. With bone conduction headphones they can maintain the communication as well as remain safe.
Most bone conduction headphones can be worn with safety helmets while riding or other safety gear. With them, you won’t sacrifice anything you can ride and still feel and enjoy your favorite music.
When you Should Get Bone Conduction Headphones?
Bone conduction headphones are excellent choices for many people. So here are some reasons when should you get bone conduction headphones
If you have hearing loss problem
It’s the best innovation for people who suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus. If you struggle with the same problem then hooray! There are finally headphones that can help you. These will open a new door to new sounds for you.
If you’re an athlete or runner
If you love enjoying your music outdoors while you’re walking, running, or cycling, bone conduction headphones are the best choice for you. They don’t block the surrounding noises and make listening to the music and doing the activities outdoors much safer for you. It’s better if you look after your safety and bone conduction headphones are the best choice for it.
If you spend more time in the water
Bone conduction headphones are an excellent choice for swimmers or people who spend time underwater. Most of the bone conduction headphones are waterproof so you can enjoy your favorite music and podcasts without even worrying about damaging them. Additionally, they allow you to change the volume or the song on the headphones so you don’t have to get out of the pool to make the changes every time.
When you shouldn’t get bone conduction headphones?
There are some reasons if any one of them applies to you then bone conduction headphones aren’t meant for you.
Let’s see those reasons…
If you are an audiophile
As bone conduction headphones don’t give you experience like traditional headphones. If you love that bass these headphones just aren’t for you. If you’re a total audiophile who loves every beat and note of the music then you should get something that has higher sound quality.
If you want the noise-canceling feature
Bone conduction headphones allow you to hear your surroundings even though you are wearing them so if you’re looking for something which minimizes your background noises and gives you the best noise-canceling experience then you shouldn’t go for bone conduction headphones. Instead, you can go for better noise-canceling headphones.
FAQs related to Bone Conduction Headphones
Do bone conduction headphones block out noise?
Unlike Earbuds or other types of air conduction headphones, bone conduction headphones do not block out ambient noises.
Do earplugs work with bone conduction?
Earplugs physically block the entrance to the ear canal, while bone conduction headphones work by sending vibrations to the bones in your inner ear. In theory, this should work, though you would lose out on the advantages of bone-conducting headphones.
Can you wear bone-conduction headphones in your ear?
Bone conduction headphones are designed to be placed outside your ear, right on your cheekbone, because the sound technology works this way.
What is the best bone conduction headset?
AfterShokz dominates the bone–conduction market, and it has come out on top with its newest model, the Aeropex ($160). The new PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology delivers a higher quality sound than other products.
Conclusion
Many of us love music, and we want something that is best for us and puts value on the money we spend in terms of a better music experience and taking care of our safety. Using bone conduction headphones depends on your need for headphones.
If you’re a gamer, you must go for noise-canceling headphones. But, if you’re more comfortable with devices with better safety that give you a new technology experience, bone conduction headphones are the best choice for you.
It doesn’t matter which headphone choice you go for your ears, and you remain safe and healthy. So you must keep your health in mind and avoid improper use of headphones. So with proper precautions, you can enjoy the best music and live your life to the fullest.