Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe?

Introduction 

A couple of years ago, runners discovered a new headphone technology that would allow them to listen to music while staying aware of their surroundings. Today, bone conduction headphones have become a staple popular among active people. However, with the increase in popularity comes some critical questions, with "Are bone conduction headphones safe?" at the top of the list.  This article will explore how bone conduction headphones work, how they can benefit you, and whether or not they are safer for your hearing than traditional headphones.

How does Bone Conduction Technology Work?  

Bone conduction headphones contain transducers that turn sound into vibrations. While traditional headphones and earbuds deliver sound directly into your ears, bone conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones. The sound vibrates through your skull into your inner ear. This allows you to bypass the eardrum and protect it from damage. 

Once the vibrations reach your cochlea, the sound is turned into electrical signals that your brain can interpret. Many people believe bone conduction headphones to be better for hearing health than earbuds since the sound does not pass through the eardrum. 

Because of the way bone conduction technology works, it offers several benefits you can’t get with traditional headphones. The ability to hear ambient noise and stay aware of what’s happening around you is invaluable, especially if you are jogging through a busy neighborhood or walking home alone at night. 

Further Reading: Air Conduction vs Bone Conduction: What's the Difference

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safer than Traditional Headphones?  

Bone conduction headphones offer a safer alternative to traditional counterparts for various reasons. Chief among these reasons is their ability to channel sound around the ear instead of directing it straight into the ear canal, providing added protection to your eardrum.

This innovative technology not only safeguards your hearing but also enables you to stay attuned to your environment while enjoying music or podcasts. Striking a balance between your auditory experience and situational awareness, bone conduction headphones ensure you remain connected to your surroundings during your activities.

In addition to these safety and awareness benefits, bone conduction headphones share the same core advantages as traditional ones. They allow you to savor your music, elevating your workout or daily routine. Here are some specific benefits that make bone conduction headphones the preferred choice for many.

• Bone conduction headphones are ideal for an active lifestyle.

Whether you love to kayak, run, hike, or rock climb, bone conduction headphones can enhance your activity and allow you to safely enjoy your favorite tunes. While the safety and benefits of bone conduction headphones apply to everyone, their design caters specifically to highly active individuals. If the idea of your morning jog without energizing music is unimaginable, consider investing in a pair of bone conduction headphones; they could be the ideal upgrade for your active lifestyle.

Further Reading: How Can the Right Headphones Enhance Workout Performance?

Further Reading: Why Marathon Runners Trust Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

• Bone conduction headphones allow you to hear ambient sounds.

Unless you wear headphones while working out at home, chances are you need to be aware of other people while you are listening and engaged in your activity. While noise canceling headphones can be appropriate on a noisy airplane or in a loud workplace, open-ear headphones are the safest option for listening in public. Running down a crowded sidewalk or crossing a busy intersection requires you to be aware of your surroundings to stay safe. Since bone conduction headphones allow ambient noise to reach your ears, you’ll be able to hear cars honking or people yelling, which could potentially save your life. Best of all, you don’t need to pause your music to talk to others.

• Bone conduction headphones are better for your hearing health.

As mentioned, bone conduction headphones use transducers to create vibrations. These vibrations travel through your skull to your cochlea, allowing your eardrum to be bypassed. For this reason, bone conduction headphones are considered to be better for your hearing health than traditional headphones. Additionally, bone conduction headphones rest outside your ears instead of in them, eliminating the risk of earwax and bacteria buildup.

• Bone conduction headphones reduce the likelihood of ear fatigue during extended use.

Traditional headphones can strain your hearing, especially if you are listening at high volumes for extended periods of time. Bone conduction headphones allow you to listen for longer without fatiguing your ears. Just be sure to keep your music at an appropriate volume and adjust the fit to avoid headaches.

Considerations for Bone Conduction Headphones  

While bone conduction headphones offer significant benefits, it's important to acknowledge a few drawbacks. Nevertheless, these drawbacks shouldn't deter you from exploring the potential of this technology. If you're an active individual who relishes the idea of incorporating music or podcasts into your workout routine, then this technology is tailor-made for you. Here are a few things to consider before investing in bone conduction headphones.

• Bone conduction headphones are more expensive than regular headphones.

Bone conduction headphones are expensive, especially compared to a cheap pair of earbuds from your local gadget store. A high-quality pair of bone conduction headphones can cost several hundred dollars, especially if it has a good battery life. However, it can be a worthy investment if you are highly active. And even though buying the cheapest pair of bone conduction headphones can be tempting, you should consider things like battery life, water resistance, style, and comfort when choosing a set.

• Bone conduction headphones are susceptible to noise.

Bone conduction headphones work the exact opposite of noise-canceling headphones. With bone conduction, you have increased situational awareness, which includes hearing noises along with your music, unlike noise-canceling headphones that block out everything. 

It can be disorienting at first to hear ambient noise mixed in with your music, but it is one of the best safety features of this technology. This can be beneficial if you are running on a busy road, but may not be great if you tend to work out alone.

Can Bone Conduction Headphones Damage Your Hearing?  

Bone conduction headphones are often considered a safer choice for your hearing health compared to traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. Since these headphones transmit sound through the bones in your skull, bypassing the eardrums entirely, the direct pressure that conventional headphones exert on the eardrums is eliminated. Thus, it reduces the risk of eardrum damage.

Moreover, bone conduction headphones encourage awareness, making it less likely that you'll turn up the volume to unsafe levels to drown out external noise. This is particularly beneficial in maintaining long-term ear health, as consistently high volume is one of the primary causes of hearing damage.

Lastly, because these headphones do not sit inside the ear canal or cover the ears, they reduce the risk of ear infections and hygiene-related issues associated with regular headphone use.

Conclusion  

Overall, bone conduction headphones are safer and more beneficial than traditional headphones, especially if you have an active lifestyle. When used correctly, bone conduction headphones are better for your hearing health and can provide an elevated listening experience. If you are interested in bone conduction headphones, Shokz has an excellent selection you can check out. See our range of wireless headphones here.