When you listen to music, you usually have a personal set of headphones ready for use. Instead of conventional headphones you might normally buy, you may consider buying bone conduction headphones. To fully understand the benefits of bone conduction and open-ear listening, it is helpful to know the way that these headphones work and why Shokz offers the best selection.
How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?
Bone conduction headphones take an acoustic approach to providing a unique way to enjoy music and remain aware of your surroundings. Most sounds travel through the air to your eardrums; however, these unique headphones use sound that is transmitted through vibrations via the bones of your head and jaw. The sounds that you hear from these headphones bypass your eardrums and are sent right to your inner ears.
Traditional headphones sit inside of your ear. On the other hand, bone conduction headphones sit outside the ear. In other words, your ear canal is open to ambient sounds. You hear music through vibrations that are created by a device that sits snugly on your face, making these headphones the perfect choices for active individuals.
Do Bone Conduction Headphones Damage Your Hearing?
Products that involve bone conduction technology are not completely new. For years this has been used as an aid for people with certain types of hearing loss. It has been rumored that Beethoven used this to help him with his hearing problems. He would place a metal rod in his mouth and connect it to his piano. In this manner, he was able to hear music through vibrations.
Since this type of technology has been tested for years, bone conduction headphones are considered safe. However, like any other type of headphones, they may still cause damage to your hearing if you play your audio at very loud volumes.
Pros and Cons of Bone Conduction Headphones
When you are deciding on a pair of headphones, you may wish to learn the advantages and disadvantages that come from using bone conduction headphones.
Pros
l Work for People with Existing Hearing Loss. If you already are affected with hearing loss, bone conduction headphones could potentially help you hear sound better. This headphone variety may work well for a person who currently wears a hearing aid. Thanks to the open-ear design of bone conduction headphones, they can be worn at the same time as certain hearing devices, including in-the-ear and invisible hearing aids. They could also help you hear sound if you are deaf in one ear. They create a stereo sound that provides a feeling of hearing that is not experienced with conventional headphones.
l Beneficial for People with Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a condition where a person hears ringing sounds within his or her ears. Usually, an individual with this problem finds it difficult to listen to music with conventional headphones that block external sounds, which enhances the ringing of tinnitus. Bone conduction devices allow you to hear these outside noises at the same time as your music.
l Improves Situational Awareness. If you listen to music while you walk or run, you are unlikely to be able to pay attention to your surroundings. This increases the likelihood of getting into an accident. Wearing bone conduction headphones will keep you safer; you will be able to hear things that are going on around you, including cars, cyclists, approaching animals, and more. They work great at the office as well. For example, you will not miss any phone calls or important announcements with bone conduction headphones.
l Comfortable Fit. With prolonged use, traditional headphones and earbuds tend to make your ears sore. And in certain cases, they may fall out of your ears. It can be difficult to find a conventional pair of headphones that fit correctly; however, bone conduction headphones rest lightly on your cheekbones. This means that your ears don’t impact the fit, eliminating the chance of experiencing soreness and discomfort. Since bone conduction headphones are made to fit your face in a snug manner, they will remain securely in place at all times.
l Do Not Cause Infections. Conventional headphones are known to harbor bacteria that may lead to infections in your ear. Earbuds may also increase the buildup of wax within your ears. Bone conduction headphones do not enter your ears, which means these problems are prevented.
Cons
l More Expensive. Although bone conduction headphones bring a number of benefits, they are a bit more costly than some traditional headphones. However, this increased price is worth the extra money to individuals who benefit from the advantages.
l Decreased Sound Quality. As previously discussed, bone conduction headphones allow you to hear your surroundings, which impacts the sound quality. However, Shokz is a brand that is constantly working to improve their patented bone conduction technology, and their most recent 9th generation delivers best-in-class, premium sound quality.
l May Still Cause Hearing Loss. No matter what type of headphone you use, it is essential to listen responsibly. If you blast your music, you may experience hearing loss.
l Other People May Hear Your Audio. Since bone conduction headphones lay on your cheekbones, there may be some sound leakage. A person who is passing by will not notice, but, if you are sitting close to someone, he or she may be able to hear what is playing.
Best Bone Conduction Headphones
If you feel like bone conduction headphones are for you, it’s important that you identify the best product on the market. Shokz is the top brand choice. This line includes water-resistant headphones that are perfect for outdoor use. Even though Shokz headphones are a bit more expensive than some traditional headphones, many users report that the quality and comfort outweigh the cost. Depending on your individual needs, Shokz has something that will work perfectly. Each audio product provides superior battery life and a lightweight design.
Most people use headphones on a daily basis. A better alternative to conventional headphones are bone conduction headphones. They are comfortable, functional, and enhance your safety. When you want to give them a try, select the best that are available. Shokz bone conduction headphones provide top-of-the-line quality and listening enjoyment. Check them out today!