Bone conduction headphones have gained popularity in recent years due to their unique functionality and benefits. Although these headphones are still not mainstream, there are several brands offering good bone conduction headphones brands. Some of the bone conduction headphone brands include AfterShokz, Trekz, Vidonn, and Panasonic. The market for bone conduction headphones is still relatively niche as compared to traditional headphones. Not all brands are taking an interest in this segment. But it is important for people to know about bone conduction headphones. If you are an audiophile, you must know about bone conduction headphones. In this detailed article, I will explain bone conduction headphones, how bone conduction headphones work, and more things you need to know about bone conduction headphones.
What is a Bone Conduction Headphones?
Bone conduction headphones are a type of audio device that transmits sound to the inner ear through the bones of the skull, bypassing the eardrums. Traditional headphones deliver sound through the ear canals, but bone conduction headphones use vibrations to send sound waves directly to the cochlea, the sensory organ of hearing.
Bone conduction headphones are often used by individuals with hearing impairments, as they can be an alternative for people who have issues with their eardrums or ear canals. They can also be beneficial for individuals engaged in outdoor activities such as running or cycling, as they allow users to listen to music or receive audio information while still being able to hear ambient sounds like traffic or conversations.
Here are some good Bone Conduction Headphones
How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?
Bone conduction headphones work by utilizing the principle of bone conduction. In bone conduction, the sound waves are transmitted through bones. Here is a detailed explanation of Bone Conduction headphones work:
Bone conduction headphones consist of transducers, which are small speakers or vibrators. These transducers are typically placed on the cheekbones, just in front of the ears, and they generate mechanical vibrations. When the transducers vibrate, these mechanical vibrations are directly transferred to the bones of the skull. The bones act as conductors and transmit the vibrations to the cochlea. Cochlea is the spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear and it is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals. At Cochlea, vibrations stimulate the hair cells lining the cochlear walls. The hair cells convert the mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. The electrical signals generated by the hair cells travel along the auditory nerve to the brain. The brain processes these signals and interprets them as sound, allowing the wearer to perceive audio.
It’s important to note that bone-conduction headphones do not completely bypass the ears. Some sound waves can still reach the ears through the air, but the majority of the sound is transmitted through the bones of the skull. This unique mechanism allows users to listen to the audio while also maintaining awareness of their surroundings, as the ear canals remain unobstructed, enabling the perception of ambient sounds.
Sound performance of bone conduction headphones
Bone conduction headphones typically have a weaker bass response. The vibrations transmitted through the bones of the skull may not provide the same level of low-frequency impact as in traditional headphones that directly deliver sound to the eardrums. Not just bass, Bone conduction headphones may also not offer the same level of clarity and detail. Due to open-air design, Bone conduction headphones also allow users to hear ambient sounds while listening to audio. So, you won’t get an immersive music experience.
If you prioritize audio experience, you should avoid getting bone conduction headphones and go for bone conduction headphones.
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe?
Bone conduction headphones are generally considered safe to use. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. It is important to use bone conduction headphones at a reasonable volume. Excessively high volume levels can still cause harm to the inner ear, especially if used for prolonged periods. If you are using Bone Conduction headphones, you are advised to follow recommended volume guidelines and take breaks from prolonged listening.
Some individuals may find bone conduction headphones less comfortable than traditional headphones. Not everyone is comfortable feeling vibrations on the cheekbones. So, it is really important to ensure that the headphones are properly positioned and adjusted to minimize discomfort.
As compared to traditional headphones, Bone conduction headphones typically allow for more sound leakage. This means that people nearby may be able to hear what you are listening to. If you are using Bone Conduction headphones in public places, it is important to be mindful of the volume levels to respect the privacy of others.
People having any specific medical conditions related to their ears or hearing should consult with a doctor before using bone conduction headphones. Doctors can provide personalized advice based on your individual situation.
