How Do Bone conduction Headphones Operate

Audio technology has advanced so much in recent years that it wouldn't be unusual to have a separate set of headphones for each of your needs: Includes noise-canceling headphones for work, pocket-sized AirPods for commuting, and elegant bone-conduction headphones for running. But how do bone-conduction headphones work, and why are they made differently?

Bone-conduction headphones differ from open-ear headphones, which connect to the ears. They are designed to provide users with the best of both worlds in terms of comfort, convenience, and spatial awareness. Here's all you need to know about bone-conduction headphones, including its numerous advantages and possible problems.

What Are Bone Conduction Headphones.

The distinct form factor of bone-conduction headphones distinguishes them from other audio devices on the market.

Anish V. Thakkar, Au.D., director of audiology at the Los Angeles Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy, notes that most models attach to the top of the pinna (outer ear) and wrap around the neck with a sports band or a thin wire. "This allows them to stay on, even with active movement, while working out."

According to Joel Smith, audio specialist and creator of the music website AllAxess, bone-conduction headphones should be tightly placed against the cheekbones. This form of headphones lets users to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while also hearing their surroundings. The device's unique, around-the-head design not only looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, but also effectively transmits music.

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How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work.

Bone-conduction headphones function differently than other types of headphones because they are placed next to the ear. "Bone-conduction headphones stimulate your inner ear through either the mastoid process of the temporal bone or more commonly, the cheekbones," according to Dr. Thakkar. (The mastoid processes are behind the earlobes.)

Bone-conduction headphones provide a little different sound than you're accustomed to, although this technology has advanced significantly over time. "The audio quality with bone conduction has definitely gotten better," Smith adds. "But it still may not give you that deep, rich, and fully immersive sound you'd get from premium over-ear headphones."

What Are The Advantages Of Bone Conduction Headphones.

Bone-conduction headphones provide several advantages, particularly for those who like outdoor activities.

Safer For Exercises.

"[When wearing bone-conduction headphones,] your ears stay uncovered, so you can maintain situational awareness and hear your surroundings," Smith said. "This makes them great for outdoor activities or situations where you need to stay alert and pay attention to your environment."

Because bone-conduction headphones do not restrict the ear canal, you can hear both what is going on around you and what is playing on your device.

Easy To Clean.

Bone-conduction headphones are a healthier and cleaner option. "There's no irritation from having earbuds jammed into your ear canals," Smith adds, adding that bone-conduction headphones may also prevent earbud-related infections.

Furthermore, since bone-conduction headphones lie on top of the skin rather than entering the ear, there is no risk of them becoming filthy with earwax, allowing you to share the gadget with others. 

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Disability-friendly.

Bone-conduction headphones are often beneficial to those with certain health issues or limitations in terms of accessibility. According to Dr. Thakker, those with eardrum or ear canal issues may find bone-conduction headphones more pleasant. According to the Professional Hearing Center, bone-conduction headphones may help persons with hearing loss since they completely surround the ears.

Are There Any Disadvantages To Utilizing Bone Conduction Headphones.

While bone-conduction headphones might be useful, there are certain downsides to wearing them.

Prone To Vibrating With Increased Volume.

Using in-ear or over-ear headphones, you may easily boost the volume. However, loudness is limited with bone-conduction headphones. "There are certain limits to how much gain or volume one can receive while still maintaining comfort," Dr. Thakker said. "It is common to feel a vibrotactile sensation on the skin itself, often described as a 'buzzing' or annoying vibration."

Unsuitable For Noisy Environments.

Bone-conduction headphones may improve outdoor workout safety, but can be difficult to hear in noisy surroundings. "The sound from bone conduction would mostly be drowned out from sound entering naturally through the ear canal," according to Dr. Thakker.

Not The Best For Sound Quality.

Bone-conduction headphones may not provide the same immersive sound experience as noise-canceling earbuds. "The audio can come across as a bit flatter and less dynamic compared to top-tier traditional headphone models," Smith explains, adding that bass sounds may be particularly impacted. 

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