Bone conduction headphones are a type of headphones that transmit sound vibrations through the bones in the skull instead of through the air like traditional headphones and earbuds. The headphones rest directly on the listeners cheekbones, and the vibrations from the bone conduction go straight to the cochlea, bypassing the eardrum. This technology is good for people with hearing deficiencies, as the bone conduction vibration acts in lieu of the eardrum. Bone conduction headphones are also a viable option for people who suffer from hearing loss and use hearing aids, as they bypass the hearing aids and do not interfere with them. Additionally, listeners who are deaf in one ear may enjoy stereo sound that can’t be heard with traditional in-ears.
Bone conduction headphones are great for people who want to listen to music and stay aware of their surroundings, such as athletes and people who live in cities. They are also more hygienic than traditional headphones, as germs are not transferred from the ear to speakers like they are with in-ear buds. Bone conduction headphones are also more comfortable to wear for long periods of time, as they do not put pressure on the ear canal.
Bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations along the cheekbones instead of through the air. A transducer converts audio data to vibrations, which travel along the users bone structure to the cochlea, an inner ear structure that transmits the information along the auditory nerve as a signal to the brain. The users skull acts as the devices speaker, and the bones in the skull vibrate to amplify the sound waves.
While bone conduction headphones have many advantages, they also have some disadvantages. They do not provide the same level of isolation as traditional headphones, which can affect audio quality and clarity. Additionally, transmission accuracy can be compromised if the eardrum is not being used. However, bone conduction headphones are improving at an astonishing rate and are a great choice for sports of all kinds.
