5 reasons you should buy a bone conduction headphones

Posted On November 24, 2021

Bone conduction headphones have been around for sometime already. They are alternatives to in-ear or over-ear headphones. Compared to traditional headphone designs, bone conduction headphones doesn’t get inserted in the ear to cover your ear canals. Instead, it rests just above the cheekbones and your ears are still wide open to hear the ambient sound.

How does Bone Conduction Headphones work?

Bone conduction headphones transmit sound to the ears by sending vibrations along the cheekbone. It bypasses the eardrums. The sound vibrations go directly to the cochlea where it is processed by the auditory nerve.

Benefits of Bone Conduction Headphones

I have tried bone conduction headphones by Aftershokz like the OpenMove and the Aeropex. Here are the benefits of using a bone conduction headphones. I think these are some compelling reasons why you should have one for yourself.

1. Safer way to listen to music

Since bone conduction headphones doesn’t cover your ear canals, you can still hear your surroundings. You can hear possible dangers like speeding cars or dogs trying to chase you. This will help reduce accidents while on the road.

2. Comfortable fit

Designs of traditional headphones are prone to falling off the ear. They can also be uncomfortable if the size of the buds are not fit to the size of your ears. Prolonged use of the headphones can also hurt your ears. Some people also find earbuds ticklish.

Since bone conduction headphones doesn’t have to be inserted on the ears, they are more comfortable and doesn’t tickle. They are lightweight and simply sits above the ear. You don’t need to adjust them often because they stay in place even with vigorous movements while running.

3. Clean and Hygienic

I have seen photos and videos of dirty earphones. The earwax that has accumulated on the buds are gross. While earwax are harmless, bacteria can grow on them. This can cause ear inflammation and infection. That is why sharing of earbuds is discouraged.

Bone conduction headphones won’t accumulate earwax since they are not inserted in the ear canal. This makes them clean and safe.

4. Unique Listening Experience

Using a bone conduction headphones is a different experience. You can hear everything around you while music is playing. You can have a decent conversation while the headphones are attached. While in-ear headphones have better sound quality, bone conduction headphones can provide a better experience.

5. Alternative for hearing impaired

Since bone conduction does not use the eardrums, people with hearing difficulties would be able to hear clearly with bone conduction, as long as their cochlea is in healthy and normal condition.

Recommended bone conduction headphones

I have used bone conduction headphones by Aftershokz. The OpenMove is the entry-level headphones priced at 4,490 at the Digital Walker store. The Aeropex is the lightest headphones to date and priced at 8,490 PHP at the Digital Walker store. Both models comes with a 2 year warranty.

Awei and Lenovo also have bone conduction headphone. I haven’t tried them yet but reviews from other buyers gives it 4.8 and 4.9 star ratings respectively.