Attention all audiophiles! We’ve got the scoop on the latest listening tech. You may have been driving past a cyclist wearing strange-looking headphones or noticed a swimmer at your local pool donning a pair of headphones that don’t even seem to fit over their ears.
What exactly is going on here? The answer is simple: bone conduction headphones.
In today’s fast-paced world, where technology is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, bone conduction headphones are a revolutionary concept far beyond traditional headphone capabilities.
Let’s explore the origins of bone conduction technology, discuss its benefits and limitations, cover how it works underwater for swimming, and help you choose the best pair for your individual needs.
How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?
Bone conduction headphones work by sending sound waves straight through the bones of your skull and into the inner ear, avoiding the eardrum altogether. While traditional headphones rely on speakers that sit in or on the ear canal, bone conduction headphones do not.
They use transducers to turn audio into vibrations, rather than using speakers to produce sound waves that pass through the air and make contact with the eardrums. The cochlea is stimulated, and the listener senses sound as a result of those vibrations traveling through the bones of the skull. Because they produce sound without blocking the ear canal, bone conduction headphones are a good option for anyone who wants to hear ambient sound alongside their music or podcasts.
Runners who want to stay aware of their surroundings, cyclists who want to hear approaching vehicles, and swimmers who want to keep track of their surroundings are all great candidates for bone conduction headphones.
When it comes to swimmers specifically, many are on the lookout for headphones that work underwater and are also waterproof. That can be a challenge, since Bluetooth signals travel poorly through water.
In this case, many underwater bone conduction headphones use a transmitter that carries the signal so it works through water. You might wonder whether bone conduction headphones are as effective as traditional ones. They are a little different, because they transmit sound differently.
You probably won’t get the exact same quality as super high-end noise-canceling headphones on the market today. For those with hearing loss issues or those with very specific audio needs, though, bone conduction is an absolute game-changer.
Why Was Bone Conduction Technology Created?
Speaking of unique needs, bone conduction was invented for people who have issues with hearing loss. The technology was initially designed for hearing aids for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the medical field, bone conduction implants have been used to assist people with hearing impairments.
These hearing aids and systems, also called osseointegrated or bone-anchored devices, work especially well for people with specific types of hearing loss. That includes but is not limited to:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Meniere’s Disease
- Acoustic Neuroma
- Congenital Atresia
- Malformation of the ear canal
This technology serves a worthy purpose: helping people hear. Using bone conduction for headphones and everyday listening grew out of that medical work.
How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work With Your Devices?
This depends largely on how you plan to use them. We already covered the basics above, so here are the specifics that set bone conduction headphones apart:
- They feature an open-ear design, ideal for anyone who wants to hear outside sound
- They are reportedly very comfortable to wear
- They are a good option for tinnitus sufferers
- Many come with their own transmitters
- The design often uses a wraparound band that sits around the back of the head or neck
- They connect easily to a phone or other device
Setup is surprisingly simple, especially if you are pairing to an existing device. If you plan to use them underwater, you will want headphones built for aqua use, like Zygo’s headphones.
Some people don’t realize there’s much more to underwater headphones than waterproofing. Bluetooth signals do not travel well through water, so they need a boost from additional technology.
Zygo headphones use a special transmitter that strengthens your device’s existing signal and lets you swim while listening to your favorite playlists, audiobooks, or podcasts. Setup is user-friendly and quick.
The audio quality is clear, and battery life is similar to many regular Bluetooth headphones, so it won’t feel vastly different from connecting any other set of headphones to your device.
One especially useful thing about this type of transmitter is that it also works for communication. You can hear your favorite tunes while swimming, and someone outside the pool can use it to talk to you in real time. Just imagine what that means for swim coaches who want to communicate with their athletes on the go.
How Do You Wear Bone Conduction Headphones for Swimming?
Because bone conduction rests on your cheekbones rather than inside your ears, it works well under swim gear. Put the headphones on first and position the band, then pull your swim cap over the top to hold everything in place. Goggle straps can sit above or below the band.
A secure wraparound band is what keeps them in place through strokes, flip turns, and pushing off the wall, which makes them practical for lap swimming as well as easy pool sessions. Bone conduction can feel unusual for the first swim or two, so give it a few sessions before you judge it.
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe?
Bone conduction headphones are considered just as safe as any other wireless headphones or earbuds. There is no data to suggest a real risk in wearing them. Any downsides are the same as those of regular headphones or earbuds, with one notable exception.
The vibration takes a little getting used to. Because it is a very different listening experience than most people are accustomed to, it can feel strange at first, which prompts some to ask whether it is safe. Rest assured, it is.
How Do I Choose the Best Bone Conduction Headphones?
When looking for your next pair of bone conduction headphones, there are a few things to consider.
1. Fit
Make sure the pair you select is comfortable. If you’re used to traditional earbuds, bone conduction might feel different at first but should ultimately fit comfortably. Check that they come with a money-back guarantee, just in case you don’t love the fit.
2. Range
Depending on the brand, different headphones transmit over different ranges. Zygo headphones, for example, have a range of up to 50 meters, which is more than enough for most swimmers. The transmitter can also sit up to 30 feet from your phone, handy if you need the transmitter at the pool’s edge but your device on a nearby bench.
3. Battery Life
Make sure the battery life fits your needs. Most headphones today have impressive battery life, but it’s worth checking and doing a little comparison shopping.
4. Sound Quality
With bone conduction, the sound will be a little different from a pair of top-notch noise-canceling headphones, but you should still enjoy a high-quality listening experience. Sound quality varies from product to product, so keep that in mind.
5. Waterproof Performance (If You Swim)
Planning to swim with them? Then make sure they perform well underwater, because not all bone conduction headphones are built for it. If you don’t plan to use them in the pool, this matters less. For a closer look at how submersible options compare to sealed earbuds, see bone conduction headphones vs. earbuds for swimming.
Conclusion
Bone conduction technology is here to stay. The ability to transmit sound through bone vibrations opens up new possibilities for anyone seeking a different kind of listening experience, whether for safety, medical, or personal reasons.
As the technology keeps evolving, it’s clear this is a useful innovation that will stay relevant for years to come. If you want a pair built for the pool, take a look at the Zygo Z2.
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