I remember the first time I heard about bone conduction headphones and actually owned a pair. Back then the technology was just starting to be researched and expanded into the everyday market. What exactly is bone conduction, how does it work and what can bone conduction headphones do for you? How far has the technology come and how expensive is it really? Keep reading and we will answer these and other questions you may have.
What Is Bone Conduction?
The founder of bone conduction was actually Ludwig Van Beethoven who was practically deaf. He found he could listen to music he played by biting on a metal bit attached to his piano. Bone conduction forces the sound to bypass the eardrum and go straight to the Cochlea via vibrations. These vibrations are passed through bones like our jaw and cheekbones!
Since then we have graduated from having bits of metal to bite on. Now we have implants that use vibrations to transfer sound and technology to aid our hearing. We even have bone conduction headphones, which allow us to work out while still being able to hear the environment around us!
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Better?
There are multiple benefits to bone conduction headphones. Most individuals purchase them in order to workout without blocking out important background sound. Such as other runners and even animals. There is also the benefit of not having extended wear damage from inserting headphones into your canal.
Throughout the years bone conduction headphones have gotten better. They are not perfect by any means even now, but for what you get they are worth a listen. Technology is advancing every day so even the minor drawbacks may be a thing of the past soon enough.
But What Are They Really Like?
I have a pair of AfterShokz Air headphones, they are about $119 in price, but I wanted to try the technology out for myself. I have a minor hearing impairment so listening via these bad boys is way better than my average listening pleasure. However they don’t sound as good in my good ear as headphones that sit inside my ear.
If you turn your volume up to much the headphones will literally vibrate. It’s not necessarily a bad sensation, just a shocker for the first time. There are some downsides to these headphones.
- Some models do not have the volume control directly on the headphones themselves
- The vibrations can be unsettling at first
- The technology is pricey for what you get
- Calls and listening are limited to 6 hours
However there are also some pros to having these over normal headphones.
- Your ears are still open to the environment around you
- The headphones are sturdy
- Water and sweat proof within reason
- Those who have mild hearing issues will find these work great
- 33 Feet of Bluetooth capability
The distance when it comes to Bluetooth connectivity alone is a plus for me. This means I can put my favorite playlist on and hit the garden for some earth time without breaks in audio. Also unlike my earbuds, I enjoy that I am untethered and also do not have to change both the headset and anything else to listen to my music. Just hopefully you aren’t like me and actually remember to put them on the charger.
Will Anyone Else Be Able To Hear What I Am Listening To?
Technically no. If you are using them while running or other forms of working out, the chances of someone hearing isn’t likely. However if you were to go somewhere quiet enough or have the volume all the way up in a crowded spot; others may be able to hear. I personally love that they can connect to several devices of mine with easy switching. But I wouldn’t use them for my gaming at home when I need to hear every movement.
Is It Worth It To Get A Pair Of AfterShokz Air Headphones?
If you are like me and like to have a set of headphones for working out and a secondary headset for everything else; then the answer is yes. I wouldn’t necessarily think they are worth the price for full time use; but if you are a gym junkie I highly suggest them! In fact you can Buy your AfterShokz Air Headphones at Better1.com if you are interested in giving them a shot for yourself!
Technology is ever changing. So while bone conduction may not be at the top of it’s game just yet; there is nothing stopping consumers from giving feedback. This in turn encourages developers to meet the demands of the consumer. Maybe then we can say without a doubt that bone conduction is the best technology when it comes to what we choose to listen with.