Bone conduction headphones – everything about the appropriate use in training, sports and leisure and whether they are really harmful
Reading time: 3 minutes
Bone conduction headphones are the new trend for enjoying music during sport and leisure time. But did you know that you can also actively integrate them into your training? We'll tell you how it works here.
Contents
What is bone conduction?
How do bone conduction headphones work?
What are the benefits of bone conduction headphones?
How are bone conduction headphones worn?
Are bone conduction headphones harmful?
Conclusion: Bone conduction headphones are perfect for sports and training
What is bone conduction?
Bone conduction refers to the transmission of sound via the bones of the skull and face directly to the inner ear.
Unlike conventional headphones, bone conduction headphones use bone conduction to transmit sound directly to the inner ear. This allows for an open auricle and good sound quality, which makes them particularly attractive for athletes or in noisy environments.
In recent years, bone conduction technology has developed into a promising alternative to conventional sound transmission.
How do bone conduction headphones work?
Bone conduction headphones are attached to the left and right side of the back of the cheek below the temple, i.e. directly in front of the ear and not in the ear. This keeps the ears free.
With the help of the contact surfaces, the transducers, the sound is transmitted through vibrations via the skull bones directly into the inner ear. There they cause the fluid and the cilia of the ear to vibrate. This is how you can ultimately hear the sound.
What are the benefits of bone conduction headphones?
Bone conduction headphones are also ideal for therapy and training, as sounds and tones are perceived differently via bone conduction. Different tones and frequencies can elicit different reactions.
One of our cranial nerves plays an important role here, as it receives position information and sounds and transmits them to the brain. Individually selected sound frequencies can stimulate this nerve. For people with hearing and balance problems, training with headphones can have very positive effects. For certain exercises, e.g. for balance, the required frequencies are transmitted via a special training app .
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How are bone conduction headphones worn?
A thin titanium neckband ensures that the headphones are held securely. It is very light and sits firmly on the head even during intensive movement. Hats or sunglasses do not affect the comfort.
Those who quickly start to sweat when exercising usually don't have to worry either. Many bone conduction headphones are IP65 certified and are therefore protected against dust and water jets. Outdoor fans don't have to miss out on listening to music even when it's raining. Equipped with a microphone, many can also be used to make phone calls via Bluetooth.
Are bone conduction headphones harmful?
Bone conduction headphones do not pose a direct health risk. Because they transmit sound via bone conduction, the eardrum is bypassed and the ear canal is less stressed. This type of sound transmission can even be beneficial for people who have problems with conventional headphones or who suffer from certain hearing problems.
However, it is always your responsibility to keep the volume at an appropriate level to protect your hearing and avoid possible damage. Therefore, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and take regular breaks to avoid overloading your ears.
Conclusion: Bone conduction headphones are perfect for sports and training
Thanks to their versatility, bone conduction headphones are a useful tool for sports, leisure and the office. Your ears remain free. This means that outside noises, including horns or shouts, can be heard unhindered and at the same time as the sound from the headphones.
What's more, by applying vibrations to the temporal bones, they can stimulate different cranial nerves. This can improve movement sequences, stabilize the torso and spine, or reduce muscular tension.
When used correctly, bone conduction headphones can help improve athletic performance and minimize the risk of injury.
Conclusion: Definitely give it a try!
