Reading time: 3 min.
Many of us like to wear headphones when exercising outdoors. Because with music, podcasts or audio books on your ears, you simply train better.
The problem: Most devices are worn in or on the ear and thus dampen the noise in the environment. In urban traffic, jogging or cycling can quickly become dangerous.
Bone conduction headphones can help. We'll tell you what that is here.
Contents
What is bone conduction?
How do bone conduction headphones work?
What are bone conduction headphones?
How are bone conduction headphones worn?
Are bone conduction headphones dangerous?
Conclusion: bone conduction headphones are perfect for sports and training
What is bone conduction?
Bone conduction is the transmission of sound through the bones of the skull and face directly to the inner ear.
Unlike traditional headphones, bone conduction headphones use bone conduction to transmit sound directly to the inner ear. This allows for an open ear cup and good sound quality, making them particularly attractive for athletes or in noisy environments.
Bone conduction technology has developed into a promising alternative to conventional sound transmission in recent years.
How do bone conduction headphones work?
Bone conduction headphones are attached to the left and right of the back cheek below the temple, i.e. directly in front of the ear and not in the ear. You keep your ears free.
With the help of the contact surfaces, the transducers, the sound is transmitted through vibrations via the cranial bones directly into the inner ear. There they cause the liquid and the cilia of the earpiece to vibrate. This is how sound finally becomes audible for you.
What are bone conduction headphones?
Bone conduction headphones are also ideal for therapy and training, as noise and tones are perceived differently via bone conduction. Different tones and frequencies can evoke different reactions.
One of our cranial nerves plays an important role here, as it receives position information and sounds and transmits it to the brain. Individually selected sound frequencies can stimulate this nerve. Training with headphones can have very positive effects for people with hearing and balance problems. For certain exercises, e.g. for balance, the required frequencies are transmitted via a special training app.
>> Reading tip: Neuroathletic exercises for more balance
>> Recommended reading: 3 neuroathletic exercises for tinnitus
How are bone conduction headphones worn?
A thin titanium neckband ensures that the headphones are held securely. This is very light and sits firmly on the head even during intensive movement. Hat or sunglasses do not interfere with wearing comfort.
Anyone who quickly breaks into a sweat during sport usually does not have to worry either. Many bone conduction headphones are IP65 certified and therefore protected against dust and water jets. Even in the rain, outdoor fans don't have to do without listening to music. Equipped with a microphone, many can also be used to make phone calls via Bluetooth.
Are bone conduction headphones dangerous?
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 struggle with traditional headphones or who have certain hearing problems.
However, it is always your own responsibility to keep the volume at an appropriate level to protect hearing and avoid possible damage. Therefore, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and take regular breaks so as not to overload the ear.
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. The ears remain free. In this way, external noises, including horns and calls, arrive unhindered and can be heard at the same time as the sound from the headphones.
What's more, they can stimulate different cranial nerves by vibrating the temporal bones. This can improve movement sequences, stabilize the torso and spine or relieve muscular tension.
When used correctly, bone conduction headphones can help increase athletic performance and minimize the risk of injury.
Conclusion: Definitely try it!
