The Bone Conduction Headphones Side Effects- you must know

Tusher Shaha
8 Jan, 2023
If you've ever considered buying a pair of bone-conduction headphones or are currently using them, it is essential to know the potential side effects. Bone conduction headphones use sound waves that vibrate your skull and transmit sound through your bones to reach your ears, bypassing the need for earbuds or any other type of headphones. 

While they may seem like an excellent and convenient way to listen to music, there are some potential risks associated with their use that everyone should be aware of before purchasing or using them. 

In today's article, I will discuss the possible side effects of using bone-conduction headphones and how you can protect yourself against any potential risks.

How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?

Bone conduction headphones work by using a technology called bone conduction. Vibrations are sent through the bones in your head to your inner ear, bypassing your outer ear and eardrum. It means that you can still hear what's happening around you and the music from the headphones.

These headphones don't go into your ear but rest on the bones in front of your ears. They send vibrations through your bones to your inner ear, bypassing the eardrum altogether.

Side Effects of Bone Conduction Headphones

When it comes to earbuds, you usually have two main choices- AirPods that go over or into your ear or earbuds that go under your ear. There's a third option which is bone-conduction headphones. 

While this may sound like a great idea, there are some potential side effects of bone-conduction headphones that you should be aware of before purchasing a pair.

Cause headaches: Because bone conduction headphones send vibrations directly to your skull, they can sometimes cause headaches. If you get headaches after using them, you should stop and consult a doctor.

They can worsen tinnitus: Tinnitus is a condition where you hear ringing in your ears even when there's no external noise. Bone-conduction headphones can make this condition worse by amplifying the ringing noise. If you have tinnitus, it's best to avoid using these headphones altogether.

Cause hearing loss: While most people don't experience hearing loss from using bone-conduction headphones, some have reported temporary or permanent hearing loss after using them for an extended period.

Short and Long Term Health Risks

There are a few potential risks associated with bone-conduction headphones, though most are minor and only occur in a small percentage of users. However, skin irritation is a common side effect in this case, as the headphones directly interact with the skin. 

Short and Long Term Health Risks

More severe risks, such as hearing loss, dizziness, or seizures, have been reported in rare cases. These side effects are typically only seen in people with preexisting conditions or who use the headphones for extended periods (8+ hours per day).

Overall, manufacturers have designed bone-conduction headphones considering all safety terms, but you should not use them for long periods. However, if you have any concerns, it's always best to consult your doctor before using them.

Who Should Consider Wearing Bone Conduction Headphones?

Those who suffer from hearing loss in one or both ears may benefit from using this type of headphone. Because the sound is conducted through the bones to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ears. It can help people with hearing loss to hear more clearly. 

Besides, people who work in noisy environments may also benefit from using bone-conduction headphones as the headphones can help to cancel out some of the background noise. 

The deaf may also use headphones to listen to audio without worrying about being unable to hear what is happening around them. Infants and small children can use it to protect their delicate ears from loud noises.

What are the Benefits of the Bone Conduction Headphones?

Refrain from judging these headphones by their side effects only. There are also several benefits to using bone-conduction headphones, including:

Allows to hear surroundings: This is particularly beneficial if you are running or cycling outdoors, as you can remain aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards.

Less likely to cause damage to hearing: Unlike traditional headphones, which go directly into your ear canal, bone conduction headphones sit outside of it. That means that they vibrate the bones in your head rather than your eardrums, which reduces the risk of damage to your hearing over time.


Comfortable to wear: Standard headphones can cause discomfort after extended use, but bone conduction headphones' well-design makes it possible to wear them for long periods without causing pain.

Suitable to use in all environments: Bone-conduction headphones will still allow you to hear clearly in a noisy office or on a crowded train.

Bone conduction headphones pros and cons

Some people love them for their unique sound quality, while others find them uncomfortable to wear. Here are some of the most common pros and cons of using bone-conduction headphones:

Pros:

  • Unique sound experience for music lovers and audiophiles alike.
  • Incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
  • They do not require earbuds or ear cups, making them much more hygienic than other headphones.

Cons:

  • Some people find bone conduction headphones uncomfortable to wear, as they sit directly on the ear's bones.
  • Quite expensive, especially when compared to traditional headphones.
  • It can leak sound, meaning that people around you may be able to hear what you're listening to if they're nearby.

Alternatives to Bone Conduction Headphones

A few alternatives to bone-conduction headphones can provide similar or even better results. These include:

1. In-ear Monitors (IEMs): IEMs are similar to earbuds but fit snugly inside your ear canal and provide a more personalized listening experience. They can also block out ambient noise better than earbuds, making them ideal for noisy environments.

2. On-ear Headphones: On-ear headphones sit on top of your ears and provide good sound quality if they are correctly fitted. They are not as effective at blocking out ambient noise as IEMs, but they are more comfortable to wear for long periods.

3. Over-ear Headphones: Over-ear headphones enclose your entire ear in a padded cup and provide the best sound quality of all the options. However, they can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear and may not be suitable for use in noisy environments.

Conclusion

When using Bone conduction headphones, it is essential to be aware of any potential side effects. While these devices can provide a fantastic audio experience for many people, it is always best to consult your doctor before purchasing, especially if you have any existing medical conditions or are pregnant. 

With the proper care and knowledge in mind, you should enjoy all the benefits of this type of headphone technology while avoiding any unpleasant side effects.
Tusher Shaha

Tusher Shaha

Hi! I am Tusher Shaha, the author and creator of The Tech Ideal. As a content creator, I enjoy sharing knowledge. My love is reviewing the most recent smart devices (like; smartphones, earbuds, watches and so on) and keeping up with technology. Cheers!

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