Meanwhile, implanted bone conduction involves having a device surgically implanted into the bones of your skull, typically behind the ears. The device transmits vibrations directly into your bones so your brain can interpret them as sound. Implanted bone conduction devices are also called bone-anchored hearing aids, or BAHAs.
What is the Difference Between Air Conduction and Bone Conduction?
When it comes to air conduction vs bone conduction, it's important to note that neither option is "better" than the other. It comes down to personal preference and what you want from a new set of headphones. Let's do some comparisons to help you decide.
Audio Quality
When it comes to audio quality, most audiophiles will tell you that air-conduction headphones are superior. They utilize the ear's natural acoustics to deliver a broader range of frequencies and clear sound output. Meanwhile, it's easier to miss the subtle nuances in whatever you're listening to when you use bone-conduction headphones, with the bass often being particularly thin.
Sound Leakage
Both air and bone-conduction headphones are susceptible to sound leakage to some degree. Sound leakage is the term used to describe when the audio from your headphones can be heard by others around you. Generally, closed-back air conduction headsets are known to have fewer issues with sound leakage. While open-back headphones are the opposite—since the ear cups aren’t entirely enclosed.
Bone conduction headphones, while there can be sound leakage, it's not nearly as loud as what you’ll experience with open-back air conduction headphones.
Comfort
Bone-conduction headphones are lightweight and more comfortable to wear for extended periods. They sit on your temples or your cheekbones, which is less irritating compared to over-ear or in-ear headphones. On the other hand, some people find the vibrations of bone-conduction headphones a bit unsettling.
The comfort of air-conduction headphones varies from one set to the next and depends on personal preference. If you don't like the pressure of something against your ears or you think ear cups get too hot, you'll probably find earbuds or semi-open headphones very comfortable.
If comfort is a big deal for you and you don't like the idea of bone-conduction headphones, opt for an open-ear product like the Openfit. Open-ear headphones sit above the ear canals, making them perfect for anyone who doesn't like the pressure associated with earbuds or traditional headphones.
Air Conduction vs Bone Conduction: Which is Better for You?
The air conduction vs bone conduction debate comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for crisp sound and punchy basslines, or if you need to focus and get in the zone, go for air conduction headphones. Many newer products also have superior sound quality compared to their predecessors.
However, air-conduction earphones can get uncomfortable when worn for a long period. The pads can get heated and the pressure from the band can get irritating. You’re also putting your ear health at risk. This is where bone conduction headphones shine through.
Bone-conduction headphones are more lightweight and are far more comfortable to wear compared to many air-conduction headphones. This makes them ideal for physical activities such as running or gym workouts. Since they sit on your outer ear, you are well aware of your surroundings. This is ideal and a safer choice, especially if you plan to train outdoors.
Those with hearing impairments can also benefit from bone-conduction headphones. The sound is transmitted through the bones in the skull, bypassing the outer and middle ear. This is beneficial especially for those with conductive hearing loss since they don’t have to rely on the traditional pathways used by conventional headphones for audio listening.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, the debate of air conduction vs bone conduction is a matter of personal preference. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Experiment with a few options to find the headphones that are best for you.
For more information about the different headphones that are available, visit ca.shokz.com. Whether you prefer air-conduction or bone-conduction headphones, we will have something that suits you.
