Why Bone Conduction Headphones Are Changing the Game for Runners
I love running, and I always run with a pair of headphones. However, music isn’t the only soundtrack that accompanies my endurance sessions. For long stretches of exercise, I prefer podcasts and audiobooks to keep me entertained. As a massive Lord of the Rings fan, I’ve been slowly, mile by mile, working my way through a captivating new set of audiobooks recorded by none other than Andy Serkis.
Consequently, I’ve been eagerly monitoring Prime Day deals to snag a pair of the best bone conduction headphones—specifically the Shokz OpenRun or Shokz OpenMove. You can find the latest deals in both the US and the UK listed below.
The Distinction: Gym Headphones vs. Running Headphones
While I plan to keep my current earbuds for gym workouts—where I often blast powerful rock and metal to push through tough weightlifting sessions—it’s worth considering why music in the gym and listening to Gollum read me The Return of the King during my runs require two different sets of headphones.
The answer lies in the unique properties of bone conduction headphones. Unlike traditional headphones that transmit sound through the air to your eardrum, bone conduction headphones sit directly above the ear and send vibrations through the bones in your skull. This innovative approach allows for a fascinating alternative listening experience. All sound is essentially vibration, so bone conduction is simply a different method of transporting those vibrations to your inner ear.
That said, this method of sound transmission has its trade-offs. Audiophiles might find that some nuances heard with premium workout headphones are lost when using bone conduction. Traditional headphones often deliver a richer, more powerful sound, which is particularly noticeable in high-energy gym environments.
The Advantages of Bone Conduction Headphones
However, the strengths of bone conduction headphones can’t be overlooked. One of their most significant advantages is that they allow your ears to remain open to the outside world. This is especially critical while running, as you can stay alert to important sounds such as approaching traffic, fellow runners, and even wildlife. After all, no one wants to be blissfully unaware of a bear while jogging through a national park!
(Image credit: Sony)
Listening Underwater and Other Considerations
In an aquatic environment, you can use earplugs to create a seal and still enjoy your favorite tunes. Many top waterproof headphones leverage bone conduction technology, including the Finis Duo, which is currently on offer at Amazon.
It’s essential to consider the volume limitation settings on your device when using bone conduction headphones. Since sound vibrations are sent through your bones, you may need to increase the volume in noisy environments like busy roads or while swimming. Should you find your audio a bit quiet—especially with podcasts or audiobooks—adjusting that volume limiter might be beneficial.
Conclusion
If you’re a swimmer or a runner tired of earbuds that fall out or simply want a safer way to enjoy podcasts and audiobooks while staying aware of your surroundings, investing in bone conduction headphones is well worth it. As I continue my hunt for great Prime Day deals, these innovative headphones have proven to be a game changer for my fitness routine and can undoubtedly do the same for you.
For more information and the latest updates on deals, check out Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
