No, it's just a buzzy speaker that sits against your head. If you turn it up too loud it'll start to tickle. Everyone else around can hear what you're listening to and the sound quality sucks. Just get earbuds. Answer from SummitCollie on reddit.com
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Soundcore
soundcore.com › home › blog center › headphones blog › sound pressure: can bone conduction headphones cause headaches?
Can Bone Conduction Headphones Cause Headaches? Answers Here
August 27, 2024 - Our exploration reveals that while bone conduction headphones offer an innovative approach to personal audio, they are not without their drawbacks, particularly when it comes to the potential for causing headaches. By adopting the preventive measures discussed, such as ensuring a proper fit, adjusting the volume, controlling usage time, and opting for alternative open-ear headphones, you can effectively mitigate the risk of headaches.
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Idaffodil
idaffodil.co.uk › blogs › news › are-there-bone-conduction-headphones-side-effects
Are There Bone Conduction Headphones Side Effects? | Daffodil
In terms of health side effects, there are a few stand-out cases that will change on a person-to-person basis. The key cause for this side effect is the constant vibration of the skull and oscillatory bones. If you are prone to headaches or jaw / joint pains in and around the skull then you may feel the Bone Conduction Headphones are triggering those symptoms.
Discussions

Does bone conduction headphones have side effects?
No, it's just a buzzy speaker that sits against your head. If you turn it up too loud it'll start to tickle. Everyone else around can hear what you're listening to and the sound quality sucks. Just get earbuds. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/AskTechnology
3
3
May 26, 2023
A Cautionary Tale Regarding Bone Conduction Headphones (Aftershokz OpenComm)
I damaged my left ear in Oct '24 from a concert, which gave me unilateral tinnitus. Since then, I've diligently protected my hearing, and my audiogram has been stable for over a year. I have been using the Aftershokz Opencomm bone conduction headphones for work calls. I only use the right-side... More on tinnitustalk.com
🌐 tinnitustalk.com
1
March 2, 2025
Is bone conduction headphone safe?
Audiologist here who uses bone conduction headphones. They are no less safe than any headphone that goes in or over your ear. I like bone conduction for the safety factor of when I bike or lift weights, I can still hear what's around me for safety (but some people don't like that and that's fair!) All that matters is the volume of listening to them. You can tell when bone conduction is too loud because you physically feel the headphones vibrating (and that's quite annoying to be honest). So it's not less safe volume wise, but for safety wise I love them and recommend them! More on reddit.com
🌐 r/HearingLoss
5
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December 29, 2022
Bone conduction is just bullshit
Aren't bone conduction headphones aimed at like runners and people who want to have their ears open for spatial awareness in public? How is it bullshit if they still provide that benefit? More on reddit.com
🌐 r/headphones
117
12
May 4, 2023
People also ask

Are bone conduction headphones safer than traditional earbuds?
Yes. Bone conduction headphones bypass the eardrum and transmit sound through the bones of the skull, reducing the risk of hearing damage and making them safer for prolonged use compared to traditional earbuds.
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ngearsafe.com
ngearsafe.com › blogs › open-ear-headphones › bone-conduction-headphones-side-effects
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe? Myths & Truth Explained
Can bone conduction earphones cause tinnitus?
Not directly. Bone conduction headphones are safe when used responsibly, but listening at high volumes for extended periods may contribute to tinnitus—just like any other type of headphones.
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ngearsafe.com
ngearsafe.com › blogs › open-ear-headphones › bone-conduction-headphones-side-effects
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe? Myths & Truth Explained
Does bone conduction technology work for deaf individuals?
Bone conduction technology is not a universal solution for all types of deafness. However, for individuals with specific types of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss, it can be beneficial. It’s best to consult an audiologist to determine suitability.
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ngearsafe.com
ngearsafe.com › blogs › open-ear-headphones › bone-conduction-headphones-side-effects
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe? Myths & Truth Explained
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NG EarSafe
ngearsafe.com › blogs › open-ear-headphones › bone-conduction-headphones-side-effects
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe? Myths & Truth Explained
No scientific evidence has been reported. There are common side effects and how they can be easily prevented: Some users may feel slight pressure from wearing bone conduction headphones, especially for extended periods.
Published   October 31, 2025
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/asktechnology › does bone conduction headphones have side effects?
r/AskTechnology on Reddit: Does bone conduction headphones have side effects?
May 26, 2023 - Many people think that bone conduction headphones have side effects. Some people think that they are harmful to the body because they vibrates the bones to hear the sound which will affect the brain. However, this statement is not accurate. The side effects of bone conduction are very low.
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Soundcore
soundcore.com › home › blog center › headphones blog › are bone-conduction headphones safe? what you need to know
Are Bone-Conduction Headphones Safe? Unveiling the Truth
September 9, 2025 - The most notable side effect is the sensation of vibration directly on the skull. For many, this experience can be a bit unusual, especially when the volume is cranked up, leading to pronounced vibrations.
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Soundly
soundly.com › blog › shokz-bone-conduction-headphones-review
An Audiologist's Review of Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones
Hidden trails, on the other hand, are the perfect spot where you can enjoy this effect. Safety is one of the most important factors when purchasing any type of headphones. Shokz bone conduction headphones claim to be safe for your ears and improve situational awareness.
Find elsewhere
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Shokz
uk.shokz.com › blogs › guides › how-safe-are-bone-conduction-headphones
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe?
March 8, 2024 - Discover how bone conduction headphones work and whether they’re safe for your hearing. Learn the real facts, common myths, and how they compare to traditional headphones.
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Soundtrace
soundtrace.com › blog › the-hidden-risks-of-bone-conduction-headphones-revealed-safeguarding-your-hearing-health
The Hidden Risks of Bone Conduction Headphones Revealed: Safeguarding Your Hearing Health | Soundtrace - Digital Hearing Conservation Program
Cory Portnuff and Elliott Berger's seminal piece, "The Truth about Bone-Conduction Earphones" (The Hearing Journal, 65(6):p 4, June 2012, DOI: 10.1097/01.HJ.0000415192.03538.d6), delves deep into this matter. Contrary to popular belief, bone conduction headphones are not immune to causing harm to our cochlea, the delicate auditory organ responsible for translating sound into neural signals.
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Soundly
soundly.com › blog › bone-conduction-headphones-safety
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe?
This is the concept behind bone conduction technology, and it's a type of audio transmission that uses transducers to transmit sound waves directly through the bones of the head, bypassing the outer and middle ears. This means that with bone-conduction headphones, you can enjoy music without blocking off your ears or covering them up.
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Sanag Shop
sanagshop.com › blogs › blog › what-are-the-side-effects-of-bone-conduction-headphones
What are the side effects of bone conduction headphones? – Sanag Shop
June 3, 2024 - Bone conduction headphones, like any wearable device, may lead to skin irritation, especially in sweaty conditions or with prolonged use. This effect can be heightened for those with sensitive skin or allergies to materials used in the headphones.
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Hearing Health & Technology Matters
hearinghealthmatters.org › home › bad to the bone headsets
Bone Conduction Headsets: Bad to the Bone
December 1, 2024 - We explore some of the potential side effects associated with these headphones below · General Discomfort or Pressure: Probably the most common issue to encounter. Some users may experience discomfort or pressure on their cheekbones, temporal ...
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Nagish
nagish.com › post › are-bone-conduction-headphones-safe
Bone Conduction Headphones: Everything You Need to Know
July 5, 2025 - It’s important to note that for ... to enter your ear canal. The most common side effect is some people's discomfort with the vibrating sensation directly on the skull....
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ALOVA
alovaaudio.com › home › knowledge › are bone conduction headphones safe for long-term use?
Are bone conduction headphones safe for long-term use? - ALOVA
March 11, 2025 - For example, you can take off the ... conduction headphones don’t transmit sound through the ear canal like traditional headphones, high volume levels can still damage your hearing....
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Drip-Fly
drip-fly.com.au › home › what are the side effects of bone conduction headphones?
What Are the Side Effects of Bone Conduction Headphones? – Drip-Fly
July 9, 2025 - For people who require situational ... Users need to be mindful of the possible negative effects, though, like headaches, discomfort, and audio limitations....
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Shokz
shokz.com › home
Bone Conduction Headphones: Technical Challenges and Benefits
5 days ago - There are four common problems that people ascribe to bone conduction headphones: sound quality, particularly with bass frequencies; vibrational discomfort during prolonged usage; short battery life; and sound leakage.
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NG EarSafe
ngearsafe.com › blogs › open-ear-headphones › are-bone-conduction-headphones-safe
Bone Conduction Headphones Safety: Benefits and Risks Explained
They don't cancel ambient noise, making them less effective in crowded or high-noise areas. Some models are. Many sports-oriented models are IP55 or higher-rated for sweat and rain resistance. Always check the specification. Yes. Most are designed to fit alongside glasses, though comfort levels may vary by model and frame size. PubMed Central – Study on Sound Pressure and Safety of Bone Conduction Headphones...
Published   October 31, 2025
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Quora
quora.com › Are-there-any-potential-long-term-health-risks-associated-with-wearing-in-ear-headphones-such-as-deafness-or-hearing-impairment
Are there any potential long-term health risks associated with wearing in-ear headphones, such as deafness or hearing impairment? - Quora
Answer: The risks associated with headphone use have to do with the volume of the sound you are listening to. If you listen to the sound at a normal conversational level, it is not loud enough to damage your hearing. However, once it hits 85dB, it can start to damage your hearing if you listen t...
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Tinnitus Talk
tinnitustalk.com › forums › support
A Cautionary Tale Regarding Bone Conduction Headphones (Aftershokz OpenComm) | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
March 2, 2025 - I would recommend staying away from the Opencomm headphones as they are apparently capable of going loud enough to permanently damage your hearing, even if only worn for half a second. ... This is good to know. I've been considering trying bone conduction headphones for a while now but never ...
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Shokz
shokz.com › home
Does Bone Conduction Headphones Damage Hearing: Complete Guide
1 month ago - Practicing safe listening habits, like time limits and moderate volume, is essential for protecting cochlear health and preventing hearing loss as well as related ear pain from headphones. There are a variety of factors to consider when looking for the best pair of safe bone conduction headphones, from sound quality and comfort to battery life and water resistance.
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NYTimes
nytimes.com › electronics › audio › the best bone-conduction and open-ear headphones
The 5 Best Bone-Conduction and Open-Ear Headphones of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter
August 25, 2025 - The Tri 2 comes with a hard-sided carrying case and charges via a proprietary cable. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter · The speaker units are held in place by a flexible headband with a hook-over-the-ear design. It’s secure enough for you to do flip turns when swimming laps. Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter · The design feels robust, with fewer points that seem vulnerable to breakage. Chlorine and salt water can gradually wear down materials. Other bone-conduction designs we tested had thinner connection points where the headband met the earpieces, which can be weakened through exposure and repeated use; we’ve gotten reader feedback that these spots can wear down and snap.