Can Bone Conduction Headphones Cause Tinnitus? 2023 Guide

In this age of ever-evolving audio technology, bone conduction headphones have gained popularity for their unique way of delivering sound. However, concerns have been raised regarding their impact on hearing health, specifically in relation to tinnitus.

In this article, we will delve into the facts, exploring the relationship between bone-conduction headphones and tinnitus.

By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether these headphones pose any risk to your auditory well-being.

So let’s uncover the truth and provide you with the information you need!

How Bone Conduction Headphones Work?

Before delving into the potential connection between bone-conduction headphones and tinnitus, it’s essential to grasp the technology behind these innovative devices.

Unlike traditional headphones that rely on speakers or earbuds placed inside or over the ear canal, bone conduction headphones utilize a different mechanism altogether.

Instead of directing sound waves into the ear, these headphones utilize vibrations that are transmitted through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear.

The process starts with the headphones’ transducers, which are typically placed on the cheekbones in front of the ears or integrated into a headband.

These transducers generate mechanical vibrations that travel through the bones of the face and skull. The bones act as conductors, carrying the vibrations to the cochlea, the spiral-shaped organ responsible for auditory processing in the inner ear.

Once the vibrations reach the cochlea, they stimulate the hair cells, which then convert the mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.

These electrical signals are transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve, where they are interpreted as sound.

The result is an audio experience that bypasses the traditional pathway of sound transmission through the eardrums and middle ear.

Key Differences from Traditional Headphones

Now, let’s explore the key differences between bone-conduction headphones and traditional headphones:

Placement

Traditional headphones typically sit over or inside the ear, creating a seal to isolate external noise and deliver sound directly to the eardrums.

In contrast, bone-conduction headphones rest on the cheekbones or are worn as headbands, leaving the ear canal open. This allows users to simultaneously hear their surroundings while enjoying audio playback.

External Sound Perception

One of the significant advantages of bone-conduction headphones is their ability to allow users to remain aware of their environment. Since the ear canal remains unobstructed, ambient sounds such as traffic, conversations, or sirens can still be heard.

This feature is particularly useful for athletes, cyclists, or individuals who need to stay attentive to their surroundings while listening to music or receiving audio cues.

Hearing Impairment Considerations

Bone conduction technology offers potential benefits for individuals with certain types of hearing impairments.

People with conductive hearing loss, where sound is blocked from reaching the inner ear due to issues in the outer or middle ear, can potentially benefit from bone-conduction headphones.

By bypassing the damaged part of the ear, these headphones allow sound vibrations to reach the cochlea directly.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe?

When it comes to considering the safety of bone-conduction headphones, it’s important to understand that, like any audio device, responsible usage is key. When used within recommended guidelines, bone-conduction headphones are generally considered safe for most individuals.

Can Bone Conduction Headphones Cause Tinnitus

Many people have concerns about their safety, particularly regarding the potential risk of developing tinnitus. So, are bone-conduction headphones safe?

The short answer is that there is no direct evidence suggesting a causal relationship between the two. Bone-conduction headphones, when used responsibly and within recommended volume levels, are considered safe for most individuals.

While there is a theoretical risk of tinnitus development, this risk is relatively low and has not been conclusively demonstrated in scientific studies.

It is important to note that tinnitus is not exclusive to bone-conduction headphones and can develop with any type of headphones, including traditional ones.

Tinnitus is a perception of sound that is not actually present in the environment and can manifest as ringing, buzzing or other types of sounds. It can be temporary or chronic and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as exposure to loud noises or certain medical conditions.

Causes of Tinnitus

Tinnitus can arise from various underlying causes. Identifying the specific cause of an individual’s tinnitus can sometimes be challenging, as it may result from a combination of factors. Here are some common causes of tinnitus:

Exposure to loud noises

Prolonged exposure to loud noises, such as loud music, construction machinery, or explosions, can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to tinnitus.

Age-related hearing loss

As individuals age, they may experience natural deterioration of the auditory system, including the hair cells in the inner ear. This age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, can contribute to the development of tinnitus.

Earwax blockage

A buildup of earwax can block the ear canal, affecting the transmission of sound and potentially leading to tinnitus.

Ear infections

Infections of the ear, such as otitis media or otitis externa, can cause inflammation and affect the normal functioning of the ear, resulting in tinnitus.

Medications

Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, diuretics, and certain cancer drugs, have been associated with tinnitus as a potential side effect.

Head and neck injuries

Traumatic head or neck injuries can damage the auditory system, leading to tinnitus.

Medical conditions

Various medical conditions, including Meniere’s disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, high blood pressure (hypertension), and vascular disorders, have been linked to tinnitus.

Symptoms of Tinnitus

Tinnitus manifests as a perception of sound that is not present in the external environment. It can vary in intensity, frequency, and nature, and may be experienced differently by individuals.

Here are some common symptoms associated with tinnitus:

Ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing, or roaring sounds

These are the most commonly reported sounds associated with tinnitus. The sound may be continuous or intermittent.

Perception in one or both ears

Tinnitus can affect one or both ears. In some cases, individuals may have difficulty determining the exact location of the sound.

Varying intensity

Tinnitus can range from being barely noticeable to highly disruptive, affecting concentration, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Impact on daily activities

Tinnitus can interfere with daily activities, causing annoyance, distress, or difficulty focusing on tasks.

Sensitivity to quiet environments

Tinnitus may become more noticeable in quiet environments when there are no external sounds to mask the perception of the internal sound.

It is important to note that tinnitus itself is a symptom and not a disease. If you experience persistent or bothersome tinnitus, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional or an audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management.

How to Minimize the Risk of Developing Tinnitus with Bone Conduction Headphones?

The risk of developing tinnitus with bone-conduction headphones can be minimized by following some best practices:

Limiting listening time

Prolonged exposure to any type of headphones can increase the risk of tinnitus development. Therefore, it is essential to take regular breaks and limit listening time.

Keeping the volume at a safe level

Listening to music or audio at a high volume can increase the risk of tinnitus development. Experts recommend keeping the volume at 60% or lower and using noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments.

Choosing high-quality headphones

High-quality bone conduction headphones with good noise isolation and sound quality can reduce the need for high volume, thereby reducing the risk of tinnitus development.

Can You Use Headphones if You Have Tinnitus?

If you have tinnitus, you may be wondering if it’s safe to use headphones without exacerbating your condition. While there is no definitive answer that applies to everyone, many individuals with tinnitus can use headphones without significant issues.

However, it’s important to take certain precautions and consider personal factors. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the use of headphones when you have tinnitus:

The 60/60 rule

The 60/60 rule suggests limiting your headphone usage to no more than 60% of the maximum volume for a maximum duration of 60 minutes at a time. Adhering to this rule can help minimize the potential risks associated with loud sounds and prolonged headphone use.

Exposure to loud volumes can potentially aggravate the perception of tinnitus or lead to further hearing damage. By keeping the volume at a moderate level, you can reduce the risk of exacerbating your tinnitus symptoms.

Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

If you have tinnitus or any other hearing-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or an audiologist.

They can evaluate your specific condition, provide personalized recommendations, and help determine the best course of action for you. They may suggest specific types of headphones or provide additional guidance tailored to your needs.

Volume Control

Maintaining a moderate volume level is crucial when using headphones with tinnitus. Loud sounds can potentially aggravate the perception of tinnitus or lead to further hearing damage.

It’s important to keep the volume at a comfortable level where you can clearly hear the audio without it being too loud or overwhelming. Additionally, consider using headphones with volume-limiting features to ensure a safer listening experience.

Ambient Noise Considerations

Many individuals with tinnitus find relief by utilizing background noise or soothing sounds to mask the perception of their tinnitus. When using headphones, you can incorporate ambient noise or white noise applications to help minimize the prominence of tinnitus.

This can provide a more pleasant listening experience while reducing the focus on the ringing or buzzing sensation.

Open-Ear Design

Consider using open-ear or bone-conduction headphones, as they allow you to keep your ears open to the surrounding environment.

This feature can be beneficial if you prefer to be aware of your surroundings or if you find that complete isolation from external sounds exacerbates your tinnitus.

Personal Sensitivity

Each person’s experience with tinnitus can vary, and what works for one individual may not be suitable for another. It’s important to pay attention to how your tinnitus responds to headphone use.

If you notice any discomfort, worsening of symptoms, or increased perception of tinnitus, it’s advisable to reduce or discontinue headphone use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Demerits of Bone Conduction Headphones

While bone conduction headphones offer unique benefits and innovative technology, they also have certain limitations or demerits that are important to consider. Here are some of the drawbacks associated with bone-conduction headphones:

False Advertisements

Some manufacturers may make exaggerated claims about the benefits of bone-conduction headphones, which may not necessarily be true for everyone. For instance, they may claim that bone-conduction headphones are completely safe and won’t cause any hearing damage, which is not entirely accurate.

 According to the CDC, the real danger of hearing loss comes from potential damage to the cochlea in the inner ear.

Headaches and Vertigo

Using bone-conduction headphones for extended periods or at high volumes may cause headaches or vertigo in some individuals. The vibrations transmitted through the bones can create a sensation of dizziness or discomfort, especially if the headphones are not fitted properly.

Skin Irritation

Some users have reported experiencing skin irritation or discomfort around the area where the transducers sit. This can be due to the pressure exerted by the headphones or an allergic reaction to the materials used in the headphones.

Limited Availability and Variety

While the popularity of bone-conduction headphones is growing, the variety of models and brands available in the market is still relatively limited compared to traditional headphones. This can result in a more restricted range of features, styles, and price points to choose from.

Advantages of Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones offer several benefits for individuals who suffer from tinnitus, Here are some specific advantages for tinnitus sufferers:

Situational Awareness

One of the significant advantages of bone-conduction headphones is that they allow for enhanced situational awareness. Since they do not block the ear canal, you can still hear sounds from your surroundings while listening to audio.

This is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities, such as running or cycling, where it’s important to remain aware of traffic or other environmental sounds.

Ambient Noise Amplification

Many people with tinnitus find relief by using background noise or soothing sounds to mask the perception of their tinnitus. Bone conduction headphones allow you to incorporate ambient noise or white noise applications into your listening experience.

By amplifying external sounds, these headphones can help reduce the prominence of tinnitus and provide a more pleasant auditory environment.

Open-Ear Design

Bone conduction headphones feature an open-ear design that leaves the ear canal unobstructed. This design allows individuals with tinnitus to listen to audio while remaining aware of their surroundings.

The ability to hear environmental sounds can be comforting for tinnitus sufferers and can help alleviate feelings of isolation or disconnection from their surroundings.

Reduced Ear Fatigue

Traditional headphones that sit inside the ear canal for prolonged periods may cause discomfort or ear fatigue for individuals with tinnitus. Bone conduction headphones eliminate this issue by bypassing the ear canal altogether.

The headphones rest on the cheekbones, ensuring a more comfortable and less intrusive listening experience for individuals with tinnitus.

The Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Tinnitus

When it comes to selecting the best bone-conduction headphones for tinnitus, it’s important to consider individual preferences, needs, and specific features that can provide relief and comfort.

While there isn’t a definitive “best” option that suits everyone, here are a few popular bone-conduction headphones that have been well-received by individuals with tinnitus:

Shokz OpenRun

The Shokz OpenRun are bone-conduction headphones that let you listen to music without blocking your ears.

They have a lightweight and comfortable design, an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and a battery life of 8 hours with a quick charge feature. They also support Bluetooth 5.1 and multipoint connectivity.

According to some Popular reviews, the Shokz OpenRun are the best bone conduction headphones you can buy, or at least the second best after the Shokz OpenRun Pro.

They have improved sound quality compared to previous models, although they still vibrate slightly at higher volumes.

Some drawbacks are the proprietary charging port, the lack of a mobile app or EQ settings, and the poor microphone quality.

Shokz OpenRun Pro

The Shokz OpenRun Pro is an upgraded version of bone-conduction headphones that lets you listen to music without blocking your ears. With improvements like a better hard case, enhanced sound quality with new bass transducers, a dual noise-canceling microphone for improved call quality, and a longer battery life of 10 hours with quick charging, the OpenRun Pro offers a solid listening experience.

However, some drawbacks include more noticeable vibrations, a higher price, a proprietary charging port, and a lower IP rating. Overall, they are highly regarded as one of the best bone conduction headphones on the market, ideal for outdoor athletes and those who want an open-ear music experience, but may not suit everyone’s preferences.

 MOJO2 Bone Conduction Headphones

The MOJO2 Bone Conduction Headphones offer a unique listening experience that keeps your ears open while enjoying music. They have a lightweight and comfortable design, providing a secure fit for extended wear.

The sound quality is good, though not as rich as traditional headphones. With decent battery life and Bluetooth connectivity, they are convenient for outdoor activities.

However, it may take time to adjust to the bone conduction technology, and sound leakage may occur in noisy environments.

The MOJO2 headphones are affordable and strike a good balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness.

PURERINA Bone Conduction Headphones (Budget Friendly)

The PURERINA Bone Conduction Headphones offer a wireless and open-ear listening experience using Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Designed for sports and outdoor activities, these headphones allow you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying music or taking calls.

They feature a built-in microphone, a sweat-resistant design, and a battery life of approximately 6 hours.

According to customer reviews, the PURERINA Bone Conduction Headphones provide satisfactory sound quality for bone conduction technology. However, some users note that they lack bass and clarity compared to traditional headphones.

On the positive side, they are praised for their comfort, lightweight construction, and user-friendly operation. Nonetheless, a few drawbacks have been mentioned, such as excessive vibrations at higher volume levels, a short charging cable, and a potential fit issue for individuals with smaller heads.

With a price tag of less than $40 on Amazon, the PURERINA Bone Conduction Headphones are an affordable option in the bone conduction headphone market. They offer a budget-friendly choice for those interested in trying out bone conduction technology without a significant financial investment.

Alternative Listening Devices and Treatments for Tinnitus

While bone conduction headphones can be a suitable option for individuals with tinnitus, there are alternative listening devices and treatments available that may help manage tinnitus symptoms. Here are a few options worth considering:

Hearing Aids

If you have tinnitus along with hearing loss, hearing aids can be beneficial. They amplify external sounds, making them easier to hear and reducing the prominence of tinnitus.

Some hearing aids also come with built-in sound therapy features specifically designed to provide relief for tinnitus.

Sound Masking Devices

Sound masking devices, also known as white noise machines or sound generators, produce low-level background noise to mask or reduce the perception of tinnitus.

These devices provide a variety of sounds, such as white noise, nature sounds, or soothing melodies, which can help individuals with tinnitus find relief and promote a more peaceful auditory environment.

Mobile Apps

There are numerous mobile applications available that offer sound therapy and relaxation techniques for tinnitus management.

These apps provide a range of customizable sounds, meditation exercises, and relaxation techniques that can help distract from tinnitus and promote a sense of calm.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with tinnitus. It can help individuals develop coping strategies, manage stress, and improve their overall well-being.

CBT for tinnitus often involves education about the condition, relaxation techniques, and counseling sessions with a qualified therapist.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT)

TRT combines sound therapy with counseling to help individuals habituate to the perception of tinnitus. It aims to change the emotional and psychological response to tinnitus, making it less bothersome over time.

TRT typically involves the use of sound generators and counseling sessions with a trained professional.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, bone conduction headphones can be a viable option for individuals with tinnitus, offering benefits such as ambient noise amplification, open-ear design, and compatibility with hearing aids.

However, it’s crucial to practice caution and monitor your symptoms while using headphones. Adhering to guidelines like the 60/60 rule, taking breaks, and seeking professional advice can help ensure a safe and comfortable listening experience.

By combining appropriate listening devices, treatments, and personalized strategies, individuals with tinnitus can find relief and improve their quality of life. With proper care and management, it’s possible to navigate the challenges of tinnitus and enjoy a fulfilling auditory experience.