What is Bone Conduction?
Traditional headphones and earphones send sound waves through the air into the ear canal, whereas bone conduction headphones transmit sound vibrations directly through the bones of your skull to your inner ear.
With bone conduction headphones, your ears remain open. This means you can hear the real-world sounds around you while still hearing your game audio.
You might have heard about gamers choosing headphones with bone conduction tech. But do you really need it?
Do You Really Need it for Gaming?
Well, for one thing, if you prioritise sound quality, you might want to stick with traditional headphones. Bone conduction headphones tend not to be as high-fidelity, and if you want booming bass, you’re probably better off staying clear.
But, there are some specific cases where headphones with bone conduction are particularly useful.
Many gamers with hearing impairments find these headphones very helpful.
For gamers with full hearing, it can be helpful to be aware of your surroundings. For example, if you live in a shared space, or if you have a baby or child who you’re caring for.
Some gamers find these headphones more comfortable. There’s no pressure on or in your ears. The transducers sit on the cheekbones or temples.
If a gamer wears glasses and finds traditional over-ear headphones uncomfortable, then they might prefer a bone conduction pair.
Also, long gaming sessions can be uncomfortable. If you find the pressure on or in your ears taxing, then bone conduction could be a good option.
Bone conduction headphones can also be safer, with gamers still being able to hear what’s going on around them.
Are there Particular Types of Games that Bone Conduction is Good for?
RPG games that are designed around extensive world-building and intended to prove immersive are much better suited to traditional headphones, which effectively ‘close out’ the external world and allow the player to focus not just on the mechanics of the game, but on the plot and lore, too.
However, games that are intended to be played more casually could be the ideal candidate for bone conduction. Players can still hear in-game audio while being aware of real-world sounds, such as their teammates’ voices or noises from other devices. This can be useful for tournament players in online baccarat, for instance. Much of what makes games like online baccarat what they are is the sound effects and the world-building they provide. People who are not playing, may find the sound effects a bit distracting from what they’re doing. Instead, what players can do is have bone-conducting headphones on that enable them to experience the sound effects and environmental ambiance of the game while being able to hear and react to real-world sounds.
As noted, those who have particularly long gaming sessions can benefit, so if you play strategy and simulation games you might like bone conduction.
On the other hand, if you want a really immersive experience, you might lose something with bone conduction. Games that are focused on atmospheres and stories might be best enjoyed with traditional headphones.
Were Bone Conduction Headphones Developed in the Military?
You might have seen bone conduction mentioned in relation to militaries.
Bone conduction technology wasn’t initially developed by militaries, but militaries have contributed to its development.
The concept of bone conduction actually goes way back to the 18th century, and is attributed to Ludwig van Beethoven. The composer was going deaf and used early tech to continue hearing music.
More recently, militaries such as the US military have seen the potential in bone conduction in noisy environments.
They saw it as a way to communicate while maintaining situational awareness. Militaries have helped refine and improve the technology.
What’s the Final Word Then?
Bone conduction headphones aren’t always necessarily for gamers. Certain people such as those who have hearing impairments and those who want to be more aware of their surroundings can benefit from picking up a pair.
If you do choose to buy a pair of headphones with bone conduction, there are a range of options available. SHOKZ is one popular brand who make these headphones, and some gaming-specific products include microphones.
The technology is evolving, and in the future, the sound quality of these headphones is more likely to match more traditional hi-spec headphones.
