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Connecting AirPods: A Guide to Compatible Devices and Platforms

Apple’s AirPods are arguably the most popular earphones available. Interestingly, by the end of 2022, Apple dominated the wireless earphone market with an estimated 30.9% market share. But Apple devices aren’t known for playing nicely with other brands, and AirPods were designed with the iPhone in mind. So, what devices can AirPods connect to? AirPods can connect to most devices that are compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 or later. This includes Apple devices running at least iOS 10, watchOS 3, macOS Sierra, or tvOS 10. They … Read more

Bone Conduction Headphones: Can They Trigger Tinnitus?

People often rave about bone conduction headphones, especially how much safer they are than regular in-ear earphones. But it seems that many of those statements might be exaggerated, as more cases of people suffering tinnitus or hearing damage are emerging. But is that directly because of the bone conduction headphones? Can they cause tinnitus? Bone conduction headphones do not cause tinnitus, and nothing in the vibrations or Bluetooth frequencies directly causes tinnitus or any form of hearing damage. However, misusing them, like listening at very … Read more

When to Opt for Air Conduction: The Case Against Bone Conduction

Bone conduction headphones have built up an impressive reputation over the last decade, and many users have flocked over to the new technology, often abandoning traditional headphones entirely. But the opposite is also true, as many people are disappointed in bone conduction. So, are there situations where bone conduction is worse than air conduction? Bone conduction usually produces lower sound quality and perceived volume than air conduction. Some headphone models can also be uncomfortable compared to air conduction variants. Battery life on bone conduction headphones … Read more

Tinnitus Relief: Are Bone Conduction Headphones the Answer?

Tinnitus is a frustrating and potentially painful condition that a frighteningly large percentage of the population must live with daily. Though there are many causes of tinnitus, headphones are one of them. But what about bone conduction headphones? Will they worsen the effects, or can they potentially help those with tinnitus? Bone conduction headphones may sometimes help lower tinnitus symptoms, but their effectiveness varies from person to person. A sound that bypasses the eardrums can potentially mask the ringing or buzzing noises, offering temporary relief, … Read more

Vertigo and Bone Conduction Headphones: Is There a Connection?

As a relatively new technology, especially to the commercial market, it’s understandable that many people would have concerns about bone conduction headphones. Since our balance and orientation are so closely linked to our inner ears, which is what bone conduction headphones make contact with, people often ask me if bone conduction headphones can cause vertigo. Bone conduction headphones can cause vertigo in some instances. Some people are more prone to vertigo than others and are affected more severely. Because bone conduction leaves your ears open, … Read more

Understanding the Risks: Can Bone Conduction Headphones Harm Your Hearing?

We’ve all seen the warnings that listening to music at high volume damages our hearing, especially when using headphones. Most of us have also heard that bone conduction does not carry the same risks and that you can listen to music as loudly as you want with them. But is this statement true, or can bone conduction headphones damage your hearing? Bone conduction headphones can damage your hearing despite not going through the normal external auditory channels. Volume-induced hearing damage in humans most often happens … Read more

Fast Guide to Understanding Adaptive Transparency Vs Transparency Mode

One of the greatest perks of having high-quality headphones or earphones is active noise canceling, but it’s only worthwhile if you have some form of transparency mode. With the launch of the 2nd Generation AirPods Pro, Apple improved the feature considerably with adaptive transparency. But what’s the difference between adaptive transparency and normal transparency mode? Transparency mode is the exact opposite of active noise canceling. Tiny microphones pick up external sounds and make them audible through your earphones. Adaptive transparency enhances this feature by selectively … Read more

From AfterShokz To Shokz: A Journey Through The Evolution And Behind The Scenes Of The Headphone Company

Shokz is arguably the most well-known and respected manufacturer of bone conduction headphones. The technology dates back to the late middle ages and early renaissance, but Shokz is mainly responsible for bringing it to the mainstream by catering to athletes and specialty users. Let’s look at the background of Shokz and AfterShokz and see how it happened. AfterShokz started in 2011 as a partnership between companies in New York and China. The companies specialize in developing and selling bone conduction headphones through several affiliate companies … Read more

Breaking Down the Basics: How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?

Despite bone conduction headphones only becoming mainstream in the last decade, the technology behind them is ancient, with some experts claiming its use as far back as 500 BC. The great composer Ludwig Von Beethoven used a form of bone conduction to “hear” his compositions. But what is this incredible technology? How do bone conduction headphones work? Bone conduction headphones work by passing vibrations directly into your jaw or skull. This bypasses the outer ear and the eardrum entirely, but you can still hear the … Read more

Bone Conduction Headphones: A Healthier Choice for Your Ears?

Bone conduction headphones are gaining traction at a tremendous rate as a generally safer option that’s also better for your ears. People believe they’re safer at high volumes because the sound doesn’t pass through your ear canal and eardrums. But is that true, or is it simply a false belief? Are bone conduction headphones really better for your ears? Bone conduction headphones are better for your ears than standard headphones or earphones in some ways. For example, they are more hygienic since you are not … Read more