How Bone Conduction Headphones Changed How I Use My Phone and Navigate the World
Something that has genuinely changed the way I work, travel, and use my phone is bone conduction headphones.
For anyone who hasn’t tried them yet, they work very differently from traditional earbuds. Instead of going inside your ears, they sit just in front of them and use gentle vibrations to send sound through your cheekbones. Your ears stay completely open, which means you can hear traffic, conversations, screen reader output, and your navigation app all at the same time .
To be honest, I first thought they were just another tech gimmick. But they turned out to be a real game-changer for me. Now I can walk with GPS instructions from my iPhone, listen to VoiceOver, or take a call—all while staying connected to what’s happening around me. At university and later at work, they helped me follow audio content and meetings without feeling cut off from the environment.
Another benefit—and something I especially appreciate as a blind person is how discreet they are. I can use my phone without people noticing, even if it’s under the table or in my pocket. Sometimes I even wear them while sleeping to listen to audiobooks without disturbing my girlfriend. At this point, I barely even notice I’m wearing them.
The sound quality isn’t amazing for music (don’t expect deep bass), but for speech and screen reader output they’re absolutely perfect. They’re lightweight, comfortable for hours, and incredibly practical. I personally use a pair from Shokz (formerly AfterShokz), which seems to be a favorite among people who rely heavily on audio cues.
For anyone curious about the tech behind it: the sound bypasses the eardrum entirely and goes straight to your inner ear through bone conduction. It’s simple, clever, and surprisingly natural. Speech comes through clearly, and you never lose awareness of your surroundings.
Would love to hear your experiences—how do you stay “ears open” while using tech in your daily life?