Open-ear headphones are a type of headphones designed to deliver audio without covering or blocking the ear canal. Unlike traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones that isolate sound by sealing off the ear, open-ear headphones sit outside or around the ear, allowing the user to hear both their audio content and ambient environmental sounds simultaneously
. There are two main types of open-ear headphones based on how they transmit sound:
- Bone conduction headphones: These rest on the cheekbones and transmit sound vibrations through the bones directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. This allows the ear canal to remain completely open, providing awareness of surroundings while listening
- Air conduction open-ear headphones: These rest just outside or slightly in front of the ear canal and project sound through the air, similar to traditional headphones, but without inserting into or covering the ear canal. They often use hooks or clips to stay in place
Open-ear headphones are popular for activities like running, cycling, commuting, or working in busy environments because they allow users to enjoy music or calls while staying aware of important sounds around them, enhancing safety and situational awareness
. Some recent designs, such as Sony's LinkBuds Open or Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, feature innovative shapes that fit comfortably outside the ear canal and provide a balance of sound quality and environmental awareness. These designs avoid creating a seal in the ear canal, which is typical in traditional earbuds, making them distinct in both form and function
. In summary, open-ear headphones offer a unique listening experience by combining audio playback with environmental awareness, making them ideal for users who need to stay connected to their surroundings while enjoying sound
