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Open-ear headphones: What can the new models really do?
Updated on December 6, 2024 – 8:52 a.mReading time: 3 min.
The selection of wireless headphones is large.Now there is the still relatively young open-ear headphone category. What is behind them and how do they work?
In-ears, over-ears, on-ears – there are numerous types of headphones that have different qualities depending on their intended use. A relatively young genre are the so-called open-ear headphones. What’s new about them, what can they do and who are they suitable for?
Classic headband headphones, i.e. on-ears and over-ears, are available in countless versions. The same applies to the very small headphones that more or less disappear into the ear (in-ears).
“With in-ears the ear canal is closed, with on-ears it is covered and over-ear models enclose the entire auricle,” explains Herbert bisges from the specialist magazine “HIFI.de”. What all of these designs have in common: They are intended to block out ambient noise as much as possible, wich many models also achieve with an additional noise cancellation function (ANC).
Open-ear headphones have a completely different concept.“The ear and the auditory canal remain free and open to sound from the habitat,” says Bisges. This is especially good and useful if the headphones are worn on the bike,such as.
Important ambient noises, such as those from traffic, can still be heard. This is also useful when jogging or walking the dog, for example. At the same time, open ears also have the aim of reproducing music sonorously.
The sound is not transmitted the same way with all open-ear headphones, because there are two different concepts: the airborne sound principle and the bone sound principle.
Most open-ear models rely on airborne sound transmission. Similar to speakers or classic headphones, the sound is conducted through the air and the ear canal to the eardrum.
The less common method of sound transmission with open ears is bone sound. The sound is transmitted through vibrations via the skull bones to the inner ear. The headphones sit in front of the ear. Since the ear canal remains completely free, ambient noises are especially easy to hear with these models.
- Read here: Open-ear headphones tested – that’s how well they work
But even with airborne sound open ears,compromises in sound have to be accepted. “the sound quality of open-ear headphones is ofen not as good as conventional headphones, and the ambient noise also affects the enjoyment of music,” says Sternkopf. Only if the headphones are optimally aligned with the ear canal would airborne sound models produce a fairly good sound.
What is good when cycling, jogging or in traffic can be a knockout criterion in other situations: The open design of the open-ear headphones with airborne sound transmission ensures that people in the immediate vicinity also hear something of the soundscape. “This makes them less suitable for environments such as airplanes,trains or public transport,” says Herbert Bisges.
Though, these headphones are not suitable for everyone: “Anyone affected by hearing loss or hearing sensitivity may have problems perceiving sound through bone conduction headphones,” explains Sternkopf.
The open-ear headphones offer advantages in terms of wearing comfort. “They are often more pleasant than conventional headphones because they put less pressure on the ear canal,” says Matthias Sternkopf. The open ears are often held in place by ear hooks that are placed around the auricle. Other models are hung on the ear cup.
What are the main advantages of using open-ear headphones over traditional designs?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Open-Ear Headphones
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview today! We’re thrilled to have Herbert Bisges, an expert from HIFI.de,with us to discuss an exciting innovation in audio technology: open-ear headphones. Thank you for joining us, Herbert!
Herbert Bisges: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about this new category of headphones.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Open-ear headphones are a relatively new concept in the audio market. Can you explain what makes them different from traditional headphone designs?
Herbert: Absolutely! Traditional headphones like in-ears, on-ears, and over-ears are designed to close off the ear canal or cover the entire ear in order to block out ambient sound. In contrast, open-ear headphones keep the ear open to external sounds. this is particularly beneficial in situations where being aware of one’s surroundings is crucial, such as cycling or jogging.
Editor: That’s an interesting approach! It sounds like safety is a priority with this design. Could you elaborate on how that works in practice?
Herbert: Sure! Open-ear headphones allow notable ambient noises,such as traffic or approaching pedestrians,to be heard while still providing an enjoyable listening experience. This design helps users stay alert while enjoying their music or podcasts, striking a balance between enjoyment and safety.
Editor: So, it seems like they cater to a specific audience. Who do you think would benefit most from open-ear headphones?
Herbert: They are particularly suitable for active individuals—cyclists, runners, or anyone who engages in outdoor activities. However,they could also appeal to people who want to remain aware of their habitat in busy urban settings while still enjoying their audio content.
Editor: And what about sound quality? Do they compromise on that for the sake of safety?
Herbert: That’s a common concern, but the technology behind open-ear headphones aims to reproduce music sonorously, despite the open design. While they may not achieve the same depth of bass or noise isolation as closed designs, many users find they offer a surprisingly good sound experience—especially for midrange and treble frequencies.
Editor: Fascinating! Given the wide variety of headphones out there—including in-ears, on-ears, and over-ears—where do you see the open-ear category fitting into the overall market?
Herbert: I believe open-ear headphones represent an evolving segment of the market. As more users prioritize both sound quality and situational awareness, this category will likely grow. They offer a unique solution for those who want to stay connected to their environment while still enjoying their favorite tunes or podcasts.
Editor: Looking ahead, what advancements do you foresee for open-ear headphone technology?
Herbert: Excellent question! I anticipate improvements in sound quality, battery life, and even features like adaptive sound technology, which could adjust audio based on surrounding noise levels. Additionally,as health and fitness continue to be priorities for many,we may see integrations with fitness apps and smart features aimed at enhancing the user experience.
Editor: That’s exciting! Thank you,herbert,for sharing your insights into open-ear headphones. It’s clear that they could redefine how we think about listening to music while staying aware of our surroundings.
Herbert: thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how this technology develops and how users embrace this new way of listening.