The Science of How Bone Conduction Headphones Work - Feat. The Shokz Open Run Pro Mini

As an audio engineer, I've always wanted to learn how bone conduction technology works. Thankfully, Shokz wanted to help me discover as I researched and learned how bone conduction headphones work while using the Shokz OpenRun Pro Mini, an option with a smaller band than the original OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones. So, let's learn how bone-conduction headphones work together!
Shokz OpenRun Pro is now available in two sizes, standard and mini. Learn more: shokz.co/This_is_Tech_Today
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This Video is sponsored by Shokz, formerly known as Aftershokz.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 This is really crazy
0:15 My curiosity about Bone Conduction and About this video
0:47 A quick talk about the Shokz Open Run Mini, the sponsor of this video
2:35 A Lesson on how Sound works
3:30 How typical speakers work and their downsides
3:51 How Bone Conduction Works and Differs From Traditional Speakers
4:47 How Bone Conduction interacts with your ears to allow you to hear
5:05 How our ears work and how we hear
5:55 How Beethoven, who was deaf, used a form of "Bone conduction" to hear
6:35 Can others hear what you're listening to with Bone Conduction Headphones?
7:08 Some other thoughts
DISCLOSURES
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I utilize affiliate links and may receive a commission from them, and at times may receive items for review from various brands. Despite that, I promise to always provide an honest & unbiased review because you deserve the best.
All sponsorships will be clearly stated because transparency, integrity, and trust are essential to me. It is also a part of FTC law. We would never accept payment from a company to make harmful content about another company. You're just upset you didn't hear what you wanted to hear.
Any discussion, comments, opinions, etc., regarding anything financial or business-related should not be construed as financial advice.
Find out more about our ethics policy as well as what investments: coming soon.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

🚨 *Did you learn something new? Isn't this freaking cool?!* Shokz OpenRun Pro is now available in two sizes, standard and mini. Learn more: shop.shokz.com/this-is-tech-today Order on shokz.com for a 45-day risk-free trial, free shipping & free returns in the US and Canada. This Video is sponsored by Shokz, formerly known as Aftershokz.

[@brownsons]

So I’ve had tinnitus for 10 years. I’ve been a producer and engineer for about 15 years. For 10 years I couldn’t comfortably wear any headphones or ear buds. So I just stopped. When I heard about bone conduction headphones I got really excited and went and got a pair. And to be honest these hurt worse then Regular headphones. They had a lasting impression on my tinnitus for about 30 minutes. I took those back to the store and learned about the openfit shokz made. So I picked those up. The open fit are insanely PERFECT for me. They leave air flowing in and out and they sound great. These are now my go to for testing mixes on headphones. I do see how the bone conduction ones could be beneficial for some people. But if you are like me and have tinnitus I highly recommend the openfit ones.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience!!

[@pamspragins]

I have had a couple of these for several years! I love mine and wear them all day long. They are great to wear while I am driving because I can still hear everything going on around me while enjoying whatever I am listening to over my Shokz!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

That’s a good example! I’m worried when I see prone driving with earbuds in. How do you hear what’s around you?!

[@Gsquared_08]

Can't afford Shokz brand bone conduction headphones but this was a killer demonstration of the technology. I ordered another brand on Amazon after watching your video so thanks.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

CHAPTERS 0:00 This is really crazy 0:15 My curiosity about Bone Conduction and About this video 0:47 A brief talk about the Shokz Open Run Mini, the sponsor of this video 2:35 A Lesson on how Sound works 3:30 How typical speakers work and their downsides 3:51 How Bone Conduction Works and Differs From Traditional Speakers 4:47 How Bone Conduction interacts with your ears to allow you to hear 5:05 How our ears work and how we hear 5:55 How Beethoven, who was deaf, used a form of "Bone conduction" to hear 6:35 Can others hear what you're listening to with Bone Conduction Headphones? 7:08 Some other thoughts

[@ZayThaGamer]

I’m a welder, my wife bought mine a year ago and I can honestly say working in the construction industry having them made welding fun again! WELDING AND LISTENING TO YOUR FAVORITE SONGS IS THE BEST!!!!!!!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Haha. Nice!!

[@DeanTheDoctor]

Right on man! 😊🌎✨

[@silent_sea749]

This is the best and only channel you need for headphones review.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I appreciate that so much!

[@jamesfriedman2890]

This was such a wonderful video. I’m studying to be a Speech pathologist, but my coursework finds me taking audiology classes as well. Just now learning about this new tech really excited me, and I knew that I would have to research it immediately. Your explanation is not only thorough, but fun, and I think that it is commendable anyone makes knowledge fun and engaging to access. I hope your channel thrives!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks, James! So awesome to see this on a Saturday morning!

[@CK-jd7wo-test]

I accidentally left mine on top of a giant cardboard box once, and a song started playing and scared the crap out of me. It sounded like a large loudspeaker. I love my bone conduction headset. You just have to be really careful not to let the two sides hit each other when you pull it off your head because the speakers will get loose and begin rattling.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

haha, that's so crazy! It's neat what will help it produce sound.

[@lostchild488]

now i kinda want to pick up a pair just to duplicate this

[@AuthenTech]

Such impressive production quality on this video 👏

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much, Ben!!

[@matlupi6354]

Donno somehow i watched this video without any skipping it... u are so nice bro in explaining, fast and compact and great... love it from Malaysia😁

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you so much, Mat!

[@JohnnieBailey]

Fantastic video Brandon! I find these super interesting. My dad loves his but I’ve never tried one myself

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thank you, Johnnie! Yeah, they’re super neat how they work! Hope you and the fam are doing well

[@eddyjejm]

Very good video. Thanks!

[@kakohitry]

Wow Great work bro? One of the Best Review what i saw in My life!!! Awesome!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Wow, thanks!

[@teddybruscie]

The thing about the OpenRun is when you turn them up on full and what you're listening to has bass it will tickle your head uncomfortably, incentivising you to lower the volume. To a more manageable volume.

[@lilbizkits3053]

Agreed. I like it 2 to 3 steps down from full... compare that to the ones I used to have that go IN your ear, I always had those on full blast...

[@SoukaDeezNutz]

That's nothing. Their titanium model they sold under the name Aftershockz were even more violent with the vibrations on max volume. The sound quality wasn't as nice as the aeropex, but they were really fun to use when watching movies or playing video games.

[@Jarellx2_Adventures]

Great lesson on conduction sound and especially the part about people being able to hear what you’re listening to! Thanks!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Glad you liked it!

[@lostchild488]

This is definitely cool. Thanks for making the video!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@Mk-pz1mt]

You're video quality is ✨✨

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks so much!

[@BrianGlaze]

Very educational! Thanks Brandon

[@ThisIsTechToday]

I had a lot of fun with this one. Thanks for watching!

[@ViralOpinion]

This is such a well edited video! I'm surprised it's only got 46k views!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks! I think over time it'll become much bigger!

[@RAM_845]

I've ordered mine last Friday, should receive them tomorrow :). I recently had an ear infection in my left ear, and it perforated my ear drum, affected low frequencies. So while my ear drum heals i'll be using the Bone Conduction ear phones

[@Runstrong_Chris]

Very informative, these might best solve my biggest gripe with earbuds which is not being able to hear my surroundings at the same time.

[@yveslegh]

Would love to try

[@ThisIsTechToday]

They're honestly really cool!

[@fjfjrfjfjr]

Thank you Sir! 😀

[@user-yd4nk1es6n]

A professional review video,I don't think Openrun Pro is waterproof enough, in fact, it can't be used for swimming. The Wissonly Hi Runner in my hand will be more powerful in this regard. It is IPX8 waterproof, with similar sound quality, battery, and comfort as Openrun, but it also has 32G memory

[@wissonly]

I think Openrun Pro would be better. BUT it is expensive

[@user-yd4nk1es6n]

@@wissonly thanks! Official account!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Shokz has new ones that you can swim with!

[@vm6332]

Love your content bro! BTW l see LTT bottle there. Linus would be very happy😂

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Haha, thank you! Yes, yes it is!

[@STOUTIM0US]

Another great video and thanks for explaining in Layman's terms. Can excessive wax buildup in the ear ruin the sound on these? I don't have this btw, just wondering lol. How about people with TMJ issues? Can these aggravate their issue?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Thanks! It doesn’t go in your ear so you should be fine with wax. Not sure about TMJ as I’m not a medical professional, but my guess is that it wouldn’t. I’m not sure how those would be connected but feel free to ask a doctor.

[@rojoque]

Hi. Thank you for the informative video. I really want to get a bone conductive headphone in the individual ear bud form factor but everything that I see seem to be Air Conducting Open Ears. Any idea why that is?

[@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e]

Through that company Temu that sells a bunch of super cheap stuff, most of it seemingly junk honestly, I was able to find these Lenovo headphones for less than $2. Even though I'm familiar with Lenovo as a trusted brand, it just sounded way too good to be true, but I just *had* to see for myself, so I ordered them. When they arrived I realized that they were bone conduction headphones, which are interesting. Never heard of that technology before. Or maybe I did and forgot. Anyway, they're decent. They'll make a good back up headphones. The conduction technology to me is more fascinating than anything else though.

[@harrkev]

The big problem with the pro version is that they gave up being waterproof. I can wear my non-pro OpenRun in the shower or hot tub.

[@yeejay6396]

How many people am I going to find in comments that wear earphones and the like to the shower? 😂

[@iamgabyap]

well it's water resistant to rain and sweat

[@justjoe1071]

Min maxing, like taking your phone to the toilet. Not a moment wasted.​@@yeejay6396

[@pv.unmesh3203]

Thanks

[@MrPookiexL3oi]

Good review 👍 but I have the Oladance open ear stereo headphones it's very good. I can hear my surroundings and it can last up to 16 hours before a recharge is needed.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Oh, interesting. That's neat. Also, for clarification, this isn't a review since it is sponsored, but it is a neat video to explain how sound works :)

[@jagmohan3917]

Please tell the model and company of watch you are wearing

[@TheAntarcticaProject]

What are the headphones you usually use for running and biking? Which ones are your favorites and which ones do you always use? Excellent channel and content. I send you greetings from Chile.

[@dayvkim]

dang, I bought these & genuinely curious how it works lol

[@Starr4101]

This was a very helpful video - thank you for explaining how these work. I have sensorineural hearing loss and thought these might be a game-changer for me.. now I know I'd be wasting my time & money, but it's a damn shame 😔

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Dang. Sorry to hear that ☹️

[@MelvinChia]

hi, it seems that with my OpenRun Pro Mini, the "digital assistant" function triggers on my iPhone, but the mic on the OpenRun Pro Mini doesn't work with Siri.. it only works with the mic on my iPhone..

[@chatham117]

Shokz OpenComm are also a great option for WFH if you are taking a lot of video calls

[@ThisIsTechToday]

True!

[@federicopaternoster3779]

when will you release the famous video comparing airpods pro 2, samsung galaxy buds 2 pro, bose etc.?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

2023 for sure

[@sna94]

Another plus: wont rub on and irritate piercings 🤪 Im sold.

[@groovemcfunk361]

Never heard of these before my Co worker showed'em to me. Thought those were his hearing aids for like half a year. Turned out he wasn't deaf and turned me onto'em.

[@magicalkorok]

Are you going to do the new galaxy buds2 pro in the binaural mic?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Of course. Why wouldn't I?

[@magicalkorok]

@This is Tech Today yay! Thanks

[@yaboygnice]

random question. What watch are you wearing?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Pixel Watch

[@jodiezoller5542]

Interesting but how do they work for people with glasses which would get in the way of the headphone? Plz advise ty

[@jakub6498]

yes I have glasses but not mini usually and sensational

[@CjJhonsonOfficial]

That would be real cool if these were able to sound just as good as very premium headphones

[@ThisIsTechToday]

It would be wild if so!

[@CW-uw2cb]

Bruh!!!! Never thought to put them against stuff. Btw, squish a paper towel roll so it's elliptical shaped, block one end and listen to the other while holding the headphones against the closer sides. serious bass response. Not much treble tho

[@ThisIsTechToday]

ohhh. I'm going to try that!

[@OldSchoolPrepper]

great video learned a lot and I have a small head so these seem like they would work...that said the description and your comment post links are broken :( I found it the good old fasioned way but if you are supposed to be getting a commission i'd fix the links :)

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Odd. I just tried it and it worked. It takes a bit longer, but it works.

[@coffeyvideoproductions7767]

I just found that I can here the bone conduction by placing the pads on the bridge of my nose where my glasses normally rest.

[@rph_redacted]

I get pressure feeling with regular headphones when i am working out, when i am trying to generate force, and they also get loose after a while. I prefer earpods style earphones because of this, they provide a open sound without feeling uncomfortable and closed. These would be a game changer for me i think.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Give them a shot! If you don’t like them they have a generous return policy!

[@zeeshanbutt4342]

Is good device👍👍👍👍

[@ThisIsTechToday]

yeah, it's super neat!

[@wolfindarkling1759]

So... these would work if you have to wear earplugs for PPE in a loud environment?

[@josh8058]

Yes they work great for this. Main reason I got them was hoping they would!

[@ravinderkanakattu1719]

Is there noise cancelling in it ?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

No. Impossible with open ear setups like this.

[@JasonKahn]

It's too bad most of my hearing loss is conductive loss, I've always wanted to try these.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Oh, dang. Yeah, it doesn't work on all types of hearing loss, but it does work on some. Wish it worked for you!

[@JasonKahn]

@@ThisIsTechToday When I was a kids 35+ years ago they used to use a tuning fork and ask me to estimate the percentage of sound difference left to right, now they use conductive sensors combined with and in ear sensor and accurately measure the exact frequency loss. They then tune my hearing aids to attempt to amplify the conductive loss, while also taking into account the nerve loss. It's such an amazing combination of science and art to make me hear almost normal again. Also have to say the Phonak hearing aids do such a wonderful job of digitally amplifying sound without making it sound artificial. No headphone gets even close when using Ambient mode. My hearing aids are older so they have bluetooth only for phone calls, my preferred earbud for music is by far the Status Between Pro, with Galaxy Buds 2 Pro a close second.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Whoa, thanks for sharing that. Science is so freaking cool!!

[@Gareeeh]

do you mean sensorineural? These headphones are perfect for a mostly conductive loss.

[@Tassy.sy45]

Cool ❤️🎊🎊

[@Overlooked1]

They r sort of like having a song stuck in your head

[@jexx1001]

If you wanna get an idea of what bone conduction is like, put your phone speaker in your mouth. Bone conduction has higher quality, but it's a similar effect

[@sandovalge]

Will these work for people that wear glasses?

[@jakeisrael7899]

woah

[@ThisIsTechToday]

It's crazy, lol

[@alimfuzzy]

I have these sane bone condiction headphones.. but i keep thinking everyone around me can hear them.

[@doughboy9999]

Either the standard or the mini both of them are a bit loose on me

[@Loc1792]

Open run vs open run pro?

[@ericnewberry]

They aren’t true bone conduction I believe because I can hear them as I am putting them on if the volume is up enough. But they are kinda nice except for not being connected every other time I answer a call on iOS. Some times I have to click the head set on the screen to connect.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

They’re resonating with the material that it is contain in so it’ll generate some sound. Check out the end part.

[@ericnewberry]

@@ThisIsTechToday yeah I just got to that part. I appreciate the info on these I bought a pair and was wanting someone. With more audio experience to actually speak on them more so I had a better understanding of them. Thank you for your work and sharing knowledge.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Glad I could help!

[@SloppyPlatypus]

So, if I wore these beside somebody, would they hear it?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Just like anything else, if you crank the volume they will hear you. If you listen at a moderate level they won’t. Same rules apply whether they’re in ear buds, headphones, or shokz

[@SloppyPlatypus]

​​@@ThisIsTechToday Thank you. Would you say the sound leakage would be the same as like an earbud? (like the old school wired apple earbuds without tips). Again, thank you. I really want to try some. Comfort is my number 1 and I like being able to hear what's going on around me. By the way I just came across your channel today (watched the Pixel series A vs Pixel Pro video). I thought hey.. This guy does a fantastic job. So I clicked on your channel then came across this video. Then I said again... Great info. I watched about 80% then skipped around to see about sound leakage I wasn't entirely sure if you mentioned it but thank you for the response! I'll give ya a sub!

[@yohansegarcia]

Buds2 pro?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

?

[@cambsdigital]

As an audio engineer you will know sound travels well through water. So will the swimming pool transmit the sound to everyone?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

You'd have to create significantly more pressure for that to make as much of a difference at a distance. They do have ones that are designed for swimming now. You should check those out!

[@cambsdigital]

Thanks. I would like to be sure that I don't pollute my swimming pool with my tastes before trying. I also can't see they are NOT streamlined enough at this time.@@ThisIsTechToday

[@LanceKirkman]

Do we know the true medical reviews on these? I'm finding random people talking about them, but no peer review...

[@ThisIsTechToday]

It comes from the hearing aid industry so it has tons of studies behind them. I actually had someone that helped me with the video tell me that their mother put them on and she was able to hear whens he has hearing loss, which is super cool. I'm sure studies are out there on them.

[@LanceKirkman]

@@ThisIsTechToday thanks!! I'm finding some good stuff Thanks for sharing that I should have my dad try them!!

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Of course! Does he have hearing loss? It's seriously so neat! Keep in mind that it doesn't work on all types of hearing loss/deafness but it does work on many forms of it.

[@LanceKirkman]

@@ThisIsTechToday yes They're planning hearing aids in 2023

[@W0ndering50ul]

Imagine going for a run in jeans 😅

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Gotta do what you can for the shot. 🤷‍♂️

[@dhservers]

Feels like a Sponsored video.

[@ThisIsTechToday]

It's LITERALLY A SPONSORED VIDEO. It says it at the beginning, the end, in the description, the pinned comment. How did you miss that?!

[@guillotineblade999]

Put the bone conductuon earphone in your teeth and see if you can hear like Beethoven.😂

[@ThisIsTechToday]

lol!

[@gregorydemaria2450]

You Jog In Jeans?

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Get on my level

[@swinny_]

This is just an ad

[@ThisIsTechToday]

It literally says it multiple times. Good job figuring it out.

[@garygoodwin1300]

Just an advert

[@ThisIsTechToday]

Yeah, it literally says that in the video multiple times, in the description, and the pinned comment. lmao.