subject: Swimming Headphones Are Getting Better And Better [print this page] What we think of typically as sound consists of vibrations in the air reaching our ears. When we want swimming headphones that work underwater there are a number of things working against us.
You would think that just using waterproofing material to made a set of ear buds would work. But the way we hear is actually more complicated.
There are two ways in which we hear things in the open air. The main method is that the sound waves in the air vibrate on our eardrums and the inner ear and the brain converts these signals to what we think of as sound. But we also 'feel' the sound wave vibrations in our bones. Especially the bones in our skull. And these also add to the quality of sound we hear.
When we are in the water, the first method of hearing doesn't work very well, if at all. The water in our ears stops the eardrum and inner ear from being able to vibrate the same way it does in the air. If we could keep our inner ear and ear canal dry then we would have a way to hear like we do normally. Some swimming headphones use this method with special gaskets that keep all the water out. This is quite effective, but usually a bit cumbersome to wear.
Many waterproof headphone manufacturers use a new upcoming method called bone conduction to enable us to hear while underwater.
If you love listening to music or podcasts, and you want to be able to listen while swimming or in the water, the bone conduction method might seem to be the perfect answer. But like all good things, there are still a few problems.
The bone conduction method of hearing is less efficient in conducting sound than our normal hearing in the air. While bone conduction is still a very workable method of hearing while in the water, there may be problems with getting adequate volume from your waterproof mp3 player.
Many report that they enjoy the ability to use their underwater mp3 player anywhere in or under the water and are happy with the sound quality of bone conducting headphones. But there are also some who report that they must have their player at the highest volume which in turn reduces battery time. Since hearing by bone conduction is less efficient, more volume is required.
Advancements are constantly being made with bone conduction technology. The selection of products that work very well and give high quality sound is increasing almost daily. And these will undoubtedly improve through time.
By doing some checking and keeping up to date on the latest offerings and models, you'll find that you will be able to find a very affordable and workable solution that will enable you to jump in the pool with your waterproof mp3 player and your swimming headphones blissfully listening to your favorite tunes without giving it a thought.
