Bone conduction headphones are specialized audio devices that transmit sound through gentle vibrations along the cheekbones, allowing audio to bypass the eardrum and travel directly to the inner ear, which keeps the ear canal open and maintains full awareness of surrounding sounds; this makes them especially useful for outdoor activities like running or cycling, where situational awareness is important, and for certain types of hearing loss where the outer or middle ear is affected; while they offer comfort, stability, and a safer listening experience in open environments, they typically provide less powerful bass and lower overall audio fidelity compared to traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, and may allow a small amount of sound leakage, but they remain a practical choice for users who prioritize comfort, awareness, and versatility over audiophile-grade performance.