As workplaces move away from traditional desk phone systems towards cloud-based phone systems, experts are encouraging businesses to consider switching audio equipment to bone conduction headsets.
Tech experts at TelephoneSystems.Cloud highlight seven benefits that the new bone conduction headsets can bring to the workplace to improve comfort, safety, and accessibility.
Bone conduction technology works by transmitting sound vibrations along cheekbones rather than directly into the ear canal.
Headsets are lightweight with an open-ear design that enhances situational awareness. They also improve comfort for employees who take calls throughout the day, and support a more inclusive, accessible workplace technology setup.
The technology has been gaining popularity amongst safety-conscious athletes – particularly runners and cyclists – since the late 2000s, and is now making its way into the unified communications market.
Juliet Moran, Technical Director at TelephoneSystems.Cloud, said: “Medical application of bone conduction technology has been well-established for a number of years, but it’s only more recently that headphones and headsets have become popular commercial products.
“Over the past five years we’ve seen a real shift as workplaces provide employees with more flexible ways of working, with many companies upgrading to modern systems that support hybrid work.
“Bone conduction headsets fit naturally into this transition away from traditional desk phones towards app-based phone systems.”
Seven benefits of using bone conduction headsets in the workplace:
Ears are kept open
Bone conduction headsets enhance situational awareness. Because sound travels through the cheekbones rather than the ear canal, ears are kept open and employees can stay aware of their surroundings, engaging in conversations and taking instructions without removing their headset.
Safer in high-risk environments
With improved situational awareness, they offer a safer alternative in high-risk workplace environments, including warehouse staff, site workers, and healthcare professionals. They often align more closely with health and safety policies than traditional headsets.
Enhanced comfort
Bone conduction headsets are lightweight and comfortable for employees who are required to wear a headset all day. An open-ear design removes the discomfort of a headset digging into the ear or creating ear irritation.
Better ear health
Because the ear canal remains open, bone conduction headsets can be a healthier alternative to traditional headsets. A major struggle people have with in-ear headphones is that they can lead to compacted earwax blockages, which could lead to infections due to trapped bacteria.
Improved accessibility
Bone conduction headsets can support a more inclusive workplace technology setup. They may help people with certain types of hearing loss, and can also be beneficial for some neurodivergent employees who may find traditional headsets uncomfortable or experience sensory sensitivities to ear pressure.
Increased productivity
Employees are less likely to miss instructions and can respond more quickly to colleagues. With a long Bluetooth range, they can move around during calls and multitask if needed, supporting smoother communication and improved productivity without the constant need to remove headsets.
Support the shift to VoIP
Bone conduction headsets support businesses transitioning from traditional desk phone systems to VoIP-based calling systems. They provide modern audio equipment that works seamlessly with hybrid and remote working setups.
