In today's digital world, we often forget to protect our hearing while connected to our devices but these health-promoting ear technologies hope to solve that.
Our ears are one of the most neglected aspects of our health, especially so for those who often use poorly produced headphones at high volumes. To prevent damaging one's hearing, a number of companies have developed technologies for open-ear headphones. These avoid damaging the ear canal by using bone conduction, a technology initially developed for those who are hard of hearing. Other devices will work to protect your hearing by automatically adjusting the volume, protecting your ears from getting waterlogged while surfing and some support overall health.
As we dive further into the digital age, it is important consumers work to protect their hearing and well-being. These health-promoting ear technologies have identified a market that is largely ignored and are working to capitalize on this opportunity.
27 Health-Promoting Ear Technologies
From Fever-Tracking Thermometers to Sound-Preserving Earbuds:
Mary Van Puymbroeck — Jun 21, 2017 — Lifestyle
27
Ergonomic Ear-Shaped Headphones
The 'Sound by Human' Ear Cup Headphones are Contoured
26
Creatively Capped Ear Buds
The V-Moda Forza Metallo Headphones Offer Exchangeable Caps
25
Hearing Aid Ear Buds
'AMPSound' Plays Music and Takes Calls While Doubling as a Hearing Amplifier
24
Open-Ear Headphones
The AfterShokz TREKS Audio Buds Sit Outside the Ear Lobe for Easy Listening
23
Brain-Training Wearables
The 'BRAINNO' Smart Wearable Alleviates Stress and More
22
Haptic Hearing-Impaired Headphones
The 'Vibeat' Devices Translate Music into Vibrations
21
Custom-Molded Earbuds
HelloEar is Using Liquid Metal to Make Custom Molded In-Ear Monitors
20
Energy-Boosting Wellness Gadgets
The 'HumanCharger' Uses Light Therapy to Increase Energy Levels
19
Health-Tracking Headphones
This Device Supplies Its Wearer with Informative Health Updates
18
Bone Conduction Smartphone Cases
The 'Bone Case' Uses Bone Conduction to Eliminate Ear Canal Use
17
Treatment-Suggesting Thermometers
The 'Earmo' Ear Thermometers Take Readings in One Second Flat
16
Tinnitus-Testing Headphones
This Hearing Device Detects Hearing Conditions Such as Tinnitus
15
Bone Conduction Sunglasses
These Vibrating Sunglasses Offer a Unique Way of Listening to Music
14
Ergonomic Wireless Earphones
The 'EGGO' Wireless Earbud Headphones Ensure Optimized Listening
13
Helmet-Friendly Headphones
The 'SlimBuds' Wireless In-Ear Headphones Fit Under Any Helmet
12
Connected Hearing Aids
These Hearing Aids Can Connect to Several Household Items
11
Sound-Preserving Earplugs
Earos Accoustics' Earplugs Were Invented by a Club Owner
10
Fever-Tracking Thermometers
The 'Degree' Temperature Thermometer is Worn on the Ear for Monitoring
9
Noise-Cancelling On-Ear Headphones
The Libratone Q Adapt Offers 'CityMix' Technology
8
Ear-Warming Headphones
'Music Muffs' Keep Consumers Ears Warm While They Listen to Music
7
Surfer Ear Protectors
The 'SurfEars' Ear Plugs Prevent Problems without Restricting Hearing
6
Tactile Hearing Aids
This Device Provides Tactile and Visual Translations for the Hearing Impaired
5
App-Connected Earplugs
'EarDials' Have an App that Tells Users When to Plug Them In
4
Bone Conduction Earbuds
This Bone Conduction Device is an Alternative to Uncomfortable Earbuds
3
Wearable Ear Training Devices
The Vibes Wearable Promises to Teach Musical Intervals and Keys
2
Child-Friendly Headphones
The Puro Bt2200 System Remains at Safe Listening Levels for Children
1
Corrective Smart Earphones
Even's Smart Earphones Use a Hearing Test to Customize Audio Settings
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Adaptive Audiophile Earbuds
The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 Has aptX Technology
Cyberpunk-Inspired Earbuds
This Sony Earbuds Concept by Marc Senar is Futuristic
Sleep-Enhancing Earbuds
QuietOn Launched its 3.1-Edition Earbuds with an Improved Design
Bass-Boosting Headphone Models
The Sony ULT WEAR Headphones Come in Three Color Options
High-Power Low-Cost Earbuds
The CMF Buds Pro Feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Open-Style Ear-Safe Headphones
The HYPHEN Aria Air Conduction Earbuds Have a Comfortable Design
Wellness Bone Conduction Wearables
The 'Era Sync' Wearable Device by Luca Persico is Futuristic
Headphone Hair Growth Headsets
The CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device is FDA-Cleared
Ultra-Durable Headphone Concepts
This AirPods Ultra Concept by Taiseer Zarruk is Extra-Rugged
Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
The 'Rezonance' Hearing Aid Concept Prioritizes Comfort
Sea-Inspired Wireless Earbuds
The Conceptual Bose Wireless TWS Earbuds Have a Stemless Design
Noninvasive Clip-Style Earbuds
The Soundcore C30i Headphones are Great for Wearers with Glasses
Smart Sleep-Aid Earbuds
LG Breeze is a Sleep-Tech Innovation at CES 2023
Branded eSports Earbuds
These Sony PlayStation Earbuds Have SIE-Developed Wireless Technology
Anxiety-Reducing Earplug Designs
Matter & University of the Arts London Debut the Helical Earplug
Retrofuturism Streaming Headphones
The Conceptual 'FUTUREAHEAD' Headset by Olga Orel is
Swimming-Friendly Headphone Models
The Creative Outlier Free Pro Headphones Have 8GB of Storage
High-End Audio Earbuds
The Devialet Gemini II Earbuds Connect to Two Devices at Once
Social-Centric Wireless Earbud Concepts
Kusi Boateng-Arthur Introduces the Social Earbud Concept
Ergonomic Water Droplet Earbuds
The HUAWEI FreeBuds 5 Deliver Precision Sound and More
Adaptive Audio Performance Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Have CustomTune Technology
Low-Power Consumption Headphones
The EarFun Air Pro 3 Earbuds Offer LE Audio, ANC and More
Illuminated eSports Earbuds
The Conceptual Cyberpunk Earbuds by Tim Chen are Gaming-Ready
Hummingbird-Inspired Ear Cleaners
The 'EarBuddy' Ear Cleaning Device Has a Gentle, Reusable Design
Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds
QuietOn 3.1 Feature Updated Technology for a Better Sleep
Accessible Earbud Features
Samsung is Releasing New Ambient Sound Features for its Buds2
Outdoor Bone-Conduction Headphones
The 'H2O Audio TRI Multi-Sport' Headphones are Weatherproof
Fine-Tuned Aluminum Earbuds
The Latest Technics Earbuds Offer a Customized Fit
Durability-Focused Athlete Earbuds
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds are Resistant to Anything
Therapeutic Head Wearables
Cognito Therapeutics is Testing a Headset that Treats a Few Conditions
Personal Cooling Devices
Embr Wave Regulates Body Temperature for Relief from Menopause
Sustainable Wireless Earbuds
Skullcandy Debuted 'Ecobuds' as Eco-Conscious True Wireless Earbuds
Adaptive Hi-Res Audio Earbuds
The EarFun Free Pro 3 Earbuds Have Snapdragon Sound Certification
Open-Ear Replaceable Battery Headphones
The Sonicwave studio Earbuds Provide Days of Use
Comfortable Open-Ear Headphones
The Huawei FreeClip Headphones Attach Securely to the Ear
Fashionable Clip-On Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Securely Hug the Ear
Sustainable Headphone Models
The Fairphone Fairbuds XL are Easily Repaired and Upgraded
Sound-Monitoring Security Devices
The 'Earzz' Smart Home Monitor Alerts Users of Issues
Neurodegenerative Disease-Detecting Earbuds
These High-Tech Earbuds Can Spot Signs Of Alzheimer's
Crowdfunded Audiophile Earbuds
The 'Flare Ears' Deliver Hyper-Accurate Sound Profiles to Ears
Pro-Grade Athlete Earbuds
The Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro Has a Comfortable Open-Ear Design
Invisible Hearing Aids
HueHearing's Invisible Hearing Aids Reduce Stress and Tinnitus Symptoms
Noise-Cancelling Gaming Headphones
These High-End Headphones Can Curb Ambient Noise By 25 Decibels
Temperature-Monitoring Earrings
The Thermal Earring Continually Tracks the Wearer's Temperature
Comfortable Sleep-Optimizing Earbuds
Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds Support Side Sleepers
Open-Style Air Conduction Earbuds
The JBL Soundgear Sense Let Listeners Hear What's Around Them
Health-Sensing Earbuds
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Earbuds Monitor the Heartbeat
Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headsets
These Headphones Are Ideal For Both Business & Lifestyle Use
Japanese Air-Vibration Headphones
NWM Embraces the Future of Audio Technology
Sleep Optimization Earbuds
The Ozlo Sleepbuds Work for Sleep, Streaming and More
Whale-Inspired In-Ear Monitors
The Hidizs MP145 Planar HiFi IEMs Support Whale Conservation
Crowdfunded Ear Cleaners
The 'Morfone' Cleaners Ears More Efficiently than Swabs or Scoops
Immersive ANC Gamer Earbuds
The Razer Hammerhead HyperSpeed Earbuds are for the Xbox and More
Athletic Open-Ear Headphones
The SUUNTO Wing Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones are Waterproof
High-Power Sport Headphones
The JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Earbuds Offer Over 70-Hours of Use
Advanced Immersive Gamer Earbuds
The Sony INZONE Buds Provide Personalized Spatial Sound
Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones
Shokz Debuted OpenSwim Pro at CES 2024
Outdoorsy Headphone Models
The Skullcandy Take a Hike Dime 2 True Wireless Earbuds are Powerful
Flexible Bone Conduction Headphones
The HAYLOU PurFree Headphones Have a Qualcomm 3044 Chip
Workout-Ready Open-Ear Headphones
The OneOdio OpenRock Pro are Lifestyle-Conscious
Hearing Aid Wearable Glasses
The Bruckhoff Spectacle Aids are a Non-Intrusive Hearing Enhancer
Open-Ear Audio Technology
The Open-Ear-Design TWS Earbuds Has a Natural Transparency
Modular Eco-Friendly Earbuds
Fairphone 'Fairbuds' Can Be Dismantled for Battery Replacement
Self-Fitting Hearing Aids
The Eargo 7 Features an Invisible Design that Caters to Ear Canals
Professional Open-Ear Headsets
The EKSA S30 Offers Up to 70-Hours of Use Per Charge
Situational Awareness Athlete Earphones
SUUNTO Sonic Bone Conduction Headphones are IP55-Rated
Heat Relief Earbuds
The DearBuds SE Earbuds Have Built-In Fans to Cool the Wearer
Mood-Boosting Hearing Aids
Bernafon's Viron Music Hearing Aids Reduce Stress and Stimulate Memory
Enhanced Music Display Headsets
Olga Orel Designs the FUTUREAHEAD Headset with a Display
Headband-Style Sport Headphones
The HAKII MIX Open-Ear Headband Headphones are Sport-Ready
Collaborative Stealthy Wireless Earbuds
KITH Joins Bose on an Ultra Open Earbud Design
Self-Sanitizing Earbuds
Audio-Technica Launches Is New 'ATH-TWX9' Earbuds
Neural Technology Earbuds
The Wisearphones Smart Earbuds Provide a Seamless User Experience
Ergonomic Hearing Aid Earbuds
The Conceptual 'Claro' Hearing Aid Has an All-in-One Design
DIY Bone Conduction Hearing Aids
Mearsun Boasts Self-Fitting Capabilities and AI Features
Underwater Bone Conduction Headphones
H2O Audio is Back with the 'Sonar Pro' Swimming Headphones
Revolutionary In-Ear Monitors
The 'UE Premier' Monitors Boast An Incredible 21 Drivers Per Piece
Multifunctional Hearing Aid Earbuds
The JLab Hear OTC Hearing Aid and Earbuds are Easy to Use
Proprietary Connection Swimming Headphones
Zygo Z2 Headphones Use a Water-Friendly Protocol
Stroke Recovery Wearable Systems
This System Uses a Earpiece & Watch to Help Prompt Mobility
Sleek Wireless Gaming Earbuds
Sony Unveils a Look at the Pulse Explore Earbuds for Gameplay
Hearing Protection Headphones
ThePuro Sound Labs PuroPro Headphones Limit Volume to 95dB
Sensory Conduction Headphones
Sonic Lamb Headphones Allows Wearers to Feel the Music and Hear It
Pro-Grade Earbud Models
The PINE64 PineBuds Pro Wireless Earbuds Have a Two-Tone Finish
High-Tech Wireless Earbuds
Status Audio Debuts Its New Between 3ANC Model
AI Sports Training Headsets
The Mojawa HaptiFit Terra Has Bone Conduction Audio and More
Accessible Entry-Level Earbuds
The Nothing Ear Stick Earbuds Have a Simple Design
Audio-Elevating Bluetooth Modules
The 'Go' Pods Boost the Quality Of Wireless Music-Listening
Ergonomic Mobile Professional Earbuds
EMEET Airflow Open-Ear Earbuds Provide All-Day Comfort
Self-Cleaning Headphone Models
The Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 Earbuds Clean Themselves Between Uses
Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Sennheisesr Launches its New Modern Wireless Hearing Aids
Ergonomic Dual-Function Earbuds
The Conceptual Bored Buds Work as Speaker Controls During Charging
Audio-Enhanced Wireless Earbuds
Sennheiser Launches the Conversation Clear Plus Feature
AI-Powered OTC Hearing Aids
AVAtronics Debuts AI-Enriched Wideband Technology
Affordable Sports Earbuds
The Allway OE10 Earbuds are Comfort-Focused with an Open-Air Design
Minimal Wireless Audio Earbuds
ODDICY Presents a Look at the TWIG and TWIG PRO Earbuds
Secure Athlete Earbuds
The Cleer Audio Roam Sport Earbuds Have Freebit Wings
Balanced Dynamic Audio Earbuds
The 1MORE EVO True Wireless ANC Earbuds are Balanced
Revolutionary Hearing Aids
JIUYEE Launches the Real Pro Bluetooth Intelligent Hearing Aids
Hearing Care Hearing Aids
Signia Boasts the World's First 'Notch Therapy' Hearing Aids
Wireless 3D-Audio Earbuds
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Can Record Lifelike In-Depth Audio
Ambient Audio Performance Earbuds
Creative Sensemore Air Earbuds Offer Control Over Performance
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Deluxe by Linner Depends the New MEMS Speaker Technology
Low-Cost Spatial Audio Earbuds
The 1MORE Aero Headphones Offer Dynamic Head Tracking and More
Adaptable Open-Ear Earbuds
EMEET's AirFlow Feature a Unique Detachable Microphone Design
Hearing Loss Speaker Systems
The SoundFun 'Mirai' Speaker Has AudibleWave Technology
Inexpensive Wired Earbuds
Sennheiser Announces the New Affordable Earphones In Its IE Range
Ethical Eco-Conscious Earbuds
The Fairphone True Wireless Earbuds are 100% eWaste-Neutral
Wireless Ergonomic Earbuds
Urbanears Presents the Boo and Boo Tip Tonal Headphones
Touchscreen Thermometer Apps
This App Lets Smartphones Take Body Temperature Readings
Sporty Air Conduction Earbuds
The OneOdio OpenRock S Has Bass Enhancement and More
Personalized High-Fidelity Audio Earbuds
The Denon PerL True Wireless Earbuds Come in Two Models
Hearing-Enhancing Headgear
This Sports Headgear Helps Deaf Athletes Pick Up Sounds Better
Customizable ANC Earbuds
Audio-Technica's 'ATH-TWX7' Earbuds Boast 5.8mm Drivers
High-Resolution Wireless Earbuds
Nothing Launches Its New Wireless Earbuds Called Ear (2)
Athlete-Focused Off-Ear Earphones
Sony Unveils the Flexible 'Float Run' Earphones For Athletes
Heart-Monitoring Earbuds
Sennheiser's New Innovation are Revolutionizing Audio Technology
Wireless AI-Adaptive Earbuds
Sony Presents the New Noise Cancelling WF-1000XM5 Earbuds
Attention-Grabbing Hearing Aids
The Overtone Hearing Aid Fashionably Reimagines the Device
Multifunctional Audio Earbud Earrings
Nova's H1 Audio Earrings are Equally Stylish and Functional
Headband-Style Wireless Earbuds
SWOTT Debuts the Advanced 'Neckon 102' Neckband Earphones
Luxe Lossless Audio Earbuds
The Questyle NHB12 Headphones Eeloer Exceptional Audio Performance
Immersive Spatial Audio Earbuds
The JLab Epic Lab Edition Earbuds Have ANC Technology and More
Stylish Jewelry-Inspired Earplugs
The JING Designer Earplugs Have Interchangeable Gemstones
Customizable Noise Cancellation Earbuds
The Sony WF-C700N Wireless Earbuds Feature DSEE Technology
Hearing Protection Headphones
The Nitecore NE20 Noise Compression Earbuds Work in Many Scenarios
Noise-Filtering Motorcycling Headphones
The 'Packtalk Edgephones' Allow For Streamlined Conversing
India-Exclusive Tech Accessories
pTron Launches a New Smartwatch and Earbuds Combination
Textural Vacuum Tube Headphones
The écoute Vacuum Tube Audio Headphones Enhance Music and More
Personalized Sound Earbuds
The MBE001 TWS are On-Ear Personal Audio Designs by NTT Sonority
Customized Noise Control Earbuds
The Creative Zen Air Earbuds Support Easy Personalization
AI-Enhanced Transparent Earbuds
Nothing Launches an Earbud Line Made with Artificial Intelligence
Sustainable Low-Impact Headphones
House of Marley Unveils a New Audio Collection with Two Devices
Ergonomic Athlete Earbuds
The 1MORE Fit Open Earbuds S50 Work Seamlessly for Athletics
Haute Head-Tracking Headphones
The Jabra Elite 10 Earbuds Have Dolby Head Tracking Technology
Stress-Reducing Earplug Alternatives
The Flare Calmer Earplug Alternative Gently Reduces Noises
Fitness-Focused Sport Headphones
These Creative Outlier Headphones Come in Two Models
3D-Printed In-Ear Monitors
Moondrop Launches Its Latest Advanced Hybrid In-Ear Monitors
Inclusive Ambient Earbuds
Samsung Updates its Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with Enhanced Ambient Sound
Waterproof Audio Technology
H2o Audio Unveils Snowpro: the Ultimate Winter Sports Headphones