Did You Hear Me??????

by Lori Cunningham

source: AfterShokz.com

Did you ever say “Did You Hear Me?” to your teen?  Probably one too many times.  Although teens are prone not to hear you even without earphones on, there is a new headphone that may help your teen better hear you while listening to their music.  The new headphones are called AfterShokz*.  I found them at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year and favored them in our Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Loves in Your Life.

How Are AfterShokz Different than Other Headphones?

Simple.  They don’t enter your ear.  They are placed outside your ear on your upper cheekbone.  This positioning is beneficial for several reasons:

1. the music won’t damage your ears
2. you can hear outside noises such as the phone ringing, horns honking, cars approaching, your name being called, etc.
3. the headphones fit better around your ears and work better for running and physical activities

AfterShokz work best during any activity where having the ability to hear outside noise would be beneficial.  Although great for adults, I definitely can see how AfterShokz would be extremely helpful for kids.  I love the fact that 1.) the headphones wouldn’t harm their long-term hearing and 2.) the kids could still hear me when I need to get their attention.  Here are some ways AfterShokz would be very useful, allowing you to keep an ear out for possible accidents:

• Biking
• Skating
• Boating
• Jogging
• Walking
• Traveling
• Video Games

Features

• Provides safe hearing – does not enter ear canal
• Enables wearer to hear what’s going on around them
• Ensures comfort – has a stable wraparound headband
• Utilizes Bone Conduction Technology
• Provides a safer way to exercise with headphones
• Comes with a Lifetime Warranty
• Includes an On/Off button
• Controls volume

Pricing

AfterShokz retail for $59.95 directly from the AfterShokz website.  You can also pick up a pair of AfterShokz with an inline mic for $69.95 which allows you to use them with your mobile phone as well.

A Mother’s Perspective

Have you ever worn earplug headphones for a long period before?  I have.  After a while, your ear canal begins to ache.  I don’t have that problem with AfterShokz, they rest gently on my upper cheekbones.  I also like the fact that I can hear what’s going on around me…the phone ringing, the kids calling for me, the laundry buzzer going off.

AfterShokz are made out of  a very sturdy and durable plastic.  I would have no problem allowing my kids to use AfterShokz as their headphones…and I like the fact that the volume never gets loud enough to create hearing loss.  Granted, for teens, the volume may not get loud enough for them.  The highest volume sounds so much louder if you put it to the ear, but for me, that method is too loud.  In fact, the highest volume on my cheekbone is a bit too loud for me too, so I turn it down.

AfterShokz take some getting used to as most of us are used to the music playing loudly in our ears, but the comfort and safety outweigh this in my mind.  If you’re looking for a great pair of jogging headphones or safe and sturdy headphones for your children, AfterShokz would be a good choice.

*  I was given a set of AfterShokz in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.