This might sound counterintuitive, but if you’re looking for the best possible audio experience, you need to bypass your eardrums. Ludwig van Beethoven, the famous 18th-century composer, discovered this after losing most of his hearing. Using bone conduction, Beethoven placed one end of a rod on his piano and the other end in his mouth, effectively hearing the sound of the piano through his jawbone.

Bone conduction allows you to experience sound through the vibrations in your skull. While the sound waves go around both the outer and middle ear, the effects go directly to the inner ear using the bones in the jaw and cheeks as a conductive current. Bone conduction headphones, which some call bonephones, use this process to deliver uniquely incredible sounding audio. 

Unlike regular headphones, the Exobone Bone Conduction Headphones keep you connected and aware of your surroundings, even while running. Even better, you can receive 50% off their regular price in a limited-time deal for readers of IFLScience. 

While this all might sound a bit weird if you're new to this audio technology, sound is technically just a vibration of particles. Since the eardrum is so fragile, Exobone headphones can eliminate the risk of hearing damage from loud audio, unlike standard headphones. Bypassing the ears is beneficial when you want to use headphones while remaining tuned in to the outside world. They’re even more beneficial for hearing-impaired users since they can listen to audio with better clarity than standard earbuds, and use them while leaving hearing aids in. 

Exobone’s unique process that allows users to keep their ears open to their environment while listening to audio makes these headphones also perfect for jogging, cycling and other physical activities. You can also pair the Exobone Bone Conduction Headphones with any Bluetooth-enabled device for complete wireless convenience. Featured in 9to5Mac, Digital Trends, Mashable, Android Authority and Gizmodo, among others, The Wired Runner found them to “have much higher sound quality than other similar headphones."

Discover for yourself the unmatched comfort of Exobone’s lightweight and comfortable headset — featuring a bud-free, pain-free and slim, foldable design for all-day listening. Score a pair of Exobone Bone Conduction Headphones for just $76.99, or 50% off with this limited-time discount.

Prices subject to change.