Shokz Swim Pro Bone Conduction Headphones Review: Perfect for Hospital, Running, and Swimming

Headphones Are No Longer an Option in the Hospital?

During night shifts, I used to wear regular headphones while inputting patient records. Blocking out background noise helped me focus, and listening to a bit of music was a great way to refresh my mind. However, one day my supervisor told me, “That doesn’t look professional in front of patients; please take them off.”

It made me realize that wearing regular headphones in the hospital could appear unprofessional to both patients and colleagues. I needed a way to enjoy music or audio information without blocking my ears completely, so I could still hear surrounding sounds. That’s when I discovered bone conduction headphones.

Discovering Bone Conduction Technology

Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the bones of your skull, leaving your ears open. This allows you to listen to music or other audio while still hearing your surroundings—perfect for hospital work.

After researching, I chose the Shokz Swim Pro, a model suitable for both land and water use. My goal was not only to use it at work but also during running and swimming. Its waterproof design also makes it potentially useful for on-call situations or even hot springs in the future. Although the price is a bit high, the comfort, versatility, and durability made it worth the investment.

Using Them in the Hospital

Once I started using them at work, I was amazed at the convenience. My ears remain open, so I can respond immediately when someone speaks to me, without making patients or colleagues feel uncomfortable. I can focus on entering patient records while still listening to audio information.

These headphones also work perfectly for online meetings via Zoom, without interfering with the microphone. They are compatible with glasses and masks, making them extremely practical for hospital use. Battery life is long enough for extended shifts, so I never have to worry about running out of power mid-workday.

Running with Bone Conduction Headphones

In my personal life, I enjoy “audio reading” using Audible during runs. The headphones leave my ears open, so I can run safely while listening. I adjust the volume depending on traffic and surroundings to ensure I hear both the audio and my environment.

The vibrations transmit sound clearly through my skull, making it easier to follow stories or lectures compared to regular earbuds. During long runs, I slightly adjust the angle of the headphones on my bones to optimize the sound. With these small tweaks, I can enjoy focused “ear reading” while running.

Swimming and Music Playback

The Shokz Swim Pro is designed for both land and water. When I tested it in the pool, Bluetooth connection was unreliable underwater, so I downloaded MP3 files directly onto the headphones. This allows uninterrupted music while swimming.

I position the headphones slightly further back to ensure the vibrations reach my skull effectively. Whether doing freestyle or breaststroke, the headphones stay comfortable and maintain rhythm with the music. The underwater sound is slightly muffled, but it’s still enough to keep motivated while swimming.

Thanks to its waterproof design, I can even wear them in the shower or hot springs, although I haven’t tried it yet.

Usability, Battery, and Overall Evaluation

The Shokz Swim Pro works well in the hospital, on runs, and in the pool. Since it doesn’t block the ears, you can stay aware of your surroundings. The battery lasts long enough for night shifts or long runs, and it works fine with glasses and masks, making it very user-friendly.

The price is a bit high, but considering the versatility and usability, I am very satisfied. So far, I haven’t found any significant drawbacks.

Conclusion

The Shokz Swim Pro bone conduction headphones have become an essential companion for both work and leisure. The comfort of open ears, the practicality of being unobtrusive, and the waterproof design make it ideal for multiple uses. With small adjustments, it’s perfect for running and swimming as well.

For busy professionals who want to enjoy music or audio without blocking their surroundings, these headphones are extremely practical and highly recommended. They make both work and personal time more enjoyable and efficient.