Runners taking part in this weekend's Cardiff 10K have been banned from wearing headphones.
They are not allowed to wear them for health and safety reasons.
British Athletics introduced the ruling in April which prohibits the use of headphones in all road races across the UK on any single carriageway that is not wholly closed to traffic.
But organisers of Sunday's race have said that bone-conducting headphones will be allowed, but what are they, how can you get them and how much do they cost?
What is bone-conduction?
It allows you to hear sound through the vibration of the bones of your face. This means that the sound waves are bypassing the outer and middle ear and directly stimulating the inner ear. Basically the headphones perform the role of your ear drums, but still allow you to hear the outside the world.
Bone conduction technology has been around for many years as a tool to help those with hearing loss.
Who invented it?
It has been around for years as famous 18th century composer Beethoven discovered bone conduction. He was hearing impaired and used bone conduction to listen to music by biting down on his composer’s wand that was touching the piano.
Is it safer?
Yes, according to the experts. Bone conduction is a safer way to listen. Bone conduction does not use your eardrums, so there is less stress on your ears. Since Beethoven’s discovery, many scientists and universities have researched bone conduction, and research shows that bone conduction is safer for your ears than conventional listening.
Are they popular?
For years they have been used in the hearing healthcare industry, but they are becoming more popular within the sporting community. Runners and athletes first started using them around 2008.
The sound quality also allows the user to hear ambient noises since the headphone doesn't actually cover any part of the ear. It means that runners and cyclists can hear music but also hear cars and what is going on around them for safety reasons. They can also use wireless technology.
How much do they cost?
They can cost anything from £39 up to £110. The more expensive ones are described as wrapping comfortably around the head and curl over the ears. It has six hours of life and are very lightweight.
