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In early March, the Music Wrap raised $22,000 on Kickstarter to fund the M25, a wearable Bluetooth audio system that moves sound from your ears to a neck band with tiny speakers to create a “personal sound field.” The device is about to start shipping to backers.

The idea behind the M25 ($70) is to “bring music to life without sacrificing the user’s awareness to his or her surroundings,” according to the company.

Relocating headphones or earbuds from the ear decreases the chance of hearing damage, making the M25 “ideal for children, teenagers, or anyone tired of earbuds and traditional headphones.” The company goes out of its way to call attention to the World Health Organization warning that 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss.

Sound is produced by 1-inch drivers positioned at each end of a bendable neckband with rubberized control buttons. The M25 connects to your phone via Bluetooth and has a microphone so it can be used for hands-free calling. Its battery is rated for up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and, although the band can’t be submerged in water, it can be worn in humid climates and in rainy or snowy weather.

In another twist (literally), you can bend the M25 into various positions or wrap it around your wrist, straps on a bag, or wherever to create a freestanding mini speaker system. The band is offered in green, gray, and brown.

“The M25 is truly a unique concept in the headphone and speaker industry,” says Peggy Lai, product imagineer for Music Wrap. “Existing earbuds and headphones shut out the rest of the world, creating a barrier to social interaction. The M25’s hybrid design means any listener can enjoy music to its fullest while also staying connected and aware of the world around them. It’s safer, more enjoyable and more flexible.”

You can sign up at musicwrap.co to order an M25.

For more information, visit kickstarter.com.