Hearing
How to find the perfect headphones
If you’ve got a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or music player, you might be wondering which headphones would be best for you. Check out our guide to the three main types available and see which will offer you the most benefit.
The headphones you use will make a big difference to the quality of sound that you hear. So depending on how you plan to use them you may find it’s well worth investing in a good quality pair.
In Ear
These are lightweight and easy to store headphones that sit inside your ear.
PROS:
- Unlike larger styles, these don’t interfere with your hair or headwear.
- They are lightweight and are well suited to listening to music on the go.
- They are small and can be stored easily in your pocket.
- Normally they are compatible with music devices at the gym or any computer.
- They often come free with MP3 players or phones.
- You can use them to listen to music or as a headset for phone calls.
CONS:
- The earpieces can get uncomfortable in your ear after extended use.
- The cords can become tangled, especially if you are exercising and moving about.
- The sound quality is not as good as on or over ear headphones.
On Ear
- These headphones sit on the outer ear rather than inside it.
PROS:
- The sound quality is good but you can still hear external sounds such as a co-worker next to you.
- They are more comfortable to use for extended periods of time compared to the in ear headphones.
- They range in price from brand to brand, so you can find a pair that suit your budget.
CONS:
- Sound from some on-ear headphones can be heard by your neighbour on the bus or at the next desk.
- They aren’t the best option if you are trying to really cancel out external noise.
Over Ear
- These headphones completely enclose your ears, forming a seal over the top.
PROS:
- There is less sound leakage, meaning you won’t annoy other people that are sitting near you.
- The sound quality is excellent.
- You can block out most external noise, which is helpful if you are trying to work in a noisy environment.
CONS:
- As the external sound isolation is so good they can be considered dangerous for use outside of the home – for instance you may not hear a car horn if you were wearing them while crossing the road.
- They can cost a lot more than other types of headphones.
Related link:
How you can help someone with hearing loss
The different types of hearing loss explained
5 reasons to cherish your sense of hearing