Tips for Choosing Headphones
Choosing headphones with safety-focused features like volume limiters, noise-canceling features, and good passive isolation is key to protecting your hearing without sacrificing listening enjoyment.
Volume Limiting: Headphones that support volume limiting cap their maximum sound output at around 85 dB. This falls within the recommended safe listening range. Volume limiting is an important feature for children or those who use headphones for long listening sessions, as the cap reduces the risk of overexposure.
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) allows users to listen to music in busier areas at lower volumes. Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) improves clarity, particularly on calls, without increasing the volume. Both reduce the need to increase volume by blocking external sounds.
Comfort and Fit: Over-ear headphones are generally safer than in-ear headphones. The fit offers passive isolation and a more even sound distribution. Padded ear cups and adjustable headbands eliminate sound leakage and prevent ear fatigue while providing a comfortable user experience.
Choosing a device that promotes healthy listening is paramount to long-term hearing protection, whether used for a few minutes or several hours each day.
