STACK #213 July 2022

In today’s switched-on world, classic headphones have become a popular companion when commuting, working out, or just chilling with playlists and podcasts. Choosing the right set of cans is important, but the range on offer can be overwhelming, so here are some prime considerations before you buy. Words Adam Colby IN THE CANS LIFE TECH FEATURE

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OVER-EAR AND ON-EAR Headphones come in three

5 Tips for Good Hearing Health

some sound leakage, which makes open-back sets best for home/private use rather than the daily commute or office environments. Closed-back headphones seal in the sound and often feature noise cancellation for a more personal listening experience that keeps the music front and centre, making them good for use in surroundings where external noise is high. WIRED AND WIRELESS Wired headphones offer

different types: over-ear, on-ear and in-ear. In-ear headphones are another

name for earbuds and will be discussed in the next section, so let’s take a look at what distinguishes the other two. Over-ear headphones are the classic design with dual padded earcups that completely cover the ears, keeping the party inside and

We spend a lot of time plugged into devices listening to music – a private sonic bubble that can be as loud as you like it. The downside is that listeners exposed to excessively high volume levels over long periods could suffer inner ear damage. Here are five ways to love it loud and still protect your hearing. 1 Strike a proper balance between how long you’re listening and the volume level. The rule of thumb is 80 per cent volume for a maximum 90 minutes a day, but strive for 60 per cent of max volume if you can. 2 Volume is often upped to block out external noise, so a pair of headphones or earbuds with noise-cancelling tech is a good solution. Or choose over-ear headphones that seal in the sound and mostly cancel ambient noise. 3 If your music is audible to others, it’s probably too loud. 4 Many health apps can track audio levels, and smartphones can be set to limit the volume level. 5 Give your ears a break for an hour or two between listening sessions, or set a listening limit of three hours a day or less.

effectively blocking external sounds – especially in tandem with noise-cancelling tech. They are bigger than their on-ear counterparts with larger drivers (speakers) for better sound. The best fit is determined by the size of the user’s ears, so try before you buy. On-ear headphones, as the name suggests, have smaller earcups that sit on top of the ears and are more open to ambient noise. They are lighter and fit snugly, with more airflow for comfort. On-ear cans are usually less expensive than over-ear and designed for one-size-fits-all. OPEN BACK AND CLOSED BACK Open-back headphones allow airflow through the

plug-in-and-play convenience. Direct connection eliminates any audio dropouts that can occur when wireless sets move out of Bluetooth range, as well as the need to charge the battery. They can also feature convenient in-line controls for volume, play, pause, track selection and taking

calls (if microphone-enabled). Always be mindful of the cable, however, which can snag and rudely yank the cans from your head. With many smartphones having dispensed with a 3.5mm jack, wireless headphones are a popular choice for their convenient, cable free connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when paired with devices – say goodbye to unravelling a Gordian knot of cable tangle, but be sure to keep the battery charged. Hybrid sets offer the flexibility of cable connection for the best of both worlds. In terms of sound quality, contemporary Bluetooth connectivity is now comparable with a wired connection, so the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.

earcups from the rear of the speaker, eliminating any air pressure that could affect the sound for more natural audio. External noise is audible, which is a benefit where some situational awareness is required, or if you want music to complement an outside soundscape. There can be

JULY 2022

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