STACK #231 January 2024

TECH FEATURE

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It’s not hard to keep headphones clean, and it’s recommended that you do so on a regular basis. A warm, damp microfibre cloth will generally be all that’s needed. To avoid the headphones becoming lost in the school lost property vortex, ensure that they are clearly marked with the student’s name and class. Limit the use of headphones where possible and take regular breaks. If the headphones don’t come with a protective case, find a tough bag to store them in to prevent damage. Four tips for headphone maintenance

One of the most important purchases for school kids is a good, safe pair of headphones.This is what you need to know. SAFE EARS

Words Bec Summer

A long with a tablet, headphones will likely be the first item on the shopping list for primary school-aged children. With so many models and brands on offer at JB, choosing the right pair can be a little intimidating. And that’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a quick guide on what you need to make the right buying decision.

Design When headphones become a requirement for school, it can be

Volume control Exposure to loud sounds can significantly damage developing ears, so limiting volume in headphones is essential. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a volume limit of 85 dB or below for long listening periods, so aim for a set of headphones with that limit in mind.

Robust build Like anything that falls into children's hands, headphones are going to get a workout when thrown in a bag or across a desk. Durability needs to be right up there on the list – you don’t want to renew the headphones halfway through the year.

Simple to use Try to keep the controls on the headphones as simple as possible for younger children.

Comfort considerations It’s unlikely that children will be required to wear their headphones for prolonged periods, but comfort is definitely a critical factor to consider.

tempting to pull an old pair out of the drawer and stick them in the school bag. But headphones designed for adults and children are like chalk and cheese. Kid’s headphones are, yep, you guessed it, designed with children in mind. This means a smaller headband and ear cups for a better overall fit.

Headphones suggestion Belkin SoundForm Mini

Designed explicitly with kids in mind, and at a price point that won’t break the bank, the SoundForm Minis come in four different colours to suit all tastes. These on-ear headphones are light in weight, comfortable, and can be adjusted at the headband. Connected wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0, there's a 3.5mm jack on the right ear cup and a 1.2mm cable attached for an optional wired connection. The manufacturer states there’s a whopping 30 hours of battery life – handy if you forget to charge them at night. A built-in mic is also included for talkback with teachers or fellow pupils. Touch controls are limited to volume, Bluetooth pairing, play, and pause for simplicity, and the volume level is capped at 85 dB. As for the durability stakes, Belkin states that the SoundForm Minis have been tested to withstand accidents and spills for up to two years. And most importantly for the kids, these headphones come with a sheet of stickers to decorate them with!

22 JANUARY 2024

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