Beat the noise: tips on headphones

It isn’t unusual to see youngsters walking around on the streets listening to music or taking calls using headphones or earphones. There are already several options available in the market, and new ones are being launched almost every month. Here’s a guide to what you must keep in mind before buying a set of headphones.

It isn’t unusual to see youngsters walking around on the streets listening to music or taking calls using headphones or earphones. There are already several options available in the market, and new ones are being launched almost every month. Here’s a guide to what you must keep in mind before buying a set of headphones.

In-ear or on-ear?
In-ear devices are simple and small. They are advisable for regular and rough usage. These days, a special set of earphones exclusively designed for kids is also available with sound limitation to protect their sensitive eardrums.
On-ear headphones are designed for users with specific needs and provide premium sound performance.

Popular options
Entry level in-ear headphones are preferred by people using smartphones.
The designer on-ear headphones are popular with the youth. These are also connected to laptops and computers, and provide voice chat solutions.
The bigger on-ear headphones with high-end features like noise cancellations, total harmonic distortion and frequency response, are used while travelling for premium sound performance.
Price over quality
A good quality set of headphones/earphones survives for years and there won’t be any performance-related problem. For someone who is mobile for hours, quality becomes an essential factor.
Go in for
Sennheiser: A high-end brand, but a trusted one. It assures quality sound.
Bose: Their headphones offer full-spectrum noise reduction, comfortable fit and clear sound quality in airplanes.
Beats: Their headphones are possibly the best ones at the entry level.

(With inputs from Dr Lars Placke, CEO, Blaupunkt)