Headphones for long listening sessions
It is wise to dwell on the appearance of a headset and the shape of the headphones. These elements are not only aesthetic because they have an impact on comfort and other parameters, such as sound insulation.
Types
Three types of headsets differ in size from the earpiece and its positioning about the ear:
- The in-ear;
- The on-ear;
- the over-ear.
These are all fundamentally different devices, and to facilitate your choice, read the article material or use the convenient comparison tool on the Headphones Arena website.
The in-ear headphones
The in-ear headset is so miniaturized that it enters the hollow of the ear. The term semi-in-ear designates a slightly less intrusive earpiece.
An in-ear headset provides good acoustic insulation. The rubber or foam tips follow the inside of the ear canal and block almost all external sounds.
These types of headphones cause a sense of isolation when the ambient noise, for example, that of a train, is likely to cover your music.
The on-ear headphones
In the case of over-the-ear headphones, the headphones attached to an adjustable headband rest on the cartilages of the ears.
The pressure exerted by the headband is taken into account: if it is strong, the support of the headphones will be firm and the headset less likely to fall. But too much pressure can displease. It is a subtle balance to be found.
The sound insulation is not as good as that offered by an in-ear headset, due to the lack of a perfect connection between the pad and the ear. A defect for some, a quality for those who do not want to completely disconnect from the surrounding noises when they listen to their music.
The over-ear headphones
With over-ear headphones, the earphones include the ears and their pads come into direct contact with the skull. This type of headphones is generally the most comfortable, provided that the pressure of the headband is reasonable.
The over-ear headphones, by their weight and size, have often been confined to sedentary use. But with their acoustic qualities and the insulation they provide, there are more and more models that can be nomadic.
The pads most often provide a good seal and therefore good sound insulation. But efficiency also depends on the structure of the headphones, open or closed.
