From music to podcasts, headphones are often an essential part of our on-the-go, day-to-day lives. But which type of headphones are best for your ears? At SoundGate Hearing, we want you to protect your hearing, including the headphones you choose to wear.
So, when it comes to headphone safety, which style is best?
First of all, remember all headphone options require vigilance. When you’re listening to music alone, it can be hard to tell how loud is too loud. The last thing we want is damage to your ear canal, impacting your hearing health.
Now, let’s look at two popular examples: on-ear headphones vs. over ear headphones. One sits directly on the ear while the other encapsulates the ear. When we look at these two options, audiologists tend to agree that over-ear headphones tend to work best.
In general, here are a few reasons why that’s the case:
It’s also worth noting that quality comes into play here. A higher-quality option will yield better results than a mediocre one. If you plan to use your headphones frequently, invest in a pair that provides optimal sound quality.
We see this question quite a bit. While earbuds have exploded in popularity in recent years, you want to be careful. Because they blast sound right into your ear canal, the risk of damage increases.
Earbuds also tend to offer poor noise isolation. That means other environmental factors can creep into your listening, causing you to want to increase that volume.
They can also push earwax further into your ears, causing a build-up. This blockage can entice you to increase your volume, further exacerbating the problems.
Learn more about our earwax removal treatments.
For some, noise-canceling headphones can be optimal, especially if you’re listening in louder or more crowded spaces. Because they block out environmental sounds, it’s less likely you’ll crank up the volume.
Remember, once you lose hearing, you cannot get it back. You can protect your hearing today by being mindful of how loud your headphone volume gets. Your future self will thank you.
At SoundGate Hearing, we care about your hearing health, including headphone safety. Do you need help or have a question? Take a look at our diagnostic hearing evaluation information and contact us to schedule an appointment. Our team of audiologists is happy to help you with any concerns you may have.
Until next time, happy listening!
Dr. Sarah Binfet
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.