| Headphones and what makes them work What are | | | | outer ear and sort of just hang there. Normally |
| headphones? Simple answer? They basically comprise | | | | considered the poorest quality and most dangerous to |
| a pair of transducers that receive the audio signal from | | | | a person's hearing. Why? Because they don't block |
| whatever music device they're connected to and | | | | any outside noise. So, to hear them properly the |
| convert those signals into sound waves to make the | | | | volume is usually turned up to dangerous hearing levels. |
| music and sounds we enjoy so much. Some factors | | | | Usually average to poor sound quality. 5. |
| to consider: 1. Open backing... Will not usually give good | | | | Bluetooth...using Bluetooth technology. These wireless |
| sound quality due to the surrounding disturbances | | | | devices operate over a short-range and function |
| (outside noise). 2. Closed backing... blocks outside noise | | | | without any cords or cables. They provide excellent |
| better than the open backed ones. ...from the phone, to | | | | service within a particular range, usually about 9 feet. |
| the computer to the iPod and everything in between. | | | | Bluetooth headphones sport the latest in technology. |
| These versatile devices improves our lives with the | | | | Connections are automatic and the devices are simple |
| many great uses they do for you and I. From giving us | | | | and have no confusing workings. You can also change |
| mobility and privacy, as well as being compatible with | | | | the settings for accepted and denied connectivity. |
| computers to enjoy our video games with great sound. | | | | Although Bluetooth headphones get its name from the |
| Here are the main basic types: 1. Circumaural... these | | | | respective technology, essentially the name is from the |
| are big and cover your ears. Examples: Sennheiser | | | | tenth century King of Denmark- Harald Bluetooth. 6. |
| 695, Ultrasone Proline 750, AKG K701. These are | | | | Waterproof...these are mainly ear canal type of |
| normally considered to be the "best" of the "best in | | | | earphones that allow the listener to listen to their |
| sound. They are the largest physically so not well | | | | favorite music or sounds...submerged underwater. The |
| suited to carrying with your Ipod, but also provide the | | | | earpiece itself is waterproof, besides being in the ear |
| highest sound quality. 2. Supra aural... these go on top | | | | and preventing water from entering. Of course, the |
| of your ears. Examples: Sennheiser PXC300, Koss | | | | Ipod, or other player has to be enclosed in a |
| Porta Pro, Sennheiser PXC250. Somewhat smaller | | | | waterproof case or container also. Remember, try to |
| size than the circumaural. Many times this design is | | | | get the best headphone you can afford. Not only will |
| used in noise cancelling headphones. 3. Canalphones... | | | | get better listening enjoyment, the better headphones |
| these go inside the ear canals and because they block | | | | can actually protect your hearing more than the |
| outside noise are called passive noise reducing | | | | cheaper quality (means more volume) sound devices. |
| earphones. Examples: Ultimate Ears Super FI5, Shure | | | | Are you looking for listening pleasure? sells only the |
| E5C, Etymotic Research ER-4. Compact and portable | | | | highest rated and finest headphones available today. |
| with very good sound quality. 4. Earbuds...are the main | | | | Name brands from: Sennheiser, Sony, Koss, AKG, |
| type that normally come with iPods. They go in the | | | | Shure, Ultrasone and many others. |