There are many different kinds of earphones available on the market today. Aside from the choices of brands, earphones can also function in different ways because of how they sit on the ear. In general, the quality and durability depends on the type of earphone chosen. When choosing an earphone, it's best to set a budget and examine product reviews as a purchasing guide.
Basics
Earphones are loudspeakers that are small enough to be used close to the ears. They are connected to a source of audio signals, such as a radio or music player. In the field of telecommunications, the earphone is often combined with a microphone to allow for two-way communication. An example of this kind of device is the telephone. One of the dangers of using earphones is the risk of deafness caused by straining the ear drums when listening to music at a high volume.
Circumaural
Circumaural earphones are usually used by professional musicians and sound engineers because they improve the quality of the sound. These earphones have ear pads that are designed to encircle the ears in order to contain the sounds within the space found between the ear and the ear pad. As a result, Circumaural earphones keep out ambient sound. The materials found in this particular variety of earphones range from molded plastic or rubber to metal.
Supra-Aural
Supra-aural earphones are designed to perch on the ears rather than surround them. The design typically involves an adjustable band that can be worn over the head to secure the device into place. As for the pad that cushions the speaker, it is made out of a foam material. The supra-aural earphones reached their peak of popularity during the 1980s, though they still maintain some of their popularity today.
Ear Buds
Ear buds are a popular type of earphone because they are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. In this particular kind of design, the ear buds are positioned directly outside the ear canal, and because they do not encircle the ear the way other designs do, the sound may not be as crisp. However, ear buds perform well enough to increase the volume of the sound through their proximity to the ear. The disadvantage is that they fall off easily when they are tugged or pulled.
Canal Phones
Canal phones are similar to ear buds, but they are placed directly into the ear canal to improve the volume and quality of sound. They are usually made out of silicone rubber or an elastomer material. Not only do these materials block out ambient noise, but they keep the earphone in the ear comfortably. The tips of the canal phones can also be replaced to fit more snugly in the ear.
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