Living Room
Wireless Headphones
I want information about...
- listening to music, radio, and TV
What can it be used for?
Headphones are small speakers that fit inside or over the ears. Some also have a built in microphone which can be used to speak into meaning they can be used for two way conversation. Wireless headphones connect to other devices using Bluetooth. They can be used for many purposes such as:
- Listening to music through linking to a device that plays music.
- Making and receiving phone calls through linking to a mobile phone.
- Listening to or joining online events or meetings through linking to a computer, tablet or smartphone.
- Hearing the television better or being able to increase television volume without disturbing others nearby
- Playing online games or communicating with others online through linking to a computer, tablet, smartphone or games console.
- To listen to music or follow instructions while exercising or doing relaxation techniques.
- Some are designed to be worn while you are in bed, to listen to relaxing sounds, white noise, music or audio content to help with falling asleep or for something to do when awake in bed.
- There are noise cancelling ones to support with focus or reduce background noises, this can help with concentration or hearing.
- Can be worn while travelling on public transport/ when walking.
You can find and buy these and similar products by searching 'wireless headphones', 'wireless earbuds' or wireless headphones plus what you want to use them for if you want to use them for a specific purpose (i.e. wireless headphones for exercise) on the internet. They are available in shops that sell electrical items or devices that play music.
Benefits
- Convenience: Can be connected by Bluetooth to different devices without the need for adapters. They allow free movement without being connected to a device by a wire.
- Multiple Uses: There are lots of different options designed for different uses, such as exercise, sleep, gaming, reducing noise and noise cancelling.
- Communication: Advances in Bluetooth technology have significantly improved sound quality. Headphones can be used to help people with hearing difficulty to hear devices such as the television.
- For information about connecting hearing aids to Bluetooth, see the Additional Resources section below or speak to the relevant health professional.
Things to Consider
- Ease of use: How easy are the headphones to use. Choose the most suitable kind for the person who will be using them, are they easy to put on? Some can be small and need inserting into the ears which might be difficult for some people.
- Comfort and Fit: Check that the design of the headphones will work for the purpose they are needed for. For example if being used during exercise they will need to stay in place during movement.
- Battery Life: Different models have different lengths of battery life. Check the battery life and how they are charged to ensure this will be suitable.
- Connectivity: Make sure the headphones have reliable Bluetooth connectivity and are compatible with the devices they will be used with.
- Noise Cancellation: For blocking out background noise, consider headphones/ earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) features.
- Sound Quality: How good is the sound quality, if the person has hearing difficulty will the volume be loud enough or is it compatible with their hearing aid(s) if they wear them.
- Cost and value for money: Compare prices and features to find the best value considering the budget. Check reviews from people who have used them.