Surround Headphones

Earbuds headphones are headphones the size of an acorn. They have many advantages and disadvantages so you need to think a bit before buying a pair. This type of headset became really popular with the emergence of the Ipod. Apple shipped these units with tiny headphones. Third party earbuds really have some great features. OK, let’s lay out the features and drawbacks so you can see if earbuds are for you. I think I should mention the fact that if you have a cat or small pet in the house, don’t leave the earbuds lying around because they might be eaten!

Let’s start with the advantages. The earbuds are small, light and compact. They go almost anywhere. Some even come with a case that looks like a compact but has a spool so you can turn it and the cord loops around the spool storing the cord without tangles or snags. Another advantage is that some sets have snug fitting foam pieces that are worn in the ear, dampening external noise. This is great as it really cuts down on noise so you don’t have to raise the volume to deafening levels. Earbuds headphones also have good bass response which is surprising considering their small size. All this fun does not come with some drawbacks, however.

What are the drawbacks of these type of headphones? Well for starters, they have to be put in the ear canal. Some people have small ear canals and some large ones. One size does not always fit all. For those who have larger canals, the ill fitting earbuds headphones will sound tinny. The escaping air volume will drain bass response away creating a shrill timbre. Also, some people find anything placed in the ear very uncomfortable. Indeed, there is also a chance of increased ear infections if you don’t clean and/or replace the foam pieces that go inside the ear. When putting the earbuds in your ear, it can take a bit of fiddling to get them in place properly. If you don’t get them in place, there goes the bass response, very annoying indeed.