Types of Headphones

Common types of headphones:

Closed Headphones
The first is the Enclosed (Closed, Closed Back or Isolating) type. The enclosed headphone seals outside sound out and inside sound in. It is best used in noisy environments, as it has difficulty consistently reproducing bass frequencies since the seal against the head varies with pressure, hair and eyeglasses.

Open Headphones
The second is called Open (Open-Aire, Open Back, Vented) type. The Open headphone is usually more accurate, consistent and lower in cost for the same performance as an Enclosed headphone. Comfort is usually higher since less pressure is required against the ear. Musicians often prefer them when playing or singing since they can hear some natural sound through them.

Voice Headphones
The third type could use either Open or Enclosed but is designed for voice communications, intercom, or language lab use. The frequency response is tailored for clear voice reproduction and not for music.

In-ear earphones
The forth is in-ear earphones. Used when talent is either on-camera or performing and does not want the phone visible. These either have the transducer at the ear like a hearing aid or clipped behind the neck with a clear plastic tube and earmold in the ear canal. In a pinch, consumer \'earbuds\' may be used in this application.