Features

The products tested had many useful features. Those worth looking out for include ….

Inductive output

Some headphones produce an inductive output, similar to a loop system, which most hearing aids can pick up when switched to ‘T’. Often, the inductive signal occurs naturally due to their design. So if you wear a hearing aid, it may be worth trying it on ‘T’. Some headphones produce an inductive output specifically for those with hearing aids – such as the RNID headphones we tested.

In-line volume control

Some corded headphones have a volume control built into the lead. On most, this control adjusts the left and right volume together, so you can’t alter the volume ‘balance’ between them. However, with the corded Sennheiser headphones tested here you can adjust the left and right volumes separately.

Headphone volume

All cordless headphones, whether radio or infrared, have a volume control so you can adjust the loudness independently of your stereo or TV set.

Stated maximum range (Cordless headphones)

The quoted ranges are those supplied by the manufacturers and refer to an optimum range under ideal conditions. However, this should be used as a guide only, as the range will probably be less in normal domestic situations. Radio headphones should ideally work anywhere within your home.

Sound quality   

All headphones sound different. Some may have a good treble response but lack bass, whereas on others the bass may be good but the treble harsh. If using headphones with a stereo system you can, to a certain extent, customise these characteristics by adjusting the bass and treble tone controls. But with TVs, apart from on the most expensive models, you won’t be able to adjust the tone.

Some headphones are better suited to speech than music. Our user panel tried out each headphone using speech, different types of music and a movie soundtrack on DVD. Sound quality is a personal thing – what sounds good to one person, may not necessarily sound as good to someone else. So, if possible, you should listen to the headphones before you buy.