If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pair of headphones, you’ve probably come across countless recommendations—AirPods, Sony, Bose, JBL—the list goes on. But how do you know which ones are actually good for your ears?
To cut through the noise (literally), we went straight to the experts: audiologists. These professionals don’t just know sound; they understand how to protect your hearing while still delivering an immersive audio experience. In this guide, we’ll break down the headphones and earbuds they actually use, why they love them, and most importantly—how you can avoid damaging your hearing.
Let’s Explore
What Earbuds Do Audiologists Use?
1. JBL Tour Pro 3 – The Balanced Performer
Dr. Ross Cushing, audiologist and CEO at Live Better Hearing + Balance, swears by the JBL Tour Pro 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds for their balanced sound profile, fast charging, and long battery life.
“The JBL Tour Pro 3 has become my go-to when I want a balanced sound profile but still want the convenience of wireless earbuds that charge quickly and last a while,” says Cushing.
Why They Stand Out:
- This model delivers balanced sound quality which suits audiophiles who like crisp natural audio delivery.
- Active Noise Canceling technology in these headphones blocks outside sounds to prevent you from increasing the volume.
- The Smart Charging Case comes with a 1.57-inch touchscreen display to manage your music playback without extracting your mobile device.
2. Apple AirPods – The Everyday Companion
Dr. Maria Pomponio from Stony Brook Medicine chooses Apple AirPods because of their convenient design which includes portability features.
“I take my AirPods with me when I need something small and easy to carry,” says Pomponio. “The noise-canceling feature is especially great when I’m traveling.”
Why They Stand Out:
- These earbuds offer a small size that makes them suitable for mobile use.
- These earbuds have built-in noise-canceling technology which blocks external noises effectively.
- These devices provide perfect integration with Apple systems for users who operate within Apple’s product environment.
What Over-Ear Headphones Do Audiologists Use?
3. Bose QuietComfort 45 – The Noise-Canceling Champion
Dr. Leslie Soiles, Chief Audiologist at HearingLife, prefers Bose QuietComfort 45 for their superior noise-canceling technology.
“Over-ear noise-canceling models are the best because they create a natural barrier against outside noise, reducing the need to increase volume,” explains Soiles.
Read More: Apple New Generation of AirPods; AirPods 4 and AirPod Pro 2
Why They Stand Out:
- These headphones feature six microphones that operate actively to cancel out background noise.
- Long-lasting comfort – Soft ear cushions for extended listening sessions.
- Immersive sound – Ideal for music lovers and professionals alike.
4. Sony Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones – The Budget-Friendly Pick
The budget-friendly over-ear choice according to Dr. Pomponio is Sony’s Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones.
According to her “I needed a cost-effective headset for conference calls that offered excellent noise cancellation without costing much money.”
Why They Stand Out:
- Affordable without sacrificing quality
- The headphones offer a long 35-hour battery life which makes them perfect for extended work sessions combined with trips away from home.
- The device provides comfort during extended use because it remains lightweight.
5. Apple AirPods Max – The Luxury Choice
Dr. Eric Sandler at The Hearing Center in New Jersey selects the Apple AirPods Max as his preferred device for achieving full immersion during usage.
Dr. Sandler states that the eardrum’s sound intensity represents the essential element in hearing. The company has dedicated significant resources to ear health innovations so much so that it now includes noise exposure alerts.
Why They Stand Out:
The headset comes with five color options and an elegant aluminum body.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Reduces twice as much background noise as many competitors.
- Spatial audio – Creates a 3D-like sound experience.
How to Use Headphones Safely (According to Audiologists)
We all love our headphones, but let’s be real—blasting music at full volume for hours isn’t doing your ears any favors. Here’s how you can enjoy your favorite tunes without ruining your hearing.
1. Follow the 60/60 Rule
Dr. Tom Tedeschi, an audiologist at Miracle Ear, recommends the 60/60 rule:
- Listen at 60% volume
- For no more than 60 minutes at a time
This prevents noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is irreversible once it happens. So if you’re cranking up the volume to drown out subway noise, consider investing in noise-canceling headphones instead.
2. Take Breaks (Yes, Your Ears Need a Breather Too!)
Dr. Alexis Rooney, an audiology clinical preceptor at Montclair State University, suggests giving your ears a rest.
- Avoid wearing headphones all day
- Give your ears at least 5-minute breaks every hour
Your ears are working hard to process sound—let them chill for a bit.
3. Keep Your Headphones Clean (Because…Gross!)
Do you ever clean your headphones? Be honest.
Audiologists recommend:
- Using a toothbrush to gently scrub away earwax buildup.
- Disinfecting with alcohol wipes (just don’t let it seep into the speaker).
- Never sharing earbuds (unless you enjoy sharing ear infections, too).
4. Get Your Hearing Checked Regularly
Even if you think your hearing is fine, yearly screenings can catch early signs of hearing loss. If you use headphones often, get checked every 1-2 years.
5. Pay Attention to Warning Signs
If you experience any of the following, your ears are begging for a break:
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
- Muffled hearing
- Discomfort or ear pain
If you ignore these signs, you could be damaging your hearing permanently. And no, blasting music to “test” if your hearing is still fine isn’t the solution.
Final Thoughts: The Best Headphones Are the Ones You Use Safely
At the end of the day, the best headphones are the ones that provide great sound without putting your ears at risk.
The best headphone is one you’ll actually use properly,” Cushing says. “Moderation and mindful listening are key.” And Tedeshci reminds us, “Hearing is a precious gift. Protect it well.”
If you want wireless earbuds, JBL and Apple AirPods are solid choices.
If you prefer over-ear headphones, Bose, Sony, and Apple AirPods Max deliver premium experiences.
But no matter what you choose, remember: protect your ears now, or you’ll be saying “what?” a lot sooner than you’d like.
Now, go enjoy your music—but at 60% volume, okay?