9 Best Headphones for Ear Health to Avoid Ear Infections

As I spent many hours immersed in audio editing at FixThePhoto, I started to look for safe headphones, as these accessories play an important role in my daily life. Moreover, I often work in noisy spaces, and wearing headphones helps me remain focused and eliminates distractions.

They made my life easier during the critical editing sessions, viewing Netflix content, and relaxing alone. However, relying on products of lackluster quality means poor ear health.

After six months of regular earphone use, I started to notice a slight discomfort and occasional ringing in my ears. But shortly afterward, it became clear that my audio habits harmed my health, and it was high time to look for safer models.

After discussing this issue with my colleagues, I found out that many of them had experienced similar problems. This insight gave us a push to start our search for the best headphones for ear health. Together, we decided to examine, check, and access headphones designed to eliminate hearing damage while still providing amazing audio quality.

Our research focused on the models that offer such features as controlled sound pressure levels, effective noise isolation, and ergonomic designs. However, one should clearly understand that healthy listening habits are what matters most.

We started our search for the safest earbuds by focusing on the aspects that reduce hearing damage while delivering top-notch audio. These factors include decibel-limiting features, noise cancellation to minimize the need for high volumes, and ergonomic designs for higher comfort during prolonged use.

My job was to evaluate long-term comfort and assess the level of potential health damage during extended use. I tested every model for hours every day while editing content, participating in virtual meetings, and enjoying music, considering such aspects as the comfort of wearing, pressure distribution, and ear fatigue over time. Thanks to such an approach, we managed to identify headphones that offer excellent performance with user health and safety.

Over two months of testing Soundcore Anker Life Q20 in different scenarios to evaluate its performance and influence on ear health. I wore these headphones for ear protection for 8-9 hours every day when editing content, calling clients, or conducting virtual meetings. As this model is fitted with memory foam earcups, they provide a high level of comfort during use. Whereas its adjustable headband prevented pressure on my head even when wearing them for many hours.

My colleague Ann accessed its noise-canceling option in our bustling environment. Offering hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), the earbuds minimized ambient sounds like keyboard clicks and chatter to create appropriate conditions for more effective work.

To test their efficiency when dealing with everyday noises, I used these headphones under $50 during a weekend road trip. The ANC stood out among other models with its top-level low- and mid-frequency noise cancellation capabilities like car engines and air conditioning, providing an immersive audio experience.

Binge-watching Netflix was one of the tests we used to evaluate this healthy headphone. We listened to music, played games, and enjoyed clear and detailed sound that minimizes the need for high volume levels, creating safer conditions for your ears. Fitted with the BassUp technology, this model offers enhanced bass performance, ensuring clarity and power at lower frequencies.

A durable battery was another beneficial feature of this model. I used the Life Q20 for two full workdays I used the Life Q20 for two full workdays in noise-cancelling mode without the recharge. Moreover, the battery only needs five minutes to become full and ensures 4 hours of consistent listening experience.

I used the Bose QuietComfort headphones for three weeks, wearing them for approximately 4 to 6 hours daily. I listened to different music genres, and podcasts, and edited videos, so precise audio clarity was my priority, especially when working in bustling environments. My colleagues from FixThePhoto focused on real-world scenarios like wearing them during flights, busy hours in the office, and when dealing with power tools.

As the name suggests, these noise cancelling headphones under $200 excel with their high level of comfort during use. It is equipped with plush earcups and has a small weight, so I could wear Bose QuietComfort for much time without a sign of discomfort. My coworkers who wear glasses appreciate this model most of all, as it doesn’t press against the glasses’ legs, which cannot be said about other products.

For example, I tested these safe wireless earbuds when working in a coffee shop. Thanks to a noise cancellation, I didn’t need to increase the volume staying on the safe levels. With these headphones, we could easily tolerate hammering and drilling sounds, minimizing potential hearing damage. The Aware Mode is another selling point of this product, which allows you to be aware of the surroundings while still enjoying your favorite tracks.

Considered the safest headphones, this model excels in delivering high-quality sound without needing to crank up the volume. Even at moderate levels, the bass, mids, and highs were perfectly balanced, which is crucial for ear health. I also liked that the Bose app allows me to adjust the EQ, tailoring the sound to my preferences while staying within safe limits.

The battery can endure 24 hours. Once, I wore the headphones continuously for a 15-hour editing marathon, and the next day there was still much energy left. The fast-charging option is especially beneficial during hectic days.

The Sony WH-CH720NB headphones are among the top recommendations from my friends, so the decision to test them was quite natural. I used them for about 70% of my day, and my colleagues accessed their performance in terms of ear protection and ear health. Initial synchronization with my iPhone was a bit problematic, but afterward, the stability of the Bluetooth connection really pleased me. As for Android devices and laptops, my coworkers had no issues at all.

These headphones for video editing stand out among other models with their lightweight design (only 192g). This is because they are extremely easy to wear, especially during long audio sessions.

While the ear padding is soft, it causes some troubles due to excessive warmth. Anyone from our team who tested these headphones had to take an hourly break. It might be a common issue with over-ear models, so those seeking consistent audio listening experience should take it into account. However, the adjustable ear cups fit well without putting too much pressure.

Noise cancellation was on top as well. These safe Bluetooth headphones leverage Sony's Dual Noise Sensor technology and Integrated Processor V1 that effectively eliminate ambient noise. For example, when working in a coffee shop, these technologies muted the noise from the cluttering cups and chatter, so I could concentrate on writing while keeping the volume lower than 50%, which is much safer.

According to observations of my colleague Ann, these wireless headphones diminished the low rumble and screeching sounds effectively, reducing the ear fatigue caused by the load and consistent noise. The sound quality impressed with the balanced tuning and clear audio regardless of the content, letting you enjoy music without pushing the volume too high.

As for battery life, these headphones for podcasting can endure long hours of use. The developers claim up to 35 hours of consistent operation, and during testing, we found out that this model can endure 33-35 hours on a single charge. Thanks to the quick charging feature, the battery needs only 2-3 hours to get a full charge.

Over the past month, I tested the TOZO HT2 headphones checking whether they are comfortable to wear, the quality of audio they deliver, and ear health and protection. I tested it with both MacOS and Android phones, streaming from Tidal and Spotify.

The packaging of these safest earbuds was the first thing that attracted my attention during unpacking. This is a square box wrapped in polythene with a minimalistic design and a QR code to detect and protect against counterfeit products.

Firstly, I tested these headphones for movies, while enjoying The Walking Dead on Netflix. The quality of the sound was really fantastic. Clear highs, mids, and deep bass of these safe wireless earbuds provide a really cinematic experience. My coworker from FixThePhoto also tried out this model and we both agreed that the TOZO HT2 delivered exceptional sound without any damage to ear health. The ultra-soft protein leather earcups provide additional comfort when wearing these earbuds for a long time.

The hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) was one of the features that ensured your ear health. Effectively blocking ambient noise, this option eliminated the need to increase the volume in bustling places, which is pivotal for maintaining your ear health. The Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) feature was another selling point of this model, making phone calls clear even in bustling regions.

I also tried out the performance of these headphones when playing such games as Air Assault and Clash of Clans, and the quality of the sound was impressive. The gaming experience was seamless and pleasant because of the audio clarity and deep bass without any ear fatigue. My colleague Kate also used the TOZO HT2 when performing different audio editing manipulations. According to her observations, the sound was reproduced accurately, which was a great plus for her professional job.

The TOZO HT2 ensures up to 60 hours of operation playback without ANC and 40 hours with ANC on. So, as no frequent recharge is required, this model is ideal for long trips or long listening sessions. When the battery is low, you can continue working in a wired mode, but ANC and other features will be disabled in this case.

After thoroughly analyzing Sennheiser Momentum 4 wireless headphones for two weeks, I’m ready to share several important considerations with you. The interaction of earcups with frames was one of my concerns as for a person who wears glasses. However, my colleagues mainly tested the headphones in terms of their overall comfort.

The Momentum 4s provides comfortable wearing conditions with ear cups and memory foam padding. I worked in them for a long time without any ear strain, and I didn’t suffer from overheating. The clamping force was just right, even with glasses, ensuring that they stayed in place and fit perfectly. Even after a few days of constant use, the level of comfort remained high.

The effectiveness of the hybrid ANC system really pleased me. It reduced ambient noise letting us enjoy music at lower volumes without experiencing any discomfort. Thanks to the Adjustable Transparency Mode of these headphones under 300 dollars, we were always aware of the surroundings whenever it was necessary. Moreover, the model is fitted with four digital beamforming microphones that provide clear sound during phone calls. Whereas the wind-suppressing technology makes this model perfect for work calls.

Sennheiser’s 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive technology provide crisp and balanced audio. The Sennheiser Smart Control app provides a handy solution for customizing the audio parameters to avoid excessive volume and enjoy a safer listening experience. After continuous usage for two weeks, I noticed that its playback time isn’t less than 56 hours, whereas the developers claim 60 hours of continuous use.

SHOKZ OpenRun was under our thorough analysis for about three weeks. Moreover, we tried them out in different conditions and environments like workouts, including slow recovery runs and intense speed sessions, daily commuting, and casual use.

It has a bit weird open-ear design, but once I got used to it, I realized how convenient they are. Wearing them up to 12 hours a day, I felt no discomfort, and the wraparound frame ensured a high level of safety during both activities and relaxed use.

These headphones under 200 dollars didn’t fit tightly on my head or ears, And I wore them without any discomfort even during the extended use. In my opinion, this is one of the best earbuds for ear health. As the ear canal remains open, this model allows some ambient sound in. I don’t need to insert anything into the ear, which minimizes the chances of potential hearing damage.

While the SHOKZ OpenRun cannot be compared with traditional over-ear headphones in terms of bass, the quality of the audio is really fantastic. The device transmits sound vibrations through your skull bones directly to your inner ear and vocals come through well. Mainly, I used this accessory to listen to podcasts and audiobooks during testing, and the audio was rich and engaging.

A quick-charge option is another strong plus of these headphones. You just need 10 minutes of charging to keep the earbuds running for approximately about 1.5 hours.

I recently had the chance to test the DefenderShield air tube headsets, and I was particularly interested in their focus on ear safety and EMF protection. The standout feature of these EMS free earbuds is their air tube technology. The audio is delivered via hollow air tubes that connect the speakers to the earbuds, preventing electrical signals from reaching the head.

After getting the chance to try out the DefenderShield air tube headsets, I was eager to evaluate their ear safety and EMF protection. The highlight of this model is its air tube technology, which replaces the traditional wire that connects the earbuds to the audio source with a hollow tube.

Although I was focused on EMF protection, the sound quality of the DefenderShield earbuds also mattered. The speakers are fitted at the base of the 8-inch tubes, ensuring a crisp sound while keeping all the gear far from your ears. The speakers of top-level quality produce rich and clear audio with exceptional bass and amazing treble. I used the headphones for listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and music, and the delivered sound offers a perfect balance with virtually no distortion even when pushing the volume to the top.

These earbuds for ear health offer three silicone ear tip sizes and three interchangeable sports tips. My research showed that they are great for prolonged use, and the sports tips ensure that the earcups will stay in place even when moving vigorously.

Compared to Bluetooth earbuds that emit consistent electromagnetic signals, these headphones boast a secure, wired connection, which allows for eliminating potential long-term health issues. It is easy to connect this model to the devices fitted with a 3.5mm port. Alternatively, it can be used with an adapter for those with lightning or USB-C ports. These were my headphones for iPod.

After weekly testing of the Soundcore P20i in different environments like daily tasks or focused listening sessions, we made the following conclusions. The first aspect that attracted my attention was their lightweight design.

Although the whole construction is made of plastic, it is strong and sturdy. Besides, its charging case is compact enough to be carried around without trouble. Soundcore P20i provides up to 10 hours of playtime per charge, which can be extended to up to 30 hours with a fully charged case.

This model is extremely comfortable to wear, so even after prolonged wearing, we felt any pain or fatigue. The mid-volume is enough to enjoy music, which minimizes the risk of problems with the ears. The earbuds feature soft silicone tips that create a secure and snug fit, isolating the sound and eliminating the need for excessive volume.

We checked the performance of these headphones with different genres like rock, rap, pop, spoken, word, and classical music. The Soundcore P20i uses 10mm drivers, so it easily handles even electronic music with heavy basses, but, in the opinion of my team from FixThePhoto, this model is not so good at producing subtle tones and orchestral layers, which makes it a bad choice for calm, detailed classical music.

Microphone quality was another aspect that was scrutinized by our team. The two built-in microphones, powered by AI for better sound on calls, really made a difference in quality. People I called noticed how clear my voice was, even with background noise. The Soundcore app is super handy for these earbuds, letting you tweak the sound settings just how you like it.

We’ve been using these KINDEN’s headphones under 20 dollars for the last two weeks, checking them out while editing photos, doing video calls, and just chilling with some music. My coworker focused on how they sounded and how good the calls were, while I looked into the anti-radiation benefits for long use. With their radiation reduction, comfy fit, and good sound, they’re a solid pick for anyone worried about their ear health.

These headphones are made to give off super-low radiation. They have a special metal-shielded wire and air tube that cuts down radiation by 99%. This made us feel really good because we wore them for a long time, knowing they were keeping our EMF exposure low.

After long music sessions, chatting on the phone, and working on video/audio stuff for a while, we noticed we felt way less tired than we usually do with regular headphones.

Even with their emphasis on minimizing radiation, the audio quality was remarkable. I tested the low-radiation headphones while making a short film, and the sound clarity, especially in dialogue-heavy scenes, stood out. My coworker Kate used them during music production and pointed out that they offered a good frequency range for both vocal tracks and instrumental mixes.

The silicone ear tips came in three sizes and fit really well. I tried them out while traveling and doing everyday stuff, and they didn’t budge at all. My coworker, whose ears are very sensitive, loved the soft silicone tips stating that they caused no discomfort even after extended wear. The controls were easy to use for adjusting the volume and handling calls.

Hearing loss. Listening to loud music through headphones for a long time can hurt the tiny hair cells in your inner ear, which might cause hearing problems.

Tinnitus. Being exposed to loud sounds for extended periods can lead to a condition known as tinnitus, which is when you hear ringing in your ears. It might just be temporary, but sometimes it can stick around forever, complicating your daily life.

Ear infections. Using headphones, especially the in-ear ones, for too long can create a moist environment in your ear that bacteria love, making you more likely to get an ear infection. It gets worse if you don’t clean your headphones regularly.

Earwax buildup. Using in-ear headphones a lot can cause earwax to build up deep in your ear, which might lead to discomfort, hearing problems, or even an infection if you don’t take care of it.

Ear pressure. Wearing headphones for a long time without breaks can lead to discomfort, pressure, or even pain in your ears. This might also become the reason for headaches or a feeling of fullness in your ears.

Reduced sound sensitivity. If you continue to increase the volume on your headphones, you may become less sensitive to sounds in the future, which will require you to raise the music volume even higher to appreciate it. This could result in additional hearing issues later on.

Hearing fatigue. Wearing headphones for many hours, particularly listening to loud sounds, can cause fatigue or discomfort in your ears, impacting your hearing abilities.

Opt for over-ear or on-ear headphones. Essentially, over-ear headphones are actually better for your ears than in-ear earbuds. They cover your whole ear, give you nicer sound, and are less likely to damage your hearing. Plus, they let air flow around your ears, which helps keep them dry and may prevent ear infections.

Look for noise-canceling features. Noise-canceling technology allows you to enjoy your audio without having to increase the volume in noisy environments. It reduces ambient sounds, letting you hear better at lower, safer levels.

Consider volume-limiting features. The best earphones for ear health have built-in volume limiters that keep the sound from getting too loud, typically capping it at about 85 dB. This feature is invaluable for teams or any other listener who is fond of loud and bassy music.

Check for comfort and fit. Check out headphones with adjustable bands and soft ear cushions so they fit just right. Causing less pressure on your ears, they are way more pleasant for long listening sessions.

Good sound quality. When listening to audio of poor quality, you struggle to hear the details, which leads to much strain and discomfort. Try your best to select the model that reproduces clear and crisp sound, offers excellent bass balance, and has minimal distortion.

Look for breathable materials. Headphones built using breathable materials such as memory foam or soft leather maintain ear comfort by keeping them cool and dry, which is crucial for long-term ear health.

Choose wireless over wired headphones. Wireless headphones are great because you don’t have to deal with annoying tangled cords. They can disrupt the way you wear your headphones and cause discomfort to your ears. Additionally, wireless options make it easier to control the volume without having to mess with cables that might lead to higher sound levels.

✔️ Maintain safe volume levels. Keep the volume at a safe level, generally below 85 dB.
✔️ Follow the 60/60 rule. Don’t wear the headphones for more than 60 minutes at 60% of the maximum volume.
✔️ Take breaks. Make a 10-15-minute break after every hour of headphones to minimize the risk of ear fatigue and long-term damage.
✔️ Keep your headphones clean. Regularly clean your headphones to eliminate any potential ear infection with bacteria (especially for in-ear models).
✔️ Watch your environment. Skip earphones when performing activities where you need to be aware of ambient sounds, such as driving a vehicle or bicycling.

To check if headphones are good for your ears, we used a simple approach and looked at such aspects as comfort, noise blocking, sound quality, and how easy they are to use for a long time. At FixThePhoto, we tested different models in real-life situations, so we could make solid recommendations for anyone caring about ear health. The headphones we tried out were produced by brands like Soundcore, Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony, to name a few.

Our first step was to incorporate the headphones into our daily routines, using them while editing pictures and videos, participating in virtual meetings, and managing noise during our commutes.

Each member of the team wore a headphone for at least eight hours a day over several weeks to assess their comfort level and any potential ear fatigue. We also paid attention to the materials the ear cushions and headbands were manufactured from to find out if they distributed pressure adequately, particularly for individuals who wear glasses.

Noise-canceling technology was another important aspect we took into account during our testing. To find out how efficient it is, we wore the closed back headphones in bustling offices, during travel, and at home with varied ambient noise conditions. Our aim was to determine how each model reduced the need to push volume levels higher in noisy spaces – this feature is essential for hampering long-term hearing damage.

While testing the quality of sound, we listened to different types of audio content like classical music, podcasts, movies, and gaming soundtracks. By doing so, we managed to find out whether the headphones promoted healthy listening habits while letting you enjoy excellent audio. With the help of decibel-monitoring apps like Decibel Pro or Decibel X, we were able to check whether the researched model produced crisp and balanced sound even at lower volumes.

Battery life and usability were crucial factors for us as well. Checking the performance of each model during office and leisure activities, we managed to find out how often they need to be recharged and whether they offer a fast-charging feature. The stability of Bluetooth connectivity was also in our docus – we evaluated how easily users could switch between devices without interruptions.

At last, we accessed the features that specifically relate to health. These were volume-limiting capabilities, ambient awareness modes, and the effectiveness of hybrid noise-canceling systems. Thanks to this comprehensive analysis, we identified headphones that delivered fantastic audio quality, providing long-lasting comfort, and features that support ear health, making them the best headphones to avoid ear infections and other damages.