Headphones

Headphones are a pair of transducers worn over or in the ears that convert electrical audio signals into sound for one listener.

Dynamic driver: A loudspeaker transducer that moves a diaphragm with a voice coil in a magnetic field. Most headphones use this mechanism to turn audio current into diaphragm motion.
Sound pressure level: A logarithmic measure of sound pressure relative to a reference pressure. It provides a standard way to describe headphone loudness.
Over-ear headphones: Headphones with earcups that surround the ears. Their larger cups can provide room for drivers and passive isolation.
Loudspeaker: A transducer that converts electrical audio signals into sound intended for an open listening space. Unlike headphones, loudspeakers typically serve multiple listeners without being worn.
Noise-induced hearing loss: Hearing loss caused by exposure to damaging levels of sound. High headphone volume and prolonged exposure can contribute to this preventable harm.
Planar magnetic headphones: Headphones whose thin diaphragm carries conductors and moves within a magnetic field. This driver design replaces a voice-coil diaphragm with a broad, tensioned membrane.
Acoustic impedance: The opposition a medium presents to the flow of acoustic volume velocity. It helps explain how headphone drivers couple sound into the ear.
On-ear headphones: Headphones with pads that rest on the outer ears. This compact fit differs from cups that enclose the ears.
Earbud: A small earphone that sits in the outer ear without sealing the ear canal. Its placement distinguishes it from headphones that cover the ear or enter the canal.
Personal audio player: A portable electronic device designed to play audio for an individual listener. Its spread made private headphone listening portable and commonplace.

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