Headphones and Earmuffs — What's the Difference?

[Jupiterman]

I have often read on this forum where people use these two words almost interchangeably, as if they refer to the same thing.

For complete clarity, I will explain the difference:

Headphones contain small loudspeakers and are used for private listening to audio, such as music. Some believe that tinnitus sufferers using headphones risk permanently worsening their tinnitus. The word "phones" is related to terms like "phonograph," "phonetic," and "telephone," all of which involve sound transmission.

Earmuffs, on the other hand, are devices with sound-insulating padding designed to reduce external sound from reaching the ear. The term "muff" comes from the word "muffle," meaning "to quiet." People wear earmuffs to protect their ears from noise.

In simple terms, headphones produce sound, while earmuffs block it.

Headphones and earmuffs are complete opposites. Using these words interchangeably, even unintentionally, can cause confusion.

Thank you.

 

[Joeseph Stope]

Life can get so technical. For the sake of completeness, one might consider adding ANC headphones to the discussion. ANC stands for Active Noise Cancellation, and a good pair can cost around 200 dollars. These headphones block or reduce outside sounds while allowing you to listen to music from your smartphone, iPad, Walkman, or other devices. Some are designed for noisy office environments where you need to use the phone frequently without being distracted by nearby conversations.

On this side of the Atlantic, in the old days, there were ear muffs to keep your ears warm on a cold winter's day. However, in this context, "hearing protectors" is a more accurate term. I use the Peltor brand from 3M (Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company). These are essentially earmuffs that are effective at blocking high-frequency sounds like children screaming or the sirens of police, fire trucks, or ambulances. Unfortunately, lower frequencies seem to pass through, as do the sounds of fireworks. For extreme situations, the combination of earplugs and hearing protectors may provide the best protection.

Have I made it too complicated? Life was easier and simpler in my pre-tinnitus and hyperacusis days.

Warning: Many health professionals caution tinnitus patients against using headphones for music, especially at loud volumes or for extended periods.

 

[Jupiterman]

Some users have reported that their tinnitus worsens when using the ANC mode on ANC headphones. This issue has been debated in another thread. Essentially, if you see the term "phones," it indicates that the device produces noise, so caution should be exercised.

From a technical perspective, earmuffs are essentially considered Passive Noise Reduction (PNR) devices.

Returning to the main point, I believe it is important to be precise when referring to either headphones or earmuffs, especially for the benefit of new sufferers. This is not about being overly technical but about being accurate. If an experienced sufferer recommends using headphones but actually means earmuffs, a newcomer might misunderstand and think it is perfectly safe to listen to music through headphones. This could lead to the exact opposite and harmful outcome.