Headphones. More than a Tool, but a close friend.

As a part of the generation who treasure their audio devices, I've noticed many of our parents and guardians think of them only as an appliance. Why?

I recently bought a new pair of headphones for myself, resulting in it a discussion on how it's a waste of money and I'm on them a majority of the time. Well, You know even if nothing playing on the thing, they yell at me like I've got a hearing problem. Honestly, not a big deal as we live in India. Most of us are still in a middle-class families. Sometimes elders just need all the attention from the kids as to them what they say is more important, not wrong yet not always true.

Photo by Kai Dahms

We use headphones for many purposes, like watching videos, streaming movies, shows, music. Some use them for Gaming. Online Learning even. Some Gen Zs are getting their hands on the Production of music, videos, and podcasts. So it's a more versatile tool.

But K... You said it's a treasure, I can't see why is that so.

Well, it is treasured. To treasure simply means it's highly valued. A headphone has the potential to either make or break a moment.

Are they the cheapest of cheap goods? Why are they hated?

So, if we need headphones so bad they why not settle for 250 rupee ones they work, heck even affordable for everyone. Well, just because it's cheap and easy to get your hands on doesn't mean it's for everyone.

From a personal experience, I know that they can be used but usually, they are more disposable and not eco-friendly. Five years ago if I were to wish for stereo audio at this price I would have been disappointed. But now it's almost everywhere. The problem is in the build quality, as they are cheap they just work. I've had to change about 3 headphones because my priced headphones got damaged. Heck, that alone lasted more than the three.

Photo by Elyas Pasban

Usually, these cheap earphones are built as cheap. Mostly left side stops, they the aux is kind of tricky to get the audio. If you're familiar with older Television where you had to calibrate the antenna for just the signal otherwise it's all noise, CMBR, Chaos, that we all want to avoid in life.

Price equals Quality?

So, does that mean I need to spend more to get higher quality?

Honestly, that's controversial. To many people it's about sound, some prefer the build quality. Also, some want them to just be latest, or even Branded. You see should invest in a headphone as if its a tool that's going to be with you for a long time. Think of it like you're looking for a reliable friend. Someone who is not high maintenance yet the best you can have.

Think of it as if you're buying a super-advanced phone but for your grandparents. It's just overkill. All I mean is one should buy according to their needs. Also experimenting with each type of headphone helps to find a near-perfect pair for you.

I have used all possible types of headphones, in-ear, over-ear, overhead, wired, wireless. And finally got to my personal favorite.

Why expensive headphones are a thing and how much should you pay for them?

So you've settled on a headphone, it works for you and you still find people around you using something more expensive or companies offering that very same option at different prices. What exactly is the difference?

Photo by Kelly Sikkema

It's simple, headphones are also used by working professionals, like music producers, VFX artists, SFX artists, and video editors. I get it we can still do it one our daily drivers, many might have already edited videos and audio using the same. But those professionals are at that apex of their game. To them, everything matters as most of the time they use their headphones for an extensive period. Comfort and Sound quality matter to them more, even if it comes at a cost of handling it with greater care.

Elephant in the room, Wired or Wireless

To be honest it's all about preference. I discussed it and here's what a friend of mine said.

"Even if I'm given a choice between an expensive wireless and a functional (subjective term) wired headset that works as fine. I'll always pick the wired one."

To him, the struggle of using wireless is far greater than a wired one. And I respect that. He wants his headphones ready whenever he is. No need for charging or turning them into every time they are out of use. And even being close to your phone while using it.

Photo by TheRegisti

I on the other hand use both. It's just a matter of how and where I'm using them. I bought True wireless, as I wanted something that works with my everyday life. It's more like an investment before college starts. I still remember the horror of not having proper headphones from last year.

A TWS (True Wireless) works for me because I can get that added convenience with them. That does come with a few compromises. But with time you get used to them.

The power of invisibility.

Now, I'm usually awkward around a crowd. More like I hate being noticed or even asked to speak something when I am out of words, vulnerable every second.

Whenever I used to travel for my college life, no matter how small it was, I learn that I have power, the power of invisibility.

I used to put on my headphones and the world used to stop noticing me. I felt confident with what I was doing. I wouldn't vanish like Mr. India but still, this type of Invisibility allowed me to be happy and most importantly, myself. It's like that gadget that makes people think you're just a pebble.

A filter.

Just as they allowed me to be invisible, my Headphones also act like a filter to the world I live in. Most importantly, the type of music I played affected my mood and my inner biochemistry. I used to love playing 'Shake It Off' every time I needed a happy attitude, to look forward to the day, Tay was always to the rescue. Every time I needed to reflect on cute little love, Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' used to play.

When I was winning a match at COD(Call Of Duty), they were there to make it more epic. Made me more focused than anything.

There was this one time I went along with the flow with them. I accidentally missed my stop. 😅 Lucky for me, I changed the route and got on time. Actually, I was early, simply nothing to lose.

They are a tool, sometimes the nearest friend for some.

Just out of curiosity, I asked my mates, "What do your headphones mean to you?"

Many answers were a soft corner, Zen state, music-related. But one, in particular, stuck with me. It was simple yet so strong.

Photo by Siddharth Bhogra

"Everything to me. It's a way I just even for time being cut myself out from the outside world to listen to my own self." ~ Disha Bhanushali

She wasn't wrong. Our headphones allow us to cut ourselves out of the outside world. And all we hear is our own voice. The music you hear, your choice, no ones forcing you to listen to it. Music, simply your life in the voice of an artist. A podcast, of something that genuinely interests you. A pure reflection of who we are. Not like living a double life, but simply a place of trust.

I remember being in inevitable pain music became my friend, and headphones became a medium for my motivation to live. An invisibility cloak protecting me from myself.

That was it for this weeks blog. Please share if you read so far.

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