Headphones are most commonly used these days in conjunction with CD or DVD players, iPod's, Mp3 players and similar devices. You may catch someone in an airport with customized headphones working diligently on their laptop. One of the advantages of personalized headphones is they allow you to listen to whatever you want wherever you want without disturbing others.

Types and Styles of Promotional Headphones

You can't walk into an electronics store without finding at least one or more pairs of promotional headphones on sale. If you want to buy a pair and get a good deal then you have to understand the differences between various branded headphones and customized headphones and headsets.

Here are some pointers when it comes to distinguishing the differences between different headphones.

• Earbuds – Also known as “earphones” these personalized headphones are among the smallest headphones currently available on the market. Often sold as promotional headphones or “for sale” items at local drugstores, you can often where then just inside the ear (but outside the ear's canal). Many people prefer ear buds to traditional earphones because they are small and inexpensive. They also seal off the ear canal somewhat so it is hard to detect outside noise or interference, unlike many bulkier versions of headphones.

• Canalphones – These are even tinier and more highly specialized and personalized than earbuds. These headphones go directly inside the ear canal, and serve as headphones and earplugs, so they actually do block out most of the interference from outside noise. These customized headphones are not a good idea if you need to hear what is going on around you (like if you are waiting for the loudspeaker to call your flight). However if you want to immerse yourself in music, a good movie or meditation, these may be just what you are looking for. Just be careful you don't turn them up too loud because you can damage your ear canal.

• Circumaural – These are more traditional headphones that you place over the ear. They are much larger, much like the ones you would associate with a disc jockey or “old-fashioned” headphones. They have large pads that cover the outer ear. They can block off some of the outside noise but are not as efficient as more high-tech versions of headphones like the canalphones. They are generally much less expensive however than their micro-headphone counterparts.

The types of headphones you buy will depend largely on what you need them for. Some people prefer the smaller ear buds for everyday listening or even working out. Others prefer the security of a larger headphone when just hanging around or when working in a commercial setting. The larger models are not very popular among consumers largely because these headphones do not offer much in the way of privacy.