Has Anyone Tried Headphone Attenuators?

[Foamearplugssuck]

Hey all,

Recently as I was surfing the net, I came across headphone attenuators, which I'd never heard of before. They basically reduce the output volume on headphones so they inflict less damage in your ears. I know headphones are risky business, especially with noise induced tinnitus, so I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with them. Thanks!

 

[GregCA]

Hey all,

Recently as I was surfing the net, I came across headphone attenuators, which I'd never heard of before. They basically reduce the output volume on headphones so they inflict less damage in your ears. I know headphones are risky business, especially with noise induced tinnitus, so I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with them. Thanks!

You mean it's like a volume dial?

 

[MattS]

You mean it's like a volume dial?

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I know headphones are risky business, especially with noise induced tinnitus, so I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with them

It is good that you are aware of the risks headphones use has for people with "Noise induced" tinnitus. To keep yourself safe, don't use them at all even with attenuators.

Michael

 

[Mister Muso]

I'm more interested in volume attenuators for computers. I posted a thread about it which didn't get much interest, but the volume to which my work laptop can go through my home speakers or any kind of headphones, like the headset I have to use for Skype calls, is ridiculous. Of course I keep my home speakers down low, but accidents can happen.

 

[Foamearplugssuck]

You mean it's like a volume dial?

I wouldn't say exactly like a volume dial; it's more along the lines of a volume cap. This one here allows for 16 dB of attenuation on your headphones. I think it's more of a way to ensure audio quality and to make sure that you're listening at a safe level.

Anyways, here's the specific product I was looking at in case anyone is curious:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1351687-REG/ifi_audio_earbuddy_cable.html

 

[GregCA]

I wouldn't say exactly like a volume dial; it's more along the lines of a volume cap. This one here allows for 16 dB of attenuation on your headphones. I think it's more of a way to ensure audio quality and to make sure that you're listening at a safe level.

Anyways, here's the specific product I was looking at in case anyone is curious:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1351687-REG/ifi_audio_earbuddy_cable.html

OK I see. It's just a device that decreases the signal level by 16 dB and is obviously connected in series.
You can use that if your volume control doesn't give you enough granularity in the "low volume" area, for example if "one bar" is too low but "two bars" is too high. It will also help if the lowest setting (ie "one bar") is still too loud for you.

 

[MattS]

I wouldn't say exactly like a volume dial; it's more along the lines of a volume cap. This one here allows for 16 dB of attenuation on your headphones. I think it's more of a way to ensure audio quality and to make sure that you're listening at a safe level.

Anyways, here's the specific product I was looking at in case anyone is curious:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1351687-REG/ifi_audio_earbuddy_cable.html

I'm a bit skeptical of those East buds that come with it that offer 37 dB protection. I don't think even the best plugs or mugs can offer that... So that's a bit sketchy.

 

[Digital Doc]

Have not tried this, and not eager to. Its small size makes me suspicious that it is not doing much of anything.

 

[GregCA]

Have not tried this, and not eager to. Its small size makes me suspicious that it is not doing much of anything.

It doesn't have to be big at all for what it does.