Open-air Headphones

In this type of headphones, sometimes referred to just as open air, the headphones remain open to the outside world rather than sealing tightly around or to the ear. Open-air headphones are often more comfortable than their closed-air counterparts, but they allow sound to leak in both directions. This means that sounds from the outside can get in, potentially making it difficult to hear the headphone signal. They also allow sound to escape to the outside, which can become an issue in recording sessions.