Modern insert headphones can limit output and measure hearing thresholds

Evidence

Now, miniaturization has allowed insert headphones to perform several useful functions in addition to delivering music and movie soundtracks. Reducing background noise is a convenient one. Limiting the maximum playback sound level is an essential feature, because many headphones can deliver maximum sound pressure levels in the vicinity of 110 to 120 dB SPL, and there is evidence of elevated hearing loss among young people as a result. Transparency mode, allowing one to hear what is going on outside, is another. But hearing what is happening outside, while limiting the maximum sound level that reaches the ears, keeping it at safe levels, is the feature of interest in this context. Even hearing threshold measurements are possible; accuracy to be confirmed. And, finally, such smart headphones can function as hearing aids for moderate hearing loss. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1885

Categorization

• SEED: Potential article angle: how consumer headphones are converging with audiometric/hearing-aid hardware and what that means for audiology practice.
• QUESTION: The author flags hearing threshold measurements via headphones as ‘accuracy to be confirmed’—worth chasing what validation exists.