Classroom Headphones – Durable, Affordable Solutions for K-12 Schools
With the right classroom headphones it may be possible to see up to a 10% increase in academic test scores, as well as statistical gains that indicate better overall student outcomes. Why? Because not every student learns the same way, and some may have difficulties with more traditional methods of taking in the information they need to be academically successful. Improvements in educational inclusion are growing, and these improvements are helping to create a more conducive learning environment where students can get the support they need to learn in ways that work for them.
As of 2024, TWT Audio is celebrating 10 years of providing quality school headphones for educational audio solutions. We have the expertise you're looking for to provide inclusivity options in the classroom that are cost-effective and long-lasting. We were founded by educators and we are dedicated to educators, because we understand the challenges faced when trying to help students learn, grow, and develop.
Here we'll help you understand why quality headphones are so important in education, what features to look for, and how we can help ensure your students are hearing what they need for adequate learning and engagement. We'll help you learn how to choose the right classroom headphones, how to maintain them to maximize your investment, and how to implement them for students who may be unsure or reluctant. Ready to learn more? This is what you need to know.
Why Quality Headphones Matter in Education
Having quality headphones in education is about more than just enjoying music or adjusting volume. Instead, it's about the impact of good audio on learning outcomes. Whether a student is partially deaf, has an auditory processing disorder, or otherwise struggles to hear correctly in a classroom setting, headphones can make the difference.
They allow the student to control the volume and shut out distractions, which can make it easier to understand what's being said and focus on important, needed information for their assignments. Students who are learning another language can also benefit from headphones, as it gives them a more immersive experience with the language they're working to learn and helps them tune in to the nuances of phrasing and inflection more easily.
Digital curriculum opportunities are abundant when it comes to classroom headphones, and they're excellent choices for anyone who's focused on an important test, as well. The fewer distractions a student has and the more clearly they can hear the information or questions that make up the lesson or test, the more easily they can process what they need to know and do.
Because TWT Audio has experience in education settings we understand the value of helping students hear what truly matters. Classroom headphones give students another option, help keep them focused, and also give them a way to avoid difficult interactions if they're uncomfortable talking to others or asking for information to be repeated. We firmly believe students should have options for learning, and classroom headphones improve inclusivity.
Essential Features of Classroom Headphones
There are many features to consider when looking for the right classroom headphones, and you want to make sure you're choosing the best ones to meet as many student needs as possible.
Durability and Build Quality
A durable headphone that's solidly built and high-quality is essential when you want it to stand the test of time. For durability and build quality, consider the TW50 LITE Headphone from the TWT Audio product line. It's designed to be lightweight and strong; it will last a long time in any classroom. This kind of headphone offers:
- Braided fabric cable
- Flexible memory-hold adjustable headband
- Durable polymer construction
- Hi fidelity sound quality
Sound Quality and Volume Limiting
The quality of the sound your students get through their headphones matters, especially if they're trying to learn a new language or they have trouble with auditory processing. You may also want to limit the volume options they have, to ensure they don't put their hearing at risk. To do that, you can consider the DURO headphones, which are safe for all-day listening options. With this headphone option you can expect:
- Gentle audio curve for all ages
- Braided fabric cable
- "Comfort First" compression headband
- Ergonomically shaped ear cushions
- Inline volume control
Comfort and Ergonomics
Both the ERGO and DURO headphone options are excellent choices for ergonomics and comfort. You need a classroom headphone option that works with the largest number of students, and both of these deliver on important aspects such as an optimized audio curve and braided fabric cable. The ERGO also offers:
- Durable polymer construction
- Ergonomically angled earcups
- Inline volume control
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is vital when students are working on lessons or taking tests, and all of our TWT Audio classroom headphones are designed with connectivity in mind. We know how valuable it is for students to get what they need, and we're dedicated to helping educators make that as easily as possible. Any of our LITE, ERGO, or DURO headphone options are great choices for classroom connectivity.
Top TWT Audio Headphones for Classrooms
Finding the right headphones doesn't have to be difficult when we can help you choose from some great options that will help your students learn and grow. Here are a few of the best choices to consider.
Best Budget-Friendly Option: TW50 LITE Headphone, TW55 LITE Headset
The key features of the TW50 LITE headphone and TW55 LITE Headset include:
- Braided fabric cable
- Flexible memory-hold headband
- Durable polymer construction
- Hi fidelity sound quality
- Omni-directional flip-down microphone (TW55 LITE headset ONLY)
The TW50 LITE headphone is priced at just $11.99 and the TW55 LITE headset has a price point of $14.99
Most Durable: DURO Over Ear Headset
The DURO headset is a great option when you want to make sure your headset is going to last as long as possible. It will see a lot of use in the classroom, so finding a strong choice is important. You can expect:
- Optimized audio curve
- Braided fabric cable
- "Comfort First" compression headband
- Ergonomically shaped ear cushions
- Flip-down microphone
At just $31.99 it's a great headset option for your classroom at a very affordable price.
Best Ergonomic Design: ERGO Headphones
The ERGO headphones are excellent choices for comfort, encouraging your students to wear them when needed. Having comfortable headphones can also reduce distractions and keep students from taking them off when they should be listening. These headphones offer:
- Durable polymer construction
- Ergonomically angled earcups
- Inline volume control
- Braided fabric cable
At $17.99 these are an inexpensive option that can help your students succeed.
Premium Choice: REVO TW340 Wireless Headset
Sometimes you need more freedom than wired headphones provide. If you're looking for wireless headphones, the REVO Series can be the right option. It's wireless for convenience and movement, and can provide your students with a great experience. Some of the key features of this headset are:
- Modular ear cushions for replacements and upgrades
- On-ear push-button volume control
- Acoustically tuned and ported ear cups
- Built-in microphone
- Superior sound quality
This headset costs $69.99 and there are volume purchase options if you need more than one or two sets.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Classroom Headphones
Choosing classroom headsets can seem complicated and difficult at first glance, but it doesn't have to be. Instead, take it step-by-step and consider each aspect to make your decision easier. For example, the first step is probably going to be your budget. Educators and schools don't have unlimited funding, so you'll likely be working with constraints. Once you've narrowed that down, you can look at the next step, which is the needs of your student age group.
If you're trying to teach listening skills to kindergarten or early elementary age students they're going to need something far different from middle school and high school students, so you want to keep in mind the age and size of the students you work with. That will further narrow down the type and style of headphone or headset you want for your classroom.
Don't overlook bulk purchasing benefits! Even if you feel the headphones you want are out of financial reach, buying in bulk can make it easier to get a discount that can help you buy more headphones or upgrade to a higher quality model. While all TWT Audio options provide quality and value, some of them will be a better fit for your particular classroom needs.
Maximizing Your Investment: Care and Maintenance
Taking good care of your classroom headphones and headsets is vital to ensuring that they last as long as possible. Some of the ways you can do that include storing them properly and handling them gently. They should be wiped down after each use and stored out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. If they come with storage bags, make sure to use them to prolong headphone life.
You can also label the headphones to help students put them in their proper places after use, and explain to students the importance of caring for the headphones correctly. Students who damage headphones, especially on purpose, may not be able to continue to use them, or may need to be monitored during headphone usage.
When you buy from TWT Audio you can feel more confident in your classroom headphone purchase. All our REVO, DURO, and ERGO product lines have a two-year warranty and a 30-day return policy. Our LITE product line has a one-year warranty and the same return policy, so you can buy what you're looking for and know it will last or we'll make it right.
Classroom Implementation Guide
Implementing headphones in your classroom can give students the supportive help they're looking for, but there's also a learning curve with anything new you introduce. You can start out by explaining what the headphones are for, how they'll be used, and the rules surrounding them. Students who require headphones for inclusivity in learning should certainly have access to them. For other students, though, headphone use is a privilege they can lose if they misuse it.
Managing your classroom carefully and always knowing which students have checked out which sets of headphones is vital to reducing damage and loss. You also want to make sure students don't leave while wearing the classroom headphones, even if they're just going to the bathroom or their locker, and that all headphones are back in their proper places and accounted for before class is dismissed.
The age of your students and whether they're familiar with using audio devices in the classroom will affect the specifics of the information you provide and the rules you make, so it can be worthwhile to create a plan before the headphones arrive or before they're given to students. Then, you can have them in your classroom with confidence and reduce the risk of students damaging them through improper handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How durable are classroom headphones for daily student use?
TWT audio provides top of the line durable school headphones with great sound quality. They are designed with sturdy materials to withstand regular handling and rough use by students of varying ages. They feature heavy-duty polymer construction, ergonomically angled earcups, and braided fabric cables that ensure durability in busy classroom environments.
Are classroom headphones easy to clean and maintain for hygiene purposes?
Yes, TWT Audio headphones come with wipeable ear cushions and surfaces, allowing for quick sanitation. Many models also feature replaceable ear pads to ensure a clean listening experience for each student.
Will the headphones work with our school's existing devices?
Yes, our headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices, including computers, tablets, and learning stations. They are available with standard 3.5mm jacks, USB connectors, or as Bluetooth headphones to suit various classroom needs.
Can we order bulk headphones for our entire school or district?
Absolutely. TWT Audio offers bulk ordering options with discounted pricing for schools and districts. You can easily request a quote on our website to match your specific requirements.
Do the headphones come with a warranty?
Yes, TWT Audio provides a warranty that covers manufacturing defects on all school classroom headphones. Detailed warranty terms are provided on our website and with each purchase.
