Earphones come in a wide variety of types and styles, from several different brand names, and with a huge range of applications. Some of the most popular types include circumaural, supra-aural, ear buds, and canalphones.
Circumaural
These earphones are often the ones people see DJs wearing simply because of the way they treat the sound coming out of the phones and into the user's ears. They work almost like a sound proof room: the ear pads that fit around the outside of the ears in a circular design keep all the sounds within the space between the ear pad and ear. They are very effective for filtering out ambient sound, and for this reason are very popular with sound engineers and DJs.
Supra-Aural
This type have ear pads that "sit" on the ears rather than around them. They are connected by an adjustable band that stretches over the top of the head, and the pad between the speaker and the ears usually will consist of some sort of a foam. Many people find them reminiscent of the 1980s Walkman era, but they are still in common use around the world.
Ear Buds
One of the most convenient and inexpensive earphones available, the ear buds are placed directly outside the ear canal without actually enveloping it. For the most part, they do not have the same crisp sound of a circumaural headphone, but they can be used quite well when relying on volume to block out any surrounding noise.
Canalphones
The name for these particular earphones is pretty self explanatory. They are similar to ear buds, except that they go directly into the ear canal. Not only do canalphones provide great sound but great portability as well, since the ear pads are usually made of silicone rubber or elastomer. A lot of people think that these textiles are used simply for the noise isolation, but the rubber and elastomer are also used to keep them in the ear. This is one of the most commonly used varieties for people who are into athletics or may do a lot of walking around. Not only are they typically quite comfortable, but they stay in the ear, which is important when doing something like running or exercising.
Each of these types of earphones are available in a wide range of aesthetic design, sound quality, durability, and brand names. When shopping for a new pair, consumers should set a budget and read product reviews to make sure the purchase is a wise one.