You are ready for another round of gaming, but the clamping force of the headphones does not let you start the game as it tightly presses your jaws to the extent it causes pain. So, do you intend to mitigate the pain first or ignore it to catch the game? In that case, my review of the 7 Best Headphones for TMJ must be helpful for you.
Tidbits: what is TMJ? It stands for temporomandibular joint. On both sides of the ears, it connects the lower jaw with the temple bones attaching the base of the skull. The primary function of the joint is to provide movement during talking and chewing.
From a broader perspective, 12 percent of Americans are TMJ sufferers, while the ratio is comparatively higher in women than men. In this article, I have reviewed the best headphones for TMJ and their merits/demerits or other features. Read the article and choose the headphone wisely.
Our Top Recommendations
All the headphones that I used to mitigate TMJ pain proved helpful. Some of them make their impression due to sturdy headbands, while others highlight the importance of cushioning. In this regard, my top picks are:
- Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
- Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
- Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Review Of Best Headphones For TMJ
I have reviewed the 7 best headphones for TMJ from various high-end brands. The reason for using expensive headphones is that the brand does not compromise on any feature or also makes sure to provide ultimate comfort.
PRODUCT NAME | RATING | BUY NOW |
---|---|---|
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear, Semi-Open, Professional Studio Headphones | ||
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones | ||
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones | ||
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones | ||
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones | ||
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones | ||
Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone |
AKG Pro Audio K240 STUDIO Over-Ear, Semi-Open, Professional Studio Headphones
Unboxing: AKG Pro Audio has been in the market for decades and does not compromise the quality of the headphones. I required headphones for song mixing without any pain. I ordered, and upon receiving them, there were AKG K240 headphones with a tint of gold on the sides, a cord of 10 feet, a 3.5 mm adapter, and a warranty card in a box.
Remarks: The over-ear design reduces half of my fear concerning TMJ. I instantly wore them to check the fitting, as the headband was self-adjusting with plastic ear cups. So, I feel no difficulty in wearing them with glasses.
Furthermore, I have used these headphones in studios for mixing purposes. But to my disappointment, the earcups are somewhat shallow and leak maximum audio, and they are only suitable to wear for a short time as they heat the top of my head. But the adjusting feature of the headband manages to erase my feeling of displeasure.
However, listening to music at home with AKG headphones gives you another level of sound quality with the fantastic varimotion transducers. Thus, it produces rich or clear mids and highs but loses the ability to deliver trebles. The built-in microphone enables me to manage my calls by sending detailed voices on the other end.
I have been using AKG headphones for three months, and they work great except for one or two faults. The headphones come with a 3-meter cable and a mini XLR connector to provide me with uninterrupted sound signals for playing games.
While discussing noise cancelation, these headphones are neither noise canceling nor noise isolated, So I tend to use them in quiet locations and avoid carrying them with me in crowds.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: over-ear
- Connectivity: Wired
- Type: semi-open
- Material: plastic or faux leather
- Headband: self-adjusting
- Weight: 240 g
- Waterproof: no
- Noise Isolation: to block external sounds
- Connector: 3.5 mm, mini XLR
- Parts of the headphones are replaceable, which is helpful for me.
- Faux leather cushions are comfortable to use with glasses.
- The built-in microphone was helpful.
- Build quality is pretty ordinary
- A protective case is not available
- All the parts are made of plastic which decreases the durability
Final Verdict | Best Professional Headphones
AKG Pro Audio Headphones provide realistic sound, as they are wired, so you don’t need to wait for their complete charging. In comfort, accuracy, and sound delivery. I found them no less than high-end headphones.
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Unboxing: I have a light TMJ and want to avoid in-ear headphones. So the result is choosing the Apple Airpods over-ear headphones. Upon receiving the parcel, I got the AirPods Headphones, Lightening to USB-C Cable, a Smart Case, and documentation in the package.
Remarks: I liked the sturdy design of the headphones with a steel headband and aluminum ear cups. The headphones were indeed a treat to use. Out of curiosity, I wore them, and they gave me a comfortable feeling when memory foam ear cups wrapped gently and hugged my ears without exerting pressure.
These headphones use 5.0 Bluetooth technology and offer a smooth connection with an additional H1 chip. Without delay, I completed the basic pairing steps and connected my Apple smartphone to the headphones. On listening to my favorite tracks, the audio quality is just phenomenal.
The best part of using Apple headphones is that you are introduced to various sound mechanisms. For example, I have the habit of watching movies, and the spatial audio feature of the headphones gives a theater-like sound. Moreover, the EQ adaptive feature is the icing on the cake for me, as it automatically adjusts the level of sounds.
I like to use Apple AirPods in my office, as they are excellent in canceling outer hustle. However, the transparency mode is also not unavoidable. It privileges you to interact with your surroundings.
I decided to select these headphones as they give 20 long hours of playtime on a single charge. In addition, the quick charge of 5 minutes is a true blessing whenever I am in a hurry.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: Over-Ear
- Transparency Mode: to hear and interact with the outside world
- Material: knit-mesh canopy and memory foam cushions
- Talk time: 20 hours
- Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV
- Noise Cancellation: to cancel outer noises
- EQ Settings: Adaptive
- Computational Audio: H1 Audio Chip
- Quick Charge: 1.5 hours of talk time on 5 minutes charge
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Weight: 386 g
- Build quality is awesome
- The noise-canceling feature fulfills the purpose
- Fabric headbands do not cause headache
- I notice the smooth connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0
- I found difficulty in using a voice assistant in Windows and Android
- Microphone quality needs to be satisfied.
- Headphones do not support multipoint; disconnect one to connect to another.
- The headphones do not fold to save space.
Final Verdict | Best Over-Ear Headphones
Apart from lasting comfort, Apple AirPods have a lot more to explore. The touch buttons on the right ear cup and tiny sensors inside the earcups do not cause pressure on the head or jaws, making the experience of using them enjoyable. What about you?
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Unboxing: Sony has been ruling the electronics market for quite a long time. So, why not give it a chance to get relief from TMJ? I ordered the headphones from the website. After waiting for two weeks, the parcel arrived, and there were Sony Headphones, a Charging Cable, a Protective Case, an Airplane Adaptor, and Instructions Guide in the box.
Remarks: the matte black color headphones were a total luxury. The foldable ear cups with heavy cushioning added four folds to the premium look of the headphones. I checked the headphones’ audio quality by connecting my Android smartphone with 5.0 Bluetooth. The connection was way more smooth than I expected.
No doubt, Sony headphones have become a part of my everyday routine. I take advantage of the auto pause and ambient mode features during conducting official meetings. Music automatically stops on removing the headphones. Similarly, the ambient mode allows me to listen to my surroundings by lowering the sound of the tracks.
While discussing the extra features, the ear cups’ padding is designed to isolate noise at its best, even when the noise canceling mode is off. Moreover, multipoint point pairing works excellently for me, as I have to listen to music even while doing my work. So, on the one hand, I connect my phone and the second connection is with my laptop.
The one downside that I don’t like in the headphones is the speak-to-chat feature. The sensors are so sensitive that even if I laugh at a joke when listening to a podcast, the headphones responsibly stop the music. So, the feature is quite annoying for me.
In addition, the battery timings are the highlight of Sony xm4 headphones. Without worrying about its charging, I can achieve an extensive 30 hours of playtime. The discussion still needs to be finished. These headphones also offer 5 hours of talk time when you charge them for only 10 minutes.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: Over-Ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise Canceling: dual noise sensor technology
- Battery Life: 30 hours
- Quick Charge: 5 hours of playback on 10 min charge
- Microphone: 5 built-in for precise voice delivery
- Touch sensor: for playing/pausing songs, volume control
- Weight: 251 g
- Multipoint: to pair more than one device
- I convert headphones into wired ones for playing games.
- The auto pause feature is so helpful
- Noise-cancelation is up to the mark
- Do not exert pressure on the jaws, and tightly hold the head even when worn for long hours.
- I don’t like speak to chat feature; music instantly stops when you converse or chuckle
- Switching between devices takes some time.
Final Verdict | Best Wireless Overhead Headphones
From the everlasting comfort due to the lightweight structure to the excellent sound quality, the Sony wh-1000xm4 headphones are worth the price.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Unboxing: what I demand from a headphone is to be comfortable and provide excellent sound. So, I grabbed the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro on a friend’s recommendation. Upon unboxing, I found the Wired Headphones, a Drawstring Pouch, and a Manual in the box.
Remarks: the headphones looked extremely comfy as they had a steel pleather headband and ear cups padded with velour foam. As they were wired headphones, I made their home on my desk and plugged in the 3-meter coiled cable to my computer.
As an audiophile, I have used Beyerdynamic several times and found no flaw in the sound quality. The detailed mids combined with instruments and vocals overall emphasized the sound. Listening to vocals clearly makes the headphones great, and DT 990 Pro also wins the challenge.
However, the one downside of the headphones is that they could be more manageable for commuting; although the available pouch does justice, the restricted ear cups render me unable to carry them.
Moreover, due to the open-back design, the headphone leaks sound to the outside. But overall, provide rich and breathable audio. Do you need anything else when you have every sound detail to listen to?
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: Over-Ear
- Connectivity: wired
- Type: open-back
- Coiled-cable: 3.0m
- Waterproofing: no
- Weight: 381 g
- Headband: steal pleather
- Ear cups: velour pads
- Due to velour pads, I can also wear them with glasses.
- Sound clarity is amazing
- I found the spring steel headband durable
- For gaming, the headphones work effectively.
- I need an amplifier with 250 ohms of headphones.
- The headphone cable is not replaceable.
Final Verdict | Best Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are excellent in providing comfort due to plush padding. However, you can sacrifice its immobility if you want to grab them for clear sound.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Unboxing: I needed headphones that were headphones, a carry case, a USB Type-C cable, a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm audio cable, and documentation for proper guidance.
Remarks: the black color headphones had a structure of plastic but still looked impressive. Ear cups were slightly large, so to check their fit, I wore them, and to my amazement the headband was adjusted so nicely as it meant to design according to my head.
I let the headphones charge first and enjoyed the uninterrupted live streaming of a movie by connecting my iOS to the Bluetooth 5.1 of the headphones. Moreover, I take advantage of quiet mode as it blocks all the unwanted noise around me and allows me to enjoy my time.
I have tested the Bose QuietComfort headphones during driving, receiving phone calls, walking, or casual listening. The control seems confusing, as the buttons are distributed on both ear cups. Moreover, I used to touch the controls of Sony headphones, so pressing buttons are no more my cup of tea.
So far, these headphones are excellent in audio quality, especially podcast listening. The accurate vocals to be heard in the ears are next level. The aware mode is the finest feature for me as it allows me to participate in the activities happening around me while still listening to music.
I am delighted with the 24 hours of battery life. Furthermore, I have noticed that charging durations exceed one extra hour when using Bose headphones at recommended volumes.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: Over-Ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
- Range: 30 feet
- Noise-canceling: available with Quiet and Aware Modes
- EQ Settings: Volume-optimized
- Battery Life: 24 hours
- Quick Charge: 3 hours on 15 minutes charge
- Weight: 240 g
- Waterproof: no
- Microphone: for effective calls
- I can also use Bose headphones as wired when they are not charged.
- Noise-canceling is commendable.
- Bluetooth range helps me keep my phone safe on the spot while roaming.
- The clamping force could be more robust.
- I notice the microphone lets the background noise inside.
- You cannot turn off the ANC mode without turning on the Aware mode.
Final Verdict | Best Bluetooth Noise Canceling Headphones
If I have to keep the control buttons aside and choose headphones, Bose QC must be on my priority list. The durable design, fluffy padding, and utmost comfortable wearing make them worth the price.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Unboxing: Anker Soundcore headphones have their name in the market owing to their high-end build quality. I also ordered them after reading favorable comments on the magical device. The parcel reached after two or three days, and there were Noise Canceling Headphones, a 3 mm AUX Cable, a micro USB cable, and a travel pouch.
Remarks: the perfect fitting was my main priority regarding Anker Soundcore when I wore them. The over-ear design looked adjustable on my head rather than loosely hanging on the sides. Further, the ear cups were padded enough not to cause any friction or pressure on the pinna.
As the connection between the devices is concerned, the headphones are equipped with 5.0 Bluetooth technology. I can enjoy uninterrupted signals when pairing them with my Android devices.
The audio quality is like what you have never heard before in any headphone category of this range. Due to the Hi-Res audio and BassUp feature, I can listen to every detail of my favorite soundtracks with no audio lag. Furthermore, the built-in 4 noise-canceling microphones efficiently block outside noise when moving the lawn.
I have tested these headphones in every possible situation and noticed that the ear cups are slightly smaller but manageable. One downside of the Anker headphones is that they heat the ears to some extent when used in hot climates. So, ensure the air passes through them by removing them occasionally.
Overall, the headphones offer me 40-60 hours of playtime, sufficient for doing my chores. I charge them for only 5 minutes in an emergency and get 4 hours of playtime.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: Over-Ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Noise-canceling: built-in 4 microphones for blocking ambient noise
- Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio with clear trebles, BassUp, and Dual EQ modes
- Battery Life: 40 hours, can be extended to 60 hours
- Quick Charge: 4 hours on 5 minutes charge
- Weight: 258 g
- Waterproof: no
- Microphone: one for effective calls
- Forty hours of battery timing helps me a lot.
- For me, noise canceling works great in crowded locations.
- The rotatable headband conforms to the size of my head.
- I also use them during workouts.
- The headphones are affordable.
- The ear cups are slightly smaller compared to my ear size.
- I cannot play music through any app.
- These headphones do not operate well with PS4.
Final Verdict | Best Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
Anker Soundcore headphones are a great deal in this price range. The perfect fitting due to heavy padding, crystal clear sound, and 90% noise canceling is all you want from a high-end pair of headphones. So, go and get yours too.
Sennheiser HD 600 – Audiophile Hi-Res Open Back Dynamic Headphone
Unboxing: I ordered Sennheiser HD 600 headphones to avoid the fear of TMJ immobility. To check the design and other features, I unboxed the parcel and got Headphones and a ¼ inch adaptor.
Remarks: the over-ear design consisting of a metal headband and metal mesh grills increased the durability. When wearing headphones, it felt like the earcups were padded with velour memory foam and designed for lasting comfort.
Although the headphones are wired, you can get the most out of them to enjoy gaming sessions, critical listening, and watching movies. The headphones are good for you in delivering exactly replicated sounds.
Moreover, due to the open-back design, I prefer to use them for clear vocals and instrumental sounds, and the sound generation is just up to the mark. Sennheiser Headphones are indeed perfect for audiophiles.
The clear and accurate audio allows me to immerse myself and enjoy the overall experience whenever I use them for gaming. However, there are no microphones or control buttons to adjust the volume.
Key Specifications and Features
- Design: Over-Ear
- Type: Open-back
- Noise-canceling: for blocking ambient noise
- Audio Quality:
- Weight: 260 g
- Waterproof: no
- Microphone: no
- Material: Velour, Plastic, and Metal Grilles
- Warranty: 2 year
- Cable: Detachable; 9.8 ft
- Sound quality is next level
- Headphones offer replaceable parts
- The box in which the headphones came in can be used as a case.
- No available travel case.
- Phone calls cannot be smooth owing to the unavailability of a microphone.
Final Verdict | Best Open-Back Dynamic Headphones
For sound quality and providing better adjusting, Sennheiser headphones are a great deal to crack. What are your thoughts about getting the device?
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Which Type of Headphones are Good for Ears – Buying Guide
Selecting headphones that match your comfort level is a challenging task. Here is the list of factors you must consider when buying a perfect-fit headphone.
Comfort
Comfort is the first task you and I assign to the headphones. Don’t you? Headphones should have luxury materials that do not cause pain. People with big heads or those that have a fear of imminent immobile temporomandibular joints must look for adjustable headbands with heavy padding on the ear cups.
Note: velour pads are most suitable to mitigate TMJ as they allow the ear surface not to generate excessive heat even after extended wear.
Sound Quality
Whether you consider high-end or affordable priced headphones, sound quality is at the top of the list. Using headphones that stand on expectations for clear sounds and undistorted audio is possible.
Look for headphones with built-in mics to adjust calls’ sounds, and opt for wired devices with thick covering cables to avoid losing the signal during transmission.
Performance
A headphone performs best when it produces clear sound without distortion, connects with other devices quickly, and does not wear out even after weak handling. It is the working strength of the headphones that make them durable and not the cash. If you find the latest technology affordable, get your hands on them first.
Sturdy Design
The impressive design of wired and wireless headphones is the first impression that attracts you to them. You opt for headphones that belong to a famous brand because they always come up with a unique design.
Moreover, I suggest you buy one that offers replaceable parts. The sturdy design easily tackles TMJ pain due to the less clamping force, which makes your head not feel any pressure.
Lasting Battery
Wireless headphones are more than wired ones because they allow freedom of movement to carry headphones when they show an indication of complete charging. So an extensive long-hour battery is very crucial for headphones.
Can Headphones Cause TMJ?
Headphones or earbuds are devices that can threaten the temporomandibular joint. As these devices are made of hard material, either stainless steel or plastic, they exert pressure on the ears and clench the jaws.
It also depends on how you use headphones and for how long. For example, using headphones while laying flat on your back puts severe pressure on the joint. Moreover, in this position, you are restricted to converse, which is the prominent symptom of TMJ pain.
Spending extensive hours wearing headphones at loud volumes is not only harmful to ears’ health but also causes headaches. In any case, if you are suffering from an immobility joint, stop using headphones first.
FAQs
Can tight headphones cause jaw pain?
Tight headphones are not tight; instead, the clamping force firmly holds the head. If the force is strong, it will lead to clenching jaws and become the source of permanent jaw pain.
Do vibrations help TMJ?
There are lifetime vibration machines to cure TMJ. The vibrations cause the whole body movement that helps to cure the flexibility of stunt joints from the jaws to the skull. Moreover, with the circulation of oxygen, there is a significant reduction in pain.
How can I relax my TMJ naturally?
TMJ is not a fatal disorder, but it is still painful. However, there is an exercise that can be helpful while curing the disease naturally. Place the tip of your tongue behind the upper teeth. Try to open the mouth with the support of the tongue. It will surely loosen stiff jaws and reduce pain.
Conclusion | 7 Best Headphones for TMJ
TMJ is a disorder that can cost you permanent immobility. Furthermore, you will suffer from joint pain, and your ears may be affected. In this article, I have elaborated on the features of the 7 best headphones for TMJ so that you can select your dream gadget and make the best use of them.