“Derek’s Dilemmas” -Headphones L or R: Does it make a difference?

I’m sure you have lots of burning questions, so here at TechTV101 we are looking for those unusual but very important queries that you would like answered. Our new section is going to be called “Derek’s Dilemmas”. So save your Google search credits and drop me a line. My minions and I will  do all the work for you. Contact details below.

Derek’s first dilemma is from Sarah. Sarah asks whether it makes any difference which headphone you put in which ear. Thanks for your question Sarah. I’m going to have to answer in a few different parts.

Part 1: It’s all down to the shape.

Some headphones are oriented only one way due to the design i.e. they will only fit on your head if you put the left head phone over the left ear. This is also true for some of the more expensive in-ear buds and again only fit a certain way. The cheaper head phones and in-ear buds fit over or in either ear.

Part 2: Watching movies.

The left/right difference will be most evident when watching a movie with headphones on/in. For example the movie shows a car driving from left to right across the screen. If you have the headphones/buds on/in the wrongs ears then direction of the sound will be in reverse. Simple when you think about it.

Part 3: Listening to music

Many musicians will use the stereo sound channels for sound effects aimed at one or the other ear.  Some types of music make more use of these effects than others. In my research, especially Classical for example, the string sections should always be in your right headphone. For normal pop music it’s rare that it would make any difference to you at all whether you put the buds in the ‘right’ or the ‘wrong’ ear, but this trend does seem to be changing.

Part 4: On the phone

Makes no difference if you just pop them on/in to take make a call unless you are talking to someone in a car chase or a member of a band during a sound check. Obviously still joking, it makes no difference. Just listen and talk.

So I hope that answers your question Sarah. Some people will disagree with me and say the only reason that there is a little “L” or “R” on your headphones is to keep those of us out there with O.C.D. happy….!

If you would like to send in your dilemma or just say hi you can contact me on derek@techtv101.com or follow me on twitter