New Child-Sized Headphones Ensure Safety and Audibility for Young Learners

For the littlest learners, audibility and safety are significant factors in successful audio-based learning experiences, particularly for language and literacy instruction. Califone International, Inc., the premier manufacturer of high-quality audio technology for the education market, today launches the Listening First Headphones, designed specifically for young children as they acquire listening, literacy and language skills.

Califone Listening First Headphones are lightweight, brightly colored and sized appropriately for early learners. Providing crisp, clear sound, the headphones support emerging literacy and ELL applications when audibility is critical for students to hear and comprehend instructional materials. The ambient noise-reducing earcups protect children’s hearing by lowering outside or “white” noise so the volume does not need to be as high. The headphones are designed so the teacher can set the volume at a safe listening level from the audio player. Slotted baffles ensure that items as small as a paperclip cannot puncture the internal speakers, offering additional protection for students.

Other safety and durability features include:
• Adjustable headband comfortable for extended wear
• Reinforced “strain” connection between cord and earcup to prevent accidental pull-out
• A 10-foot straight cord with 3.5 mm plug, set at a right angle, to prevent the headphones from being unplugged inadvertently
• Shatter-resistant ABS plastic that withstands daily classroom and library use
• Replaceable leatherette ear cushions for better hygiene

Preschool and elementary educators are increasingly incorporating more audio in their lessons to provide students with memorable and engaging learning experiences as well as to support multiple learning styles. Two of the ways educators are accomplishing this is through interactive software such as talking text and through audio books. Evidence of their growing popularity, audio book sales have increased by 14 percent in just two years, according to the Audio Publishers Association. Audio-based instruction also helps to teach listening skills, important for literacy, language arts, speech comprehension and relationship development.

The headphones offer an affordable option for 1:1 computing initiatives, computer labs and library media centers. Educators and librarians can be assured of a sound investment with the Listening First Headphones since they are covered by the unique Califone warranty that covers school and library use.

The headphones are available in vibrant primary colors—red, blue and yellow.

About Califone
Califone was founded in 1946 and continues to be a leader in the design, development and manufacturing of audiovisual and supplemental curriculum products for use in education, presentation and professional markets. The company offers a complete line of audio solutions, wireless systems and multimedia products for small, medium and large presentation needs. Califone serves millions of educators and children in the PreK through higher education school environments and has expanded to serve business and industry, houses of worship, parks and recreation and other presentation markets as well.