Question: What is the hear-through feature on Audio-Technica headphones and when would I use it?

Answer: You may have noticed some of our newer headphones include a feature called hear-through. Hear-through is a switchable function which allows external sound to be heard through the headphones, when desired, as you listen to your music. Hear-through uses a built-in microphone to enhance external sound and focus on people’s voices. Note that there are two forms of this feature, one known simply as hear-through, and one known as quick hear-through. Hear-through is useful when some amount of noise in your surroundings is desired to be always heard while listening to your music. An example of this would be if you are outdoors walking or running and need the ability to hear traffic around you for safety reasons. Quick hear-through allows you to hear your surroundings and it automatically lowers the volume of the music at the same time. The feature is useful for engaging in brief conversations, hearing public transportation announcements, and the like.

Following are a few examples of Audio-Technica headphones featuring hear-through.

ATH-SR50BT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

   ATH-ANC300TW QuietPoint® Wireless Active Noise-Cancelling In-Ear Headphones

ATH-SQ1TW Wireless Earbuds

ATH-ANC900BT QuietPoint® Wireless Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones

If you have any questions about hear-through or other features on our headphones, please contact the Audio Solutions Department. We will be happy to assist you.