"These Days, Parents Buy First"... From 'Distraction Items' to 'Essential Items' for Studying

Survey by Sony Korea on Its Headphone Customers
51% of Those Aged 20 and Under Use Them "For Studying"

A survey revealed that the number of students using headphones while studying is increasing.

Sony Korea recently announced the results of a survey conducted on customers who registered their genuine headphones last year. Among customers aged 20 and under, 51% responded that they use headphones for studying purposes. This figure has increased compared to 45.2% in 2023.

An announcement has been made that the number of students using headphones while studying has increased. Photo by Getty Images

The purchase of headphones by students has also surged. Among customers who bought premium wireless noise-canceling headsets from Sony Korea, the proportion of those aged 15 to 24 was 7% in 2019 but rapidly increased to 31% in 2023.

The noise-canceling feature was highlighted as an advantage of headsets because it blocks surrounding noise better than earphones. Using a headset allows students to study without noise not only at school or academies but also in noisy places such as cafes and public transportation.

Cases of parents gifting headphones to their children for academic purposes have also increased. Getty Images

There were also many cases where parents gifted headphones directly for academic purposes. Last year, 34% of headphone users responded that they received them as gifts rather than purchasing them themselves. This is a slight increase compared to 32.8% in 2023. In the past, there was a strong perception that using electronic devices interfered with studies, but now, with more students attending online lectures, it seems to reflect changes in the learning environment.

As the learning environment changes, the perception that electronic device usage hinders academic performance is also shifting. Getty Images

Experts generally agree that headsets are better for ear health than earphones. They pointed out that using in-ear (closed) earphones with rubber packing can completely block air, which may cause the inside of the ear to become more sealed. Since earphones seal the ear canal, if not properly disinfected, they can cause bacterial or fungal infections leading to otitis externa and other issues.