What are the best headphones for people with ADHD?

I am often asked this question by folks navigating the sensory aspects of ADHD. They find that typical headphones present a bit of a Catch-22. They want enough noise cancellation to block out distractions, but the physical sensation of cumbersome over-the-ear headphones or the constant pressure of earbuds can feel overwhelming. Certain textures or even just the feeling of something pressing against the ears can become a major distraction or cause physical discomfort due to sensory processing issues associated with ADHD.

I always tell people that when picking the best headphones for ADHD they shouldn't focus on things like volume or bass and instead focus on how the headphones feel when they're wearing them. We intentionally crafted SleepPhones® headphones to work well for sensory regulation. Instead of hard, rigid plastic pieces, SleepPhones® headphones have a soft, breathable headband that provides a gentle, even pressure fit. We've also nestled ultra-thin, padded speakers into the headband. With this design, nothing pokes your ears making SleepPhones® headphones comfortable to wear in any situation, even lying on your side. Our customers prefer this over the sharp, piercing feel of earbuds or traditional headphones. SleepPhones® headphones offer a lower-stakes sensory experience making it easier to stay calm whether you're trying to focus on a task or trying to quiet your mind at night. Many customers even say they forget they're even wearing them. There's a reason we call them Pajamas For Your Ears.

If you're specifically looking to cut through persistent mental "fog," we suggest something like Kelly Howell's "High Focus" album. It uses a 40Hz brainwave frequency meant to help move your brain into a state of "high-coherence." This essentially helps shift you from a state of distraction into something more productive. You'd be able to listen to a sample and purchase the album on Brain Sync's website.

It really boils down to finding the sweet spot. You want to have enough auditory input to stay focused without any physical discomfort that makes you want to chuck the headphones across the room after ten minutes. SleepPhones® headphones will help you accomplish this comfortably and non-intrusively.

Find more answers on our "Frequently Asked Questions" page.