Sonja, I use headphones with individual volume controls because I can't hear well enough to hear those faint whispers without them. Too much shooting without ear protection as a kid. One ear is better than the other and the volume controls aid me in getting the volume just right for both ears. I use the type of headphones that completely cover the ears because background noise (trafffic going by, people talking, etc,) also affects my ability to hear clearly. Some folks like the lightweight headphones so they can hear other things around them but they do not work for me. Good luck and good hunting. Jim Cal