Do not disturb: Survey reveals the many reasons people use headphones

Many people wear headphones because they don't want to be bothered by others, a survey has found. — dpa

Headphones are primarily used when you want to listen to music and audiobooks or watch movies. However, headphone use is a bit more complicated than it appears at first glance.

A survey by Bitkom Research in Germany found that 47% of people wear headphones to get away from their surroundings. A similar number (42%) use their headphones to signal to others that they don't want to be disturbed.

One in five use headphones to avoid being distracted while working. The same proportion see them as a fashion accessory, while only 23% don't use headphones at all.

The survey of 1,007 people in Germany found that seven out of ten people aged 16 and older own a pair of headphones. – dpa