Over-ear headphones can't be returned as a 'hygiene product'

elsien

Tucosalamanca said:

The definition I quoted is from Apple (so not directly related), as I mentioned in my first post, Debenhams t&c are lacking.

Many other retailers have similar conditions .

If you go to Richer Sounds, John Lewis etc, they will have banded over-ear headphones on display for customers to try.

Generally speaking (there will be exceptions), 'on-ear' products or 'buds' are not available to try because there are hygiene issues.

A similar thread here
John Lewis earbuds return problem — MoneySavingExpert Forum

The OP is relying on Debenhams t&c for a refund. Not Apple's or anyone elses.  In that context, what other retailers say has little bearing on how the OP gets their money back. 

Jenni_D

Many products are "sealed" i.e. come in plastic packing that you have to cut open. That doesn't mean they were "sealed for hygiene purposes".

To me, an "on ear" product has no hygiene concerns ... "in ear" yes, but not "on ear".

tain

sheramber said:

Hygiene items are normally sealed.

Were the headphones sealed?

No, just in a loose bag. 

When I first opened the box, I said to my wife that I think these have been returned before, as they had zero charge and the USB cable wasn't tied in a loop... 

tain

Thanks everyone, I'll see if I can push Debenhams a bit more on this. 

I bought these thinking they were the type that make sound through vibrations rather than sound, which is also why I trusted they could claim to be noise reduction. But my mistake as they never claimed to be this kind of headphone. 

My opinion is that these touch my ears just as much as my over eat headphones do, so should be subject to the same conditions. If these are anywhere near your ear canal, you're wearing them wrong. 

But for £26 I doubt I'm going to push them to small claims or anything... Even if they have tried to shirk all responsibility saying I should liaise directly with their supplier... 

Jenni_D

Is there a difference in understanding of the various terms for these 'phones? To me, from the link below, Over Ear and On Ear are essentially the same.

https://www.rtings.com/headphones/learn/over-ear-vs-on-ear-vs-in-ear-vs-earbuds-comparison

Are the ones you're talking about @tain different again? i.e. the type that loops over your ear to be bone conducting or directional speakers per the link below?

https://www.dexerto.com/tech/open-ear-vs-bone-conduction-headphones-2578548/

elsien

The OP has posted the direct link so you can see what they are from there. 

Jenni_D

We're on page 3 - I'd forgotten that the OP had posted a link.