I purchased my first set of the ECS WordSlinger headphones (TVPS.COM) back in May of 2018 specifically for verbatim transcription purposes. I had tried everything before that, headsets, earbuds, noise cancelling headphones, etc., but it wasn't until I received that first set ECS headphones that I was happy with what I purchased. My #1 priority for what I stuck in/on/around my ears while listening to digital audio was to be able to hear clearly what was being said so that I could transcribe it verbatim and the ECS WordSlinger headphones fit that bill. Fast forward five years, I accidentally dropped my headphones on a concrete floor and one of the earpieces broke off and was dangling by a piece of wire. So I had to get a second pair. I will add that the second pair was cheaper than what I paid the first time, if you can believe that. I am very happy with the sound quality. And I have learned that I like "noise reduction" better than "noise cancelling". I also love ECS' customer service. I had an issue with my last order (an issue that was NOT caused by ECS) and when I contacted them about it, the owner of the company contacted me directly almost immediately after receiving my email. THAT IMPRESSES ME!! So they get FIVE STARS from me. I'm glad to have a fully functioning set of ECS WordSlinger headphones in my possession again!