An illuminated analogue meter 24 indicative of the signal level being input to or reproduced by the transducer within one or both of the headphone cans 20a, 20b is provided, built into the outer surface of the headphone can so that it is easily visible to a user, or to a third party viewing the user wearing the headphones. The analogue meter is preferably indicative of sound pressure being generated in the headphone can 20a, 20b in which the meter is co-located, and may, for example, be a VU meter, a peak programme meter (PPM) or a sound pressure level (SPL) meter. By locating the meter here a compact and easy to view arrangement is obtained. This apparatus allows the user or a third party to easily monitor the volume levels of a set of headphones before and during use so as to prevent damage to the anatomy of the user's ears as a result of exposure to excessive noise volume.The invention may be used with in-ear earphones.
