wired head phones? why?

The whisper devices aren't Bluetooth. They did supply wired earbuds on my last tour (2019), but my own were more comfortable.

sorry, what's a whisper device?

https://whisper-system.net/wireless-guide-systems-radio-guide-products/

It is a device used by guides in museums and where shouting is not practical to speak to a group

They will provide an ear bud. Folks sometimes like their own head phones. I wear hearing aids. I leave them in the hotel, use the ear bud supplied, turn it up, I’m fine.

I prefer my own wired headset/earbuds because I like sound in both ears when the guide is using the Whispers. The RSE provided one has only been for one ear, on the three tours I’ve taken.

Also, the single-earbud they’ll give you has a short cord. I hate the weight of the device hanging from my neck, so I prefer to put it in a pocket or a bag. The short cord won’t allow for that, but a standard one would.

If you are wandering around outside with your guide using the whisper device its may not be a good idea to have headphones in both ears. You should have one ear open to be aware of what is going on around you. Traffic, other people, people up to no good, etc.

My husband wears hearing aids and brings his own headphones. They work really well for him. Going on our third RS trip in September, and he will bring them again.

What kind of connection does the whisper device use? Is it the older prong type that is more common with older Apple earphones?

What kind of connection does the whisper device use?

3.5 mm The standard wired earbuds connector.

Frank II mentions a valid consideration for two vs. one.

Being in tune with my surroundings, at home or abroad, is not a problem for me while using two earbuds with Whispers or music. When necessary, I remove one or both and am cautious with the volume/length of time I wear them.

My preference may not be for everyone. I think each person can/should decide for themselves. Most of the participants on the tour I took last month used the provided RSE ear bud.

I miss the days of the bullhorn and just plain yelling. I'm old school.

I like the earbuds, but they can be problematic at times. At Versailles several people complained about a myriad of problems, from static to low volume to cutting in and out. Not to mention it was like a sauna in there jam packed with sweaty people with questionable hygiene.

I used the provided one because the apple earbuds I had would not work in spite of the correct connection type, so I would not recommend going out and purchasing ones just for this. In the end I really liked having just one earbud…just easier.

All correct. Bluetooth will not work with the devices the museums and guides use.

Even the $5 ear buds you can buy at the gas station will be far better however than what the musuem gives you (a disposable item). The earbuds from the airplane may also work although Delta used a difference plug system up front on our last flight.

Standard 3.5mm stereo plug. No charging required :)

If you have the right dongle, you can use your AirPods and you don't have to have wired headphones.