I'm a big fan of Shure, Inc. They make the best audio equipment, which started with products for the DJ and performer market. Over the past few years they've brought the professional level equipment to the masses. Well, not the masses who buy $9.95 Sony headphones at Target, but anyone willing to spend $99 or more.
This year they introduced the E500PTH headphones, and added what they call "push-to-hear" functionality. By including a simple microphone, the E500's are able to intentionally amplify the outside world to the listener. Why would you want to do this? Two words: flight attendants.
