"Over-the-ear" does not necessarily mean lack of awareness. Basically you have two axis: Size/Fit: Earbuds and myriad variations; Supra-aural (on ear), circu

"Over-the-ear" does not necessarily mean lack of awareness. Basically you have two axis: Size/Fit: Earbuds and myriad variations; Supra-aural (on ear), circumaural (over the ear) Isolation: Circumaural/over-the-ear can be open-back or closed-back; and they can have various degrees of noise isolation and cancellation. As for the look and age, it's really a subjective perspective - I personally feel I'm old enough not to care about wearing over-the-ear outside :D