A system and method allow for safe use of headphones that include a microphone when using the headphones with a cellular phone, a music device, or the like. A desired audio signal, e.g., a voice of a caller or music, is discontinued when a microphone associated with the headphones picks up either a change in ambient noise or a particular type of ambient noise, e.g., an ambulance, a police car, a fire truck, someone yelling, brakes squealing, or the like. During this state, the headphones output either an audible alert signal, the ambient noise, or a pre-stored signal that states “fire,” “police,”, “yelling,” etc. In this way, a person can safely talk on the phone or listen to music when walking or driving, while still being cognizant of what is going on around them.