Is the world too loud and you also want to disconnect from all the chaos around? Then grab your headphones and find solace in the company of your own. But are your headphones good enough to unhook you from this mayhem around? If not, then it’s time to get a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
But what are noise-canceling headphones? Our headphones are our best friends, so why not spend some time and money and invest in a good one? Today’s market is brimming with a variety of headphones, so be sure to find the right one. Sounds like you are searching for your soul mate, right? Well, can’t deny that totally! So let’s find out a little more about your would-be “noise-canceling headphones.”
What Are Noise-Canceling Headphones?
So let’s begin by answering the popular question: “What are noise-canceling headphones?”
These headphones cancel out the surrounding noise and let you focus. The best part is you won’t have to raise the volume and can enjoy your music at peace. They are really helpful in the aviation industry as they are effective against the aircraft engine noise. So to help you concentrate better at work or just help you slide into sleep after a hectic day, these headphones are the best.
Read Also: 10 Best Headphones for Sleeping
How Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Work?
These headphones use the Active Noise Control (ANC) technology to eliminate low frequency noise. But how do noise-canceling headphones exactly work? These headphones have a microphone that captures surrounding sounds and an amplifier to produces sound waves that eliminate undesired sounds.
But when the frequency of the ambient noise is high, the canceling-wave that is produced is low and vice versa. So don’t confuse this with soundproofing. Also, with the advancement in technology, these headphones are combining the noise isolation technology as well to block the higher frequency waves.
Now the cancelation power of headphones depends on their type, i.e., whether they are active noise canceling headphones or passive ones? We’ll discuss more about them in the upcoming sections.
What Are Active Noise-Canceling Headphones?
ANC headphones have a built-in technology to cancel out undesired noise. These headphones use a miniature microphone in each ear cup to capture the noise, and an amplifier to cancel out the same. All in all, these headphones are true to their name. They might be a little bit expensive than the regular ones but you won’t regret investing in a good pair.
As the name suggests, these headphones “actively” cancel out the noise so they use a dedicated battery for the same. They also require high power for operating. Therefore, they might need frequent recharging of batteries or replacement of the same due to heavy usage. Some headphones might even stop working if not charged properly.
At times these headphones might create a low hissing sound due to their noise-canceling circuitry. These are the only drawbacks of these headphones. But they are still high in demand as they are portable, convenient and can be used even if you are not in a mood for music but just want to unwind.
What Are Passive Noise-Canceling Headphones?
Passive noise-canceling headphones are nothing but regular headphones. In fact, they are a little more efficient than regular headphones. They do not cancel outside noise, they block the noise physically. There’s no advanced technology involved here but
just memory foam that acts as a physical barrier between your ears and the noise.
These headphones are designed in a way that they fit perfectly in your ears to lower the ambient noise to a decent level by acting as a muffle. Not only this but these headphones are also easily affordable and good for regular use. But if you are looking for proper noise-cancelation then we don’t recommended purchasing passive noise-canceling headphones. These headphones do not intend to muff out the background noise yet will provide a clear listening experience.
To find the right passive noise-canceling headphones, ensure you pick the ones that perfectly fit on your ears and have a good rubber seal. If you can take care of these then you are good to go!
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Bad for Your Ears?
Noise-canceling headphones are built in a way that they protect your hearing ability. But a continuous exposure to very loud noise can definitely cause some trouble. At times these headphones might cause a hissing sound while trying to actively cancel the noise, which might be irritating for some but this won’t affect your hearing.
Passive noise-canceling headphones are the best as they fit perfectly on your ears, protecting them from loud external noises.
Active noise-cCanceling headphones also provide protection but only to a certain degree. They are built to cancel out the surrounding noises but not to block them.
While using these headphones, keep in mind to adjust your volume at a comfortable level and restrict continuous use. Safety is always better than cure.
What Is the Difference Between Noise-Canceling and Noise-Isolating Headphones?
The main difference between noise-canceling headphones and noise-isolating headphones is the technique they use to cancel out the undesirable noises. Noise-canceling headphones use an advanced technology to cancel the noise whereas a noise-isolating headphone physically block the noise and lower it to a certain level.
But which one’s the best for you? Before buying headphones, consider the following factors:
Price: If you are ready to invest in a good pair of headphone then noise-canceling headphones are the best for you as they are not very expensive. But, for decent noise canceling at a cheaper rate, noise-isolating headphones can be a better option. Most noise-canceling headphones such as the best Bose headphones are expensive.
Sound Quality: Now this totally depends on the brand you are buying. Noise canceling headphones can cause a hissing sound while blocking high frequency noises but it has nothing to do with the quality and is temporary.
Noise Reduction Levels: Noise-canceling headphones work best when it comes to noise reduction. However, noise-isolating ones also perform well. They can block frequencies between 25 to 30 decibels.
Power Consumption: Noise-canceling headphones require heavy power consumption as the battery is completely utilized by the microphones in each ear cup and the amplifier to block external disturbances.
Comfort: Noise-canceling headphones are more comfortable than noise-isolating headphones as they comprise multiple layers of foam and other materials to provide a discrete listening experience. The majority of the most comfortable headphones tested by our experts are noise-canceling. On the other hand, noise isolating headphones comprise a single layer of foam or other material on the ear cups and are not comfortable.
Final Words
If you are an avid traveler or a yoga enthusiast or a music freak, buying a good pair of noise-canceling headphones should be on the top of your to-do checklist. However, while finding the best noise-canceling headphones, choose a reputed brand that has marked its existence in the market.
Some top headphones brands such as Bose, JBL, Sony, and Philips, are producing some of the best performing noise-canceling headphones. Even reputed airlines are using premium-quality Bose aviation headsets for their staff to provide them with a comfortable flying experience, devoid of the loud engine noise.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your noise-canceling headphones now. We sincerely hope we have answered your question, “What are noise-canceling headphones?” If you still have any question, please feel free to post it in the comment section below.
