What is Active Noise Control in Earbuds and Headphones?

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Active Noise Control Bluetooth Headphones Popularity

Headphones will vary according to their size and functionality. One of the most popular among them are the noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones. These types of headphones eliminate unwanted background noise that you hear when listening to music on the typical headset. These headphones have active control engineering technology which makes them eliminate the unwanted noise. Through these headphones, you can now enjoy your favorite music and artists without raising your volume excessively.

Our surroundings are full of unwanted noise. Whether at your office, your home, at the shopping mall or whatever, you’ll always encounter noise. This has made noise-control Bluetooth headphones a must have. They help minimize these unwanted frequencies. But how do these headphones work? And why have they become popular?

Well, let’s get into all of this right now…

How Do Active Noise Control Bluetooth Headphones Work?

Active noise control Bluetooth headphones help to reduce distracting background noise. They give you an environment to operate optimally. This is essential in noisy environments. The following components help noise control Bluetooth headphones eliminate noise.

The Microphone: These headphones have a microphone beneath the earpiece. These microphones listen and pick up the ambient noise. It could be noise from an engine, people talking, background noise, etc. They listen to any external noise that can’t be passively blocked.
Noise Cancelling Circuitry: These are electronics in the earpiece which create a noise-cancelling wave. This wave acts like a noise eraser. It perfectly erases the unwanted sounds within the environment. However, it doesn’t erase what you want to listen to. As a result, it creates the right environment to enjoy your favorite music.
Speaker: This is where the unwanted sound is channeled. The unwanted noise seamlessly combines with the normal audio. It thus helps in erasing the unwanted noise. It does not interfere with the wanted sound waves.
Battery: The noise cancelling electronics are battery powered. If it has a replaceable battery, you have to replace them if depleted. However, some of them have rechargeable batteries.

Are Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones safe?

Yes. When you turn on your noise cancellation Bluetooth headphones, you’ll hear a slight hissing sound. This sound makes some people feel dizzy but it can’t damage your hearing. Unlike other devices, noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones do not emit radiation. They thus don’t pose any potential threats. If you find this hissing sound irritating, choose a pair that doesn’t emit the sound. In addition to the underlying technology, some of these types of headphones have good cushions and multiple layers of foam that prevent the noise from entering your ears.

Why are Bluetooth Headphones Popular in Noisy Workplaces?

Most people working in heavy industries are exposed to intense noise. This noise is harmful to human health, especially the ears. To reduce this effect, you need to use headphones equipped with Active Noise Reduction. These headphones will help enhance your hearing safety because they reduce the intensity of noise airwaves that enter your ear. Besides the health benefits, active noise control headphones lead to better productivity. When disrupted with noise, it’s difficult to be productive.

Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Cancel-Out Voices?

Most people buy noise control headphones with the hope that they’ll effectively cancel out any noise around them. However, they often end up still hearing some noises. This is a popular misconception. Active noise cancelling headphones only cancel specific noise. In some instances, it could even amplify the noise. What could be the reason?

This is because the current active noise cancelling technology works perfectly with frequencies below 500 Hz. In addition, they can only eliminate noise up to 1000 Hz. However, most industries are extremely noisy which makes eliminating all the noise impossible.

What Are The Different Types of Noise Cancelling Headphones?

Not all headphones are of the same type and functionality. However, most can block out noise but only those with noise-cancellation technology are really effective at minimizing background noise. Here are the different types of noise cancelling headphones.

Incidental Noise Cancellation Headphones: These are the most common type. They don’t make a real effort to reduce noise. This means you can hear noise from the background. They simply bring new audio closer. Your ears thus focus on the new audio.
Passive Noise Cancellation Headphones (Noise Isolation): These headphones are also referred to as noise isolating headphones. They have features which inhibit noise. For instance, their design, shape and material are gatekeepers. There’s not really much technology involved. They block unwanted noise from reaching the ears. These types of headphones are bulky because they fully cover your ears. They also have extra passing to drown out noise from outside and allow you to focus on the noise from your speakers. They are however not great for prolonged use because they are bulky and uncomfortable.
Active Noise Cancellation Headphones: Active noise cancellation headphones use the latest technology to effectively mute unwanted noise. They go a step further to actively eliminate the noise. Active noise cancellation headphones have an inbuilt audio processor that cancels the noise. The audio processor detects and analyzes sound patterns. It then cancels the noise by generating an anti-noise signal. Generally, these headphones are the best for eliminating engine noise, human chatter, muting traffic, and constant humming.

Note: Passive noise cancellation headphones only offer passive noise reduction. They eliminate external noise by covering the ears.

Situations where noise cancelling headphones are ideal

At the Gym: At the gym, you’re forced to listen to someone else‘s music over the speaker. At times, this can be boring and annoying because they don’t often play your favorite music. Noise cancelling headphones can block out this unwanted music, so that you listen to your own tunes.
Loud offices or cafes: If you can concentrate when people around you are making noise, you are lucky. For most us, we become more productive when it is quite. At the office, loud phone talkers and heavy typists can be a distraction. Working in public places like a café can also be a challenge. There is where a good pair of noise cancelling headphones becomes handy. They allow you to block out the distraction and focus on the work at hand.
Travelling: Avid travelers know that good sleep is important during travelling. Noise in urban areas or crying babies on trains and airplanes can mess with your sleep. This noise could also prevent you from getting some work done before landing. This is why you need noise cancelling headphones to block out the noise and let you sleep or focus on your work.

Situations Where Noise Isolation is Ideal

Perhaps you work in a morgue or library, and it’s already quiet. Maybe you are a runner and you would like to keep tabs on hazards on your route. There are situation, where you don’t need full noise cancellation. Maybe some sound isolation is enough. In such cases, consider noise isolation techniques.

What Type of Noise Cancelling Is Right for You?

The right noise cancelling headphones depends on your environment. Active noise cancelling headphones are a great idea if you want to eliminate the annoying air conditioner hum. However when you want to block out barking dogs or human voices, you need passive isolation. Passive isolation is a barrier between your ears and the voices that you don’t want to listen to. The best noise cancelling headphones are equipped with earpads and earcups that block noise frequencies from outside. However, if you only want to block human voices, less expensive headphones might work for you.

Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Better Than Earplugs or Earmuffs?

Wouldn’t earplugs and earmuffs be a much better choice? Well, this depends on your budget, your comfort, your desire and if whether you are allowed to plug your ears. If you travel a lot on airplanes, noise cancelling headphones are a good idea. They were designed to eliminate turbine noise. You also need them if noise from rumbling trucks, generators, loud music, and other machines the produce low frequency noise.

Earmuffs are bulky and less comfortable because they need extra clamping force than normal headphones. Besides, they don’t completely block loud speech. You may be required to wear ear buds to completely eradicate the noise.

Caution: Do not use noise cancelling headphones as hearing protectors unless they have a noise reduction rating.

Should You Buy Noise Cancelling Headphones?

Although noise cancelling headphones are amazing, they do need a significant financial investment. As such you need to think hard before spending your money on them. Not everyone needs noise cancelling headphones. However, you need noise cancelling headphones if you work or travel in noisy surroundings while listening to music. Noise cancelling headphones are the best option for listening to music in louder environments. Meanwhile, if you plan to buy these headphones for merely blocking out sound, you need to consider cheaper alternatives. For instance, earplugs are cheaper yet efficient. If you don’t plan to listen to music while in a noisy environment, noise cancelling headphones may be a waste of money.

What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying Noise Cancelling Headphones?

Choosing the best pair of noise cancelling headphones can be daunting. With all the models that exist, which ones are the best for you? The right noise control headphones for you depend with what you want to use them for. Make sure that the headphones you buy are best suited for your needs. Do you want to use the headphones to watch movies or mute human chatter? Other factors that can help you decide the right noise cancellation headphones are:

Cost: As you can expect, the most expensive noise cancellation headphones are the best. So, if you want the best, be prepared to spend. Before buying new noise cancelling headphones, ask yourself how much you’re will to spend. This will help you budget according to your needs. The price varies depending on the feature they have. Some headphones have nice designs but poor sound quality.
Comfort: Before buying noise cancelling headphones, it is a good idea to try them on. Choose headphones you’re comfortable with. You can test the sound quality by listening to music from your phone. You will also know if they pressure you. Take your time to ensure you chose comfortable and high quality headphones.
Type: Different headphones eliminate noise differently. Choose one that works great in a noisy environment. Also check its features. Can you they be folded? Can you extend the headband? Also check if the earcup padding material is what you desire.
Sound Leak: This is a great concern especially if you work with many different people in the same room. If your headphones leak sound, other people will hear the song you are listening. Sometimes, you want to keep it private, so make sure the headphone that you choose has no sound leaks. The best way to do is it to make sure they are closed at the back. If it has any perforations or vents, they will definitely leak. Headphones with vents allow air to flow in and thus leak the sound. Also check the durability of seal and material used around your ears.
Battery life and Accessories: The battery life of a good noise cancellation headphone exceeds 20 hrs. So, the headphone you pick should have a battery life of at least 15 to 20 hours of playback when on. Long battery life is an advantage if you travel a lot. You won’t need to charge them every now and then. Accessories also come in handy. Check for accessories like;

Replaceable Batteries
Headphone case
USB Cable
Audio Cable
Clothing clip or
Adapter

If you don’t need them, you can purchase them later.

How do I Make Sure I’m Getting the Right Pair of Noise Cancelling Headphones?

When buying a pair of noise cancelling headphones, you should know that the headphones are only going to specific sound waves. Make sure that the headphones you choose block the specific noise that you want. Do you want to block traffic noise, human chatter or engine noise? If living in a busy city, buy headphones that cancel out voices.

Is it bad to sleep with Noise Cancelling Headphones?

There is nothing as worse as noise distracting your sleep. Whether it is the sound of your partner snoring or your neighbors arguing, it is difficult to catch sleep during such moments. Thankfully, music can sooth you to sleep, especially when dealing with background noises. The challenge with music is that you will need to increase the volume to deal with the noise and as a result, it prevents you from sleeping.

This is why you need noise controlling headphones. They allow you to listen to music at a calm volume. They also block the maddening noise preventing you from sleeping. Noise cancelling headphones are a perfect way to catch sleep.

How to Sleep With Noise Cancelling Headphones

Your sleeping posture is important in regard to sleeping with headphones. If you sleep straight, then you have no issues. However, if you are a side sleeper, you cannot sleep comfortably with your noise cancellation headphones on. They could easily hurt you. So what is the solution? To ensure comfort choose a design specifically designed for side sleepers. There are also special pillows for sleeping with headphones.

Benefits of Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones effectively eliminate unwanted noise by reducing the frequency of external sound. If you are thinking of buying these headphones, here are more reasons why you should buy them.

They reduce hearing loss: It is dangerous to frequently expose your ears to high intensity noise. Exposure to high intensity noise could cause noise induced hearing loss. This is a common problem in people working in noisy environments. However, noise cancelling headphones can help prevent hearing loss. They cut out excessive loud noise. In addition, you listen to your music comfortably without feeling unsafe.
They reduce stress: This is another important advantage of these devices. Intense noise is stressing. City dwellers are said to be more stressed and irritable than people living in rural area. Medically, this is attributed to high decibels of noise. Several studies show that people living in noisy areas have higher chances of getting stressed. On the other hand, exposure to low level noise as in corporate settings is harmful. Studies indicate that people exposed to this type of noise have high chances of suffering from heart attacks. However, noise cancelling headphones reduce stress by creating a calm environment.
They Improve Concentration: When working or studying, noise can easily distract you. When distracted, you are less productive. This is because noise interferes with your focus and concentration. However, using noise cancelling headphones can improve your focus and productivity because they cut out all the external noise.
You Sleep Better: Noise cancelling headphones can help you sleep better. Well, noise is the undoubtedly leading cause of sleeplessness. The noise could be from your snoring partner, background music, traffic, neighboring parties, etc. However, if you use noise cancelling headphones, you will have better sleep because they reduce ambient noise.

Disadvantages of Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise cancelling headphones do a good job in eliminating ambient noise. However, these devices also have disadvantages. These disadvantages include:

They are Costly: Noise cancelling headphones are more complex than common headphones. As a result, they are more expensive. This is because of the extra cost of implementing the noise cancelling technology.
Poor Audio Quality: Noise cancelling headphones depend on noise cancelling circuitry to function effectively. However, this circuitry sometimes interferes and changes audio quality of whatever you are listening.
They can be heavier to wear: Unlike the standard headphones, these headphones are heavier because they have additional components. Most of them require additional batteries and electronics to work effectively. So, it could be tiring to have them on.
They consume too much power: These headphones come with additional technology and equipment than need power to be useful. As a result, they consume much power compared to the normal headphones. So, this means you need to constantly recharge them or replace the batteries when they run out.
They may not block all background sounds: If you desire total silence, then noise cancelling headphones may not be what you need. Although these headphones reduce significant amount of noise, some sound still gets through.

How are Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones Beneficial for health?

Noise cancelling headphones don’t pose any health risks; they instead protect you from the noisy environment you live in. As you already know, frequent exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing. If you live or work in a noisy environment, then noise control headphones will protect your hearing. Noise varies in pitch and loudness and thus has different effects on your hearing. Loud noise can interfere with your sleep, cause headache or raise stress levels. Wearing noise cancellation headphones will protect you from the potential problems loud noise may cause.

How to Prevent Hearing Damage When Using Headphones

To prevent the headphones from damaging your ears, you need to keep the volume moderate. Most hearing problems are a result of high-level volumes. To be safe, keep your volume lower than a typical vacuum cleaner. (70 decibels).

Final Thoughts

Noise cancelling headphones are an exciting piece of technology. These headphones listen to the surrounding sound waves and then create and play the exact sound wave to cancel them out. This process prevents harmful noise from entering your ears and disrupting you.

It is harmful to expose your ears to low and high frequencies of noise. Loud noise may cause serious health complications and low productivity. However, the different types of noise controlling headphones can help you. These headphones have many benefits.

Although many assume they are mainly for isolation, this is false. They improve productivity because they allow you to fully concentrate. Note that, they also reduce stress and ear damage. So, if you are living or working in a noisy environment, it is time to get noise cancelling headphones. They’ll suppress the outside noise preventing your favorite music or podcast from being ruined by the outside world. This allows you to listen at lower volumes, protecting your ears from damage.