Noise Cancellation Headphones – Noise Cancel Headphones Compared

The technology of noise cancellation headphones has been around since the 1950s but only in the public arena since the 1980′s. Bose Corporation, the high end audio suppliers were the first to release this technology. One of their staff traveling on a commercial airline found the headphones issued to be lacking. Many people today will not travel long distances on flights without their noise canceling headphones. So the question is how do they work and what makes a good set of headphones?

Noise cancellation technology works with a microphone ‘listening’ to the noise around you. They record these sounds and invert them and that inverted sound being the opposite of the sound outside effectively cancels it out. This technology works best for a constant sound such as an airplane engine or an air conditioning unit. They are less effective on rapidly changing noises such as speech as the sound waves change quickly and the inverting technology, working in real time; struggle to keep up with the changes.

All noise cancellation headphones need a battery to work. In some models the battery is housed with the cables which can make it somewhat inconvenient. More useful models have the battery in the headphone casing itself meaning no excess bulk or inconvenience is created. Some models allow the headphones to continue working as normal headphones without the noise cancellation technology when the battery runs out.

The two main versions of headphones are the over ear surround model and the on ear models. The over ear surround acts as a passive noise eliminator. Like an ear muff, sound is prevented from reaching the ear canal. Add to this noise cancellation technology these eliminate the most outside ambient noise. However they can be heavier than the alternative and some people find them sweaty when used for long periods of time.

The on ear version of noise cancellation headphones rest on the outside of the ear. They are usually lighter and allow more airflow as a consequence. The potential downside is they naturally reduce less noise and are less effective at reducing loud volume.

The ability to detach the cabling may be something you would use. Some people like to use them without listening to music. They just want the constant noise around them to disappear. This can be useful to protect the hearing such as when you’re out mowing the lawn.

If you use your noise cancellation headphones for travel or work, it is a good idea to keep them protected while not in use. For that reason, check out the carrying case provided. If you think you will knock them around a lot it will pay to look for a protective hard case.

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