Everywhere we go in contemporary society, we are bombarded with noise. Disruptive noise can occur during any activity. It can happen while working in a busy coffee shop, riding public transport, or trying to focus in an open office. Disruptive noise can lower focus and raise levels of stress. People often assume that headphones can only be useful when listening to music. However, with advancements in headphone technology, the ability to cancel noise and create peaceful listening environments without audio has the ability to elevate audio experience to a more premium level.
I found myself in a situation that exemplified the potential of these headphones. While I was on a flight and surrounded by a lot of noise, I lost battery on my phone and was forced to keep my headphones on without the audio playing. I noticed a lot of changes. I was able to think more clearly, the noise level of the jet engines reduced to almost silent, and the sound of crying babies was reduced to the level of background noise. After this experience, I was able to appreciate high quality headphones and the various uses they provide, particularly why many consider investing in the best ANC headphones, and understand many consumers do not think about this when purchasing headphones.
Recognizing Technology in Active Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology is one of the most advanced forms of sound management as it tackles the trade-off of passive isolation in a truly holistic manner. To explain, ANC utilizes external microphones to capture ambient noise. Subsequently, the headphones create sound waves in cancellation of the ambient noise before that energy hits the eardrum. All of these systems operate in milliseconds, creating a pocket of peace in which one can zone out from the external world.
This piece, which is engineered by the processing power of the headphones and the active noise cancellation technology, is most formally appreciated when experienced without any music. This is most extended in premium models, which feature advanced processing power as a function of multiple microphones configured around each cup and each zone of the cup. This premium design is capped as the most extended science of noise management.
ANC technology can and does operate differently across multiple levels of sound and this is often where users express unspoken disappointment. Where lower frequencies such as those from an airplane, traffic, an HVAC system, etc., most of the signal energy is canceled. It is also true that most signal energy of the voice is in the mid-frequencies and that the voice is often perceived as penetrating sound. Knowing these will help in setting sound levels which ANC technology will be most appreciated.
Top Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The best headphones for Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) work best without music or entertainment playing. The strongest and most consistent noise cancelling performance is needed. Audio quality is secondary and will not be as important. Comfort is crucial because they are more likely to be worn for hours and hours without music or other distractions.
Sony
Across several generations of flagship models, Sony has provided best-in-class noise cancelling across numerous models. Their headphones possess adaptive sound control, an ANC level adjuster which is great for those on the go. These headphones remember your routine, while you’re sitting in a noisy coffee shop or a quiet library, and adjust noise cancelling accordingly, even while you walk.
Bose
The industry leading noise cancelling Bose headphones also work best in silence. Their noise cancelling is consistent and artifact free. While some models create a pressure sensation, Bose does not. Many users are able to wear the headphones for hours and hours and Bose models are great for work sessions that require long stretches of uninterrupted deep work.
Apple
Apple has entered the high-end headphones market with extensive experience in computational audio that is relevant to the company’s ability to implement a silent ANC and sophisticated audio-fading control. The adjustable audio-fading is a feature that allows the user to choose between audio isolation and awareness of the surroundings. This makes the headphones versatile for a variety of situations, like interacting with people nearby, where the headphones do not have to be removed.
How Apple Has Transformed Open Ear Headphones and Traditional ANC Models
The introduction of open ear headphones presents a compelling challenge to the traditional closed-backed and ANC headphones. Open ear headphones are designed to rest on the ear canal, but not create a seal. This allows the user to hear the surroundings while the headphones are in use. The noise management system, however, does not work the same as the ANC closed-backed headphones.
The open ear headphones are designed for comfort and situational awareness so sound isolation is not as critical. Open ear headphones are designed for runners and cyclists that need to hear and be aware of nearby sounds at critical moments. The only limitation of open ear headphones is that sound isolation is less than that of the closed back, so while they can provide sound isolation, it is not as robust.
When it comes to using headphones in silent environments, traditional ANC headphones have a clear benefit. Open ear designs do not block out sound when audio isn’t playing. Quality ANC headphones, however, transform a noisy environment to a peaceful one. It really comes down to whether you prefer isolation or awareness for your particular case.
Practical Uses for Silent ANC
Peaceful flights have the obvious benefit of silent ANC. However, there are numerous applications in daily life. Exam students experience improved concentration when using headphones in noisy environments, like dormitories. Noise reduction helps memory recall without the distraction that background music introduces.
ANC headphones are increasingly becoming necessary in open offices. The ability to tune out conversation, keyboards, and phones without music helps focus on complex tasks. Some companies understand the ROI when providing quality headphones for increased productivity.
When the household gets noisy and chaotic, the parents of young children, and especially those who work from home, value the mental clarity offered by ANC headphones. While keeping an eye on the children, the headphones can help in avoiding the constant stress and irritation of the chaos at home. The noise reduction creates an overactive bumper car inhibition zone and helps parents reduce their stress and increase their patience.
Conclusion
The rapid advancement of headphone technology continues to develop sophisticated tools for purposes that their designers may have never thought of. One of these unforeseen perks is the ability to actively cancel unwanted noise in silence. This converts premium headphones from simply entertainment devices to invaluable wellness tools in our ever increasingly noisy world.
Frequently Asked Questions
When there is no music, how effective is the ANC?
Active noise cancellation depends on the specific headphones, not whether music is playing. Some users actually report more effective noise cancellation with no music because there is no audio covering sounds that loud and annoying sounds that the headphones may not block.
Can using ANC with no music damage your hearing?
Using no music with the headphones is perfectly safe, and in fact, is less noisy. The ANC headphones work by using inverse sound waves to cancel the sound that is around you. The headphones actually help keep you safe by not exposing you to the noise of the outside world, whether it is protected in some other way.
Do you need to charge ANC headphones if you are using noise cancellation and no other features?
Yes. Always. You actually relieve the circuitry more when you play music along with noise cancellation. The headphones will last longer in the noise cancellation only mode.
Why do some individuals feel uncomfortable or some pressure with ANC activated?
Discomfort might arise from changes in air pressure due to the creation of inverse sound waves. Most users acclimate within a few hours of use, whereas higher quality headphones can make this effect less noticeable due to better tuning.
