Noise Cancelling Headphones: How They Work and the Pros and Cons of Using Them
1. Introduction
In this fast-paced world that we live in, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a moment of peace and quiet. Whether we are commuting to work, at the office, or at home, there is always some form of noise that can be quite intrusive and distracting.
One way to help improve focus and concentration, as well as get some respite from all the noise, is to use noise cancelling headphones. These headphones make use of different technologies in order to cancel out or reduce the ambient noise around you, so that you can better focus on what you are doing, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.
In this paper, we will take a look at the different types of noise cancelling headphones that are available in the market, how they work, and the pros and cons of using them.
2. The Different Types of Noise Cancelling Headphones
There are three main types of noise cancelling headphones available in the market, namely analog noise cancelling headphones, active noise cancellation headphones, and digital noise cancelling headphones. Let us take a closer look at each one of these types:
2. 1 Analog noise cancelling headphones
Analog noise cancelling headphones were some of the earliest models of noise cancelling headphones that were available in the market. These headphones make use of a simple microphone that is placed near the ear cup in order to pick up on the ambient noise around you. This sound is then inverted and played back through the ear cups in order to cancel out the original sound waves. While analog noise cancelling headphones are not as effective as the other two types, they are usually more affordable and thus, more popular among consumers.
2. 2 Active noise cancellation headphones
Active noise cancellation (ANC) headphones are a step up from analog noise cancelling headphones as they make use of electronic circuitry in order to generate sound waves that cancel out the ambient noise. These sound waves are produced by a microphone that picks up on the ambient noise and then transmitted through a transducer that produces the sound waves. Active noise cancellation headphones are more effective than analog models but usually come at a higher price tag.
2. 3 Digital noise cancelling headphones
Digital noise cancelling headphones are the latest type of ANC headphone available in the market and make use of digital signal processing (DSP) in order to cancel out ambient noise. These headphones first convert the incoming sound signals into digital data before processing it with DSP algorithms in order to generate sound waves that cancel out the original sound waves. Digital noise cancelling headphones are considered to be the most effective type but they also tend to be the most expensive option.
3. How do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work?
Noise cancelling headphones work by using one or more of the following three mechanisms:
4. The Different Mechanisms of Noise Cancellation
4.1 Microphone
One of the most common methods used in noise cancelling headphones is a microphone. This microphone picks up on the ambient noise around you and then sends this information to an inverting circuit. This inverting circuit will then create a sound wave that is the exact opposite of the original sound wave, effectively cancelling it out.
4. 2 Inversion
Inversion is another method that can be used in order to cancel out noise. This method works by taking the incoming sound waves and then flipping them upside down before they reach your ears. This will effectively cancel out the sound waves as the two sound waves will cancel each other out.
4. 3 Transducer
The third and final method is known as transducer cancellation and it makes use of a transducer that produces sound waves that cancel out the original sound waves. This transducer is usually placed near the ear cup in order to produce the sound waves that will cancel out the noise.
5. The Pros and Cons of Noise Cancelling Headphones
Like with anything else, there are both pros and cons to using noise cancelling headphones. Let us take a look at some of these:
5. 1 Pros
First and foremost, noise cancelling headphones can help to improve focus and concentration as it reduces the amount of ambient noise around you. This is especially useful if you are trying to concentrate on work or study in a noisy environment. Additionally, it can also help to reduce stress levels as it creates a more peaceful and calming environment for you. Moreover, ANC headphones can also be beneficial for your health as it can help to protect your hearing from damage that can be caused by exposure to loud noise over long periods of time.
5. 2 Cons
However, there are also some drawbacks to using noise cancelling headphones. One of the main complaints about these headphones is that they tend to be quite expensive, especially when compared to regular headphones. Additionally, they can also be quite bulky and uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, which can make them impractical for use in some situations. Finally, some people also complain that ANC headphones can create a feeling of isolation as it cuts off all external sounds, which can be disorienting for some people.
6. Conclusion
Noise cancelling headphones can be a great way to improve focus and concentration, as well as reduce stress levels. However, they can also be quite expensive and bulky, which can make them impractical for some people. Nevertheless, noise cancelling headphones can be a great addition to anyones arsenal if they are looking for a way to reduce the ambient noise around them.