If you have heard all of the buzz around noise cancelling technology, you may be wondering how it actually works and how it could work for you? First developed in the 1950’s to protect the ears of pilots, noise canceling headphones are now available by most major headphone manufacturers. Noise-cancelling headphones reduce background noise using active noise control. Rather than trying to insulate the ear to create soundproofing, active noise control (ANC) cancels unwanted noise by producing a second sound, which cancels out unwanted noise.
The science of noise cancelation
Noise cancelation is active, in that it detects the amount of ambient sound and projects a sound wave, which cancels this frequency. Sound waves are pressure waves, consisting of fluctuations of compression and refraction or up and down. Using active noise control, noise-canceling headphones detect the ambient sound and emit a sound wave with the same amplification but inverts it. When these waves combine they create interference, actively canceling out both sounds. In modern applications this is usually achieved using adaptive digital algorithms in ear protection and headphones.
Noise cancelation can protect your hearing
The beauty of this technology is that background noise is effectively unperceived by your ears, allowing you to listen to music and media on your headphones in peace, without having to crank up the sound. Most headphones and earbuds force you to turn up the volume in noisy places, so loud that they can actually damage your hearing. Listening to headphones to extreme volumes for extended times is one of the greatest problems facing noise induced hearing loss in younger and older populations alike. With noise canceling technology it is possible to avoid cranking up the sound in loud places, minimizing damage to your ears.
Noise cancelling in industrial environments
Work related hearing loss is one of the most common work related injuries. The danger is not often realized till later. While many workers rely on the insulation of foam earplugs or earmuffs to insulate sound, they muffle sound and are all too easy to wear incorrectly, allowing damage to incur despite precautions. This type of hearing protection is described as passive and when worn correctly can protect against mid and high frequency sounds by lowering decibel level anywhere from 15 to 33dBa.
However, they are not as effective at protecting against low frequencies, which can often be the most dangerous. These include engines, motors and industrial fans, which are all too common in many industrial settings. These sounds travel further and can penetrate passive barriers such as earplugs. Active noise cancelation is the most effective method for protection against low frequency noise. Communication and ability to hear warning sounds clearly is essential in a work environment making noise-canceling technology essential for maximum safety.
Benefits of noise cancelation
Noise cancelation can help boost your concentration and increase productivity. If you work on your computer in a busy office or a home, canceling out the distracting sounds can keep you focused on completing tasks. Research has found that extraneous sound not only distracts us, but also can impair our work to the point of an inability to recall information or complete simple math.
When you want to focus on entertainment you can ensure that you experience it’s true potential by cancelling out all other sounds. For movie buffs and music lovers you can experience the essence of the film and virtually become lost in it. On a loud plane or train you will be able to hear your headphones and block out the rest. Just make sure to pay attention to your surroundings.
With noise cancelling headphones you can enjoy the clarity of conversation over the phone. There is nothing worse than having to duck out of a crowded coffee shop because it is too loud to hear over the phone, only to be on a busy street with just as much noise. When you need to take an important call, it is wonderful to be able to fully focus no matter where you are.
Enjoy the benefits of noise cancelation
While this technology is an investment, if you constantly find yourself in noisy environments and need to focus, its an investment that will pay for itself over and over. To find out more about noise canceling technology contact us today! We can help you explore what is out there and help you decide if noise cancelation is right for you.