Noise-cancellation - a typical enough term. We've all heard about it, and it seems like an ideal thought. But how do noise-cancellation headphones really work? They do not simply prevent the sound - that's what frequent headphones do. So how do they undertake it?
It all comes down to sound waves. The headphones contain mics that catch the sound waves as they reach your own ear, and then electric circuitry generates an "antinoise" transmission. This transmission is an inverted copy of the original sound wave, which then travel together in your ear. The waves hinder one another, known as destructive interference, and no sound gets to your ear.
So why bother? It seems a bit extreme, doesn't it? Regular headphones perform a pretty good job of blocking the sound. Even when your own surroundings are noisy, you can easily turn your own headphones' volume up, right? Well, yes, of course you can. However when you are on an airplane, attempting to rest next to the roaring engines, and you have an option between turning up the volume - significantly - and also cancelling the noise entirely, what would you choose?
Likewise, if you think about this, you are doing oneself a favor. Every time you turn up your headphones to hide the exterior sound, you damage your ears just a bit more. You know how when you leave a concert and your ears are ringing? That's damage to your eardrums. Therefore, rather than turning up the volume, you need to block out the background noise, and also save your hearing. Eventually, you will thank yourself later.
For me personally, I've no need for noise-cancelling headphones. I am not constantly around noises, like in the city, therefore regular headphones are usually adequate. But then again, I live in a small town. Perhaps someone in San Francisco, or NYC, or Los Angeles would find the occasion to use them far more than I might. Everything depends on what you are considering.
An additional choice is definitely the happy medium - noise-reducing headphones, which still stop ample background noise. They do not require batteries, are lighter, plus, of course, are usually much less expensive, while retaining high quality sound. As the noise-cancelling headphones and the regular headphones have their very own niches, the noise-reducing headphones are perfect for any occasion.
Then again, next time I'm on an airplane, I believe I will be yearning for the noise-cancelling earphones all the same.
It all comes down to sound waves. The headphones contain mics that catch the sound waves as they reach your own ear, and then electric circuitry generates an "antinoise" transmission. This transmission is an inverted copy of the original sound wave, which then travel together in your ear. The waves hinder one another, known as destructive interference, and no sound gets to your ear.
So why bother? It seems a bit extreme, doesn't it? Regular headphones perform a pretty good job of blocking the sound. Even when your own surroundings are noisy, you can easily turn your own headphones' volume up, right? Well, yes, of course you can. However when you are on an airplane, attempting to rest next to the roaring engines, and you have an option between turning up the volume - significantly - and also cancelling the noise entirely, what would you choose?
Likewise, if you think about this, you are doing oneself a favor. Every time you turn up your headphones to hide the exterior sound, you damage your ears just a bit more. You know how when you leave a concert and your ears are ringing? That's damage to your eardrums. Therefore, rather than turning up the volume, you need to block out the background noise, and also save your hearing. Eventually, you will thank yourself later.
For me personally, I've no need for noise-cancelling headphones. I am not constantly around noises, like in the city, therefore regular headphones are usually adequate. But then again, I live in a small town. Perhaps someone in San Francisco, or NYC, or Los Angeles would find the occasion to use them far more than I might. Everything depends on what you are considering.
An additional choice is definitely the happy medium - noise-reducing headphones, which still stop ample background noise. They do not require batteries, are lighter, plus, of course, are usually much less expensive, while retaining high quality sound. As the noise-cancelling headphones and the regular headphones have their very own niches, the noise-reducing headphones are perfect for any occasion.
Then again, next time I'm on an airplane, I believe I will be yearning for the noise-cancelling earphones all the same.
