What is active noise cancellation? Does it work?

What is active noise cancellation?

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a staple of the modern headphone industry, which uses a noise-cancelling system to reduce unwanted background noise. The system is only based on a microphone, which listens to the sounds outside and inside of the earphone. 

The active noise cancellation chip inverts the soundwaves. Additionally, a speaker inside the earphone neutralizes sound waves to cancel out outside noise. This is no longer limited to the priciest headphones, even though it is still not a basic feature. 

You will often find a decent selection of earbuds and true wireless products sporting some form of noise-cancelling technology.

What does active noise cancellation do?

Usually, active noise cancellation removes many of the outside noises that can impact your audio experience, such as roadwork outside your window, the roar of a train, the office chitchat, and a plane engine. 

In addition, the headphones have two microphones that read and analyze the sounds around you and emit opposite signals to cancel noise when the sound waves collide. 

In general, low-frequency, continuous noises like those produced by air conditioners are the best candidates for active noise cancellation. Besides, it reduces mid and high-frequency sounds but not as effectively.

Does active noise cancellation damage your hearing?

No, ANC in headphones does not affect your hearing negatively. You may hear a slight hissing sound when the active noise cancellation is turned on. However, some people feel this can be irritating and even result in dizziness. In this situation, it is better not to use it too frequently. Also, keep in mind that this sound does not damage hearing.

Are active noise-cancelling headphones good for health?

Yes, they are good for health. Whether you are constantly dealing with noise is a real struggle. In this situation, if you use noise-cancelling headphones, it will help protect your hearing. 

In addition, loud noises damage your hearing by interfering with your sleep, resulting in awful headaches and raising your stress levels.

What is the difference between active noise cancellation and passive noise cancellation?

In general, active noise cancellation makes a significant advance from traditional or passive noise cancellation, which merely muffles external sounds by physically covering your ears. However, the effectiveness depends on how well your headphones fit. Besides what they are made of. 

However, passive noise cancellation only achieves a fraction of the noise isolation that ANC headphones can. Besides, you might end up cranking up the volume, which is not great for your hearing in the long run. 

On the other hand, some ANC headphones pretty much eliminate that need. Also, you can keep the volume safe and comfortable. In addition, passive noise cancellation may require thicker and heavier headphones to fully cover the ears. Active noise-cancelling headphones can stay light due to they get their power from the technology inside.