In a world where noise is everywhere and creates distractions, noise-cancelling hearing protection is a fine solution. Thanks to this special kind of headphones or earphones, you can better concentrate, relax and/or enjoy your music without the ambient noise disturbing you.
The popularity of so-called noise-cancelling headphones is increasing, but how safe is such equipment really? In this article, we will discuss what noise-cancelling is, who needs it, whether it is bad for your hearing and the risks involved. Whether you are already a user of such headphones or are considering buying one, this article will help you make a good choice.
What is noise-cancelling?
Noise-cancelling is a technology that allows you to mute ambient noise through your earphones or headphones. Thus, these cannot disturb you and you are able to really relax, concentrate or enjoy the music. The technique used is also called noise cancellation in the Netherlands.
Not every headphone includes noise-cancelling hearing protection; you have to buy them specifically with this feature. Headphones with noise-cancelling allow you to enjoy the music more or to focus on work, for example by dropping the talking of your colleagues into the background.
Not everyone likes noise-cancelling, which is why Audinc has developed special noise-cancelling earplugs. These custom-made earplugs make sure that you receive less stimuli, making it easier to concentrate.
Hearing protection with noise-cancelling: who needs it?
Hearing protection with noise-cancelling is what you need if you really want to focus on the listening experience, for example, if you work in an open space and need to make a lot of calls or have online meetings. Also, if you want to completely focus and immerse yourself in music or a podcast, noise-cancelling headphones offer the solution, especially in crowded places.
Do you like to fall asleep with music or an audio book? Then noise-cancelling headphones are ideal for this as well. These are some examples, but really, noise-cancelling headphones are always useful when you want to shut yourself off from noise in your environment.
Is it bad for hearing?
The most important question is: Is noise-cancelling bad for your hearing? No, noise-cancelling headphones are fortunately not bad for your hearing. Noise-cancelling is a completely safe feature and does not cause hearing damage or any other health risk. Of course, this is only true if you listen to music at an acceptable, normal volume.
As long as you listen to music at a normal volume, you can use noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds without it causing harm. Do you listen to music at a high volume, higher than allowed? Then, of course, the risk of hearing damage is greater, and noise-cancelling can no longer do anything about that.
Risks of noise-cancelling
Hearing protection with noise-cancelling is completely safe when it comes to your hearing, but there are still risks involved. Furthermore, this has nothing to do with the function of noise-cancelling, but with the volume and the environment you are in. We will address this in the following paragraphs.
Traffic
Noise-cancelling can be dangerous if you are a participant in traffic. In fact, hearing is an important sense when you participate in traffic. It alerts you to danger and allows you to take action in time. If you wear noise-canceling headphones, for example, you shut yourself off from the sound of traffic. Then you run a faster risk of not hearing a dangerous situation coming up.
Not only for cyclists, but certainly for motorists and motorcyclists, this can become very dangerous. After all, you do not perceive traffic well and so cannot react properly to a dangerous situation, for example, during a collision or someone honking or calling at you. Therefore, it is definitely recommended not to use noise-cancelling hearing protection in traffic, or at least to set the noise reduction to a milder level. This way you stay alert in traffic and see dangerous situations coming.
Hearing damage
If you wear noise-cancelling hearing protection for too long and at a high volume, it does lead to hearing damage. If the sound of your music, podcast or audiobook is too loud, volume plays in your ear every time. To make sure you don't suffer hearing damage, set the sound to a normal volume and take a break every hour. This way, your ears are relieved and experience less pressure. This is because when the hair cells in your ears are damaged, they never recover.
Preventing hearing damage through noise cancellation
Noise-cancelling is an ideal form of hearing protection, but only if it is used properly. There are several things you can do to prevent possible hearing damage. For proper noise-cancelling hearing protection, keep the following points in mind:
Do not wear too long in a row
It is important not to use noise-cancelling accessories for too long at a time. Use headphones and earbuds with breaks so that the usage time is really limited. If you use noise-cancelling products at a high volume for an extended period of time, it can affect the hair cells of your ears because it is so close to your ears. It is also not advisable to wear it in traffic or in situations where you can hear the sound just fine, for example watching television.
Limit volume
We like to say it again, it is important to limit the volume even with noise-canceling headphones. Choosing an acceptable, normal volume is important to prevent hearing damage. With headphones or with earbuds, the sound is close to your ear, and then it is very important that this sound is not too loud. It is advisable not to turn up your volume higher than 75 decibels, then your hair cells will not be damaged.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, noise-cancelling hearing protection, such as headphones, is safe as long as you use them properly. It is the perfect solution to really focus on the music, concentrate on your work and muffle outside noises.
